Is it worth starting a podcast in 2025? Dave Jackson dives into this question, addressing common concerns about the podcasting landscape and whether it remains a viable medium. He emphasizes that despite the increase in podcasts and competition, the audience for podcasts continues to grow yearly.

Drawing an analogy to college football, he illustrates that passion and the desire to share a message are key motivators for many podcasters, regardless of the competitive environment. Jackson also highlights that monetization is not the only goal; many creators start podcasts simply to express their creativity and connect with others. For those considering podcasting, he stresses the importance of understanding your "why" and "who" to build a meaningful and engaged audience.

Making it in the NFL

The odds of a football player making it to the NFL are extremely low. Only about 1.6% of college football players make it to the NFL2. For high school players, the chances are even slimmer, with only about 0.00075% (or roughly 1 in 133,333) of high school football players eventually making it to the NFL6.

To break it down further:

About 7.3% of high school players go on to play college football.

Of those college players, only 1.2% get drafted to the NFL.

Even for highly-rated recruits, the odds are challenging:

Five-star recruits have about a 50% chance of being drafted.

A 5-star recruit has a 39% chance of "sticking" in the league.

These statistics highlight the extreme competitiveness and selectivity of professional football, emphasizing that making it to the NFL is a rare achievement that requires exceptional skill, dedication, and often a bit of luck

Takeaways:

• Podcasting continues to grow every year, with millions of listeners in the U.S. alone.
• Just because podcasting seems crowded, it doesn't mean there isn't room for new voices.
• People often start podcasts not to make money but to share their passions and creativity.
• Understanding your audience is crucial—monetizing a podcast means monetizing your audience.
• Even successful podcasters initially started because they enjoyed discussing their topics and connecting with others.
• The competitive landscape of podcasting is much less daunting compared to platforms like YouTube.

Mentioned in this episode:

We Make Good Shows Better - Your Audience Will Thank You

PodcastHotSeat.com is the ultimate coaching experience for podcasters who want actionable feedback to take their show to the next level. Whether you want to refine your content, improve audience engagement, or enhance your production quality, the Podcast Hot Seat provides expert insights and a supportive environment to help you grow. Join the hot seat and watch your podcast thrive!

Podcas Hot Seat

Should you put your audio podcast on YouTube? The answer, as Dave Jackson explains, is a resounding yes if you’re not currently utilizing the platform. With YouTube being the second largest search engine, it offers a valuable opportunity for podcasters to expand their audience without any significant investment of time or resources. Even if you have an audio podcast, uploading it to YouTube can lead to greater visibility and potential growth, thanks to the YouTube algorithm's recommendation engine. However, if you already have a YouTube channel with video content, it's best to create a separate channel for your audio podcast to keep your content organized and to accurately assess its performance. Join Dave as he shares insights on maximizing your podcast's reach and the importance of adapting to new platforms.

Takeaways:

• Putting your audio podcast on YouTube can increase your visibility and audience reach.
• It's important to separate your audio podcast content from any existing video content on YouTube.
• Using your RSS feed to create a YouTube channel takes only about five minutes.
• YouTube is a powerful search engine that can help people discover your podcast.
• The YouTube algorithm can boost your content, but it can also be unpredictable.
• Creating a second channel for your audio podcast allows for better analytics and audience tracking.

Mentioned in this episode:

We Make Good Shows Better - Your Audience Will Thank You

PodcastHotSeat.com is the ultimate coaching experience for podcasters who want actionable feedback to take their show to the next level. Whether you want to refine your content, improve audience engagement, or enhance your production quality, the Podcast Hot Seat provides expert insights and a supportive environment to help you grow. Join the hot seat and watch your podcast thrive!

Podcas Hot Seat

Starting a corporate podcast can be a daunting task, and one of the biggest mistakes you can make is choosing a host who isn't fully committed to the project.

The importance of selecting a passionate host who understands the podcast is a company initiative, not a personal platform. He shares valuable insights from his extensive experience in the podcasting industry, highlighting the need for a shared email account for access and continuity, and the significance of defining a clear purpose for the podcast.

Organizations risk viewing it as an expendable expense during tough times without a strong reason for starting the podcast. I also discusses tracking the podcast's effectiveness, ensuring it serves its intended audience and objectives.

Takeaways:

• It's crucial to select a podcast host who genuinely wants to participate in the project.
• Ensure that all podcast services are registered with a generic company email for access.
• Identify a clear purpose for starting the podcast beyond just following trends.
• Involve multiple team members in the podcast to avoid dependence on a single host.
• Track podcast effectiveness with measurable goals to justify its continuation during tough times.
• Avoid making the podcast feel like a commercial; focus on delivering value to the listeners.

NotebookLM is a new AI tool that allows users to upload PDFs and generate podcast content, raising questions about the role of AI in the podcasting world.

Dave Jackson shares his insights on this technology, discussing both its potential benefits and drawbacks. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and personal input in podcasting, warning against relying solely on AI for content creation.

While acknowledging the convenience of tools like NotebookLM, he stresses that true thought leadership comes from original ideas and personal experiences. Dave also highlights the value of using AI as an assistant rather than a creator, advocating for a balanced approach that maintains the unique voice of the podcaster.

Takeaways:

• NotebookLM allows users to upload PDFs and generate podcasts, showcasing the capabilities of AI.
• While AI can assist in creating content, authentic personal input remains crucial for successful podcasting.
• Using AI in podcasting raises questions about originality and the potential for automated content.
• AI-generated content may be efficient, but it often lacks the unique voice that audiences appreciate.
• Dave emphasizes the importance of authenticity in content creation, especially for podcasting.
• AI tools should be used as assistants to enhance creativity rather than replace human effort.

Mentioned in this episode:

We Make Good Shows Better - Your Audience Will Thank You

PodcastHotSeat.com is the ultimate coaching experience for podcasters who want actionable feedback to take their show to the next level. Whether you want to refine your content, improve audience engagement, or enhance your production quality, the Podcast Hot Seat provides expert insights and a supportive environment to help you grow. Join the hot seat and watch your podcast thrive!

Podcas Hot Seat

Staying consistent with your podcast content is crucial for meeting your audience's expectations and fostering loyalty. Dave Jackson emphasizes the importance of sticking to a winning formula, much like the predictability of a Hallmark movie that audiences know and love. As he shares insights from his extensive experience in podcasting, he highlights how familiarity can create a warm and cozy feeling for listeners, making them more likely to return. By avoiding drastic changes once your show starts to gain traction, you can maintain that connection with your audience and continue to deliver what they love. Tune in as Dave explores examples from music and film to illustrate the benefits of consistency in content creation.

Takeaways:

• Consistency in your podcasting content keeps your audience engaged and fulfilled.
• When you find a winning podcast formula, stick with it and avoid unnecessary changes.
• Just like Hallmark movies, predictable content can create a comforting experience for listeners.
• Understanding your audience's expectations is crucial for maintaining and growing your podcast.
• Changing your podcast format too often can lead to losing loyal listeners who want consistency.
• Embrace the familiar aspects of your show, as they create a sense of safety for your audience.

Links referenced in this episode:

• schoolofpodcasting.com/start
• podcasthotseat.com

Mentioned in this episode:

We Make Good Shows Better - Your Audience Will Thank You

PodcastHotSeat.com is the ultimate coaching experience for podcasters who want actionable feedback to take their show to the next level. Whether you want to refine your content, improve audience engagement, or enhance your production quality, the Podcast Hot Seat provides expert insights and a supportive environment to help you grow. Join the hot seat and watch your podcast thrive!

Podcas Hot Seat

Are you wondering why more people aren’t tuning into your podcast? The truth is, it often comes down to the content you’re producing and how well it resonates with your audience. In this episode, Dave Jackson dives into the factors that influence podcast discoverability and listener engagement, emphasizing the importance of consistency and targeted content. He shares insights on how to inspire your audience to share your show with others, pointing out that even a small number of listeners can be significant if they are genuinely interested in what you have to offer. Tune in to uncover practical tips that can help elevate your podcast and attract more listeners.

Takeaways:

• Podcasts are primarily discovered through word of mouth, so focus on content that inspires sharing.
• To attract more listeners, ensure your podcast has a consistent genre and content style.
• It’s crucial to have a dedicated website for your podcast to enhance visibility and branding.
• Engage your audience by asking them to share your podcast with their friends.
• Your podcast episode titles should be enticing and informative to encourage clicks.
• Gather honest feedback from your target audience to improve your podcast's content and appeal.

Mentioned in this episode:

Podcast Hot Seat: We Make Good Podcasts Great

You are too close to your content. I've missed typos and more. Your content may have some VERY low-hanging fruit. One way to grow your audience is to KEEP people from leaving. Your Audience will thank you! Order now, and get a free month at the School of Podcasting (including unlimited consulting).

Podcas Hot Seat

If you're contemplating starting a podcast, one crucial factor to consider is your passion for the topic. When a listener recently asked me about launching a history podcast, I emphasized that success isn't about the number of listeners but about having content you genuinely love and a drive to share it.

I shared the inspiring story of Zita Christian, who started a podcast about her experiences with dementia—not because she was chasing popularity but because she wanted to help others. Her purpose was so clear that it outweighed any concerns about how many people might tune in.

In my experience, understanding your "why" and knowing your audience are essential steps to avoid burnout and keep your podcast journey fulfilling. If you care deeply about your subject and are genuinely committed to serving your listeners, you'll find the motivation you need to push through those initial challenges.

Takeaways:

• Having a strong passion for your podcast topic is essential for long-term success.
• Understanding your audience is crucial; know who you're creating content for.
• Your why behind starting the podcast will help you overcome challenges and burnout.
• Successful podcasters talk about subjects they love, regardless of listener numbers.
• Content and delivery are the two main pillars of a good podcast.
• Don’t start a podcast just because it seems cool; ensure you have the drive.

Links referenced in this episode:

• podcastconsultant.com
• School of Podcasting (use the coupon code listener)
• My Spouse Has Dementia

Mentioned in this episode:

Podcast Hot Seat: We Make Good Podcasts Great

You are too close to your content. I've missed typos and more. Your content may have some VERY low-hanging fruit. One way to grow your audience is to KEEP people from leaving. Your Audience will thank you! Order now, and get a free month at the School of Podcasting (including unlimited consulting).

Podcas Hot Seat

The podcasting landscape is often clouded by persistent myths that can derail the efforts of even the most dedicated creators. In this enlightening session, Dave Jackson confronts the widely held belief that consistency in episode release is the primary driver of success. While he acknowledges the importance of being reliable in scheduling, he vehemently asserts that the heart of a successful podcast lies in its content. Jackson's philosophy is clear: a compelling episode that resonates with listeners is infinitely more valuable than a mediocre one released on time.

"Just be consistent" is not accurate, and will waste your time.

Drawing from his extensive experience, Jackson shares insights on cultivating an audience rather than merely accumulating episodes. He emphasizes that many podcasters mistakenly believe that their consistency will impress potential sponsors, but the reality is that advertisers prioritize understanding the audience's size and engagement levels. Jackson encourages listeners to shift their focus from worrying about the number of episodes produced to genuinely understanding and catering to their audience's wants and needs.

Through anecdotes and practical advice, Jackson illustrates the importance of audience interaction, such as conducting surveys to gather feedback and adjust content accordingly. He urges podcasters to embrace the challenge of creating high-quality, meaningful content, viewing every setback as a learning opportunity rather than a failure. Ultimately, this episode serves as a powerful reminder that success in podcasting is not just about persistence but about crafting content that engages and resonates with listeners.

Takeaways:

• Consistency in podcasting is important, but content quality is even more crucial for success.
• Your podcast is merely a tool to build an audience, which is essential for monetization.
• Focus on understanding your audience's needs and preferences to create valuable content.
• Many aspiring podcasters misplace their efforts on equipment rather than improving their content.
• Don't be afraid to ask your audience what they want to hear; feedback is vital.
• Persistence in producing episodes is admirable, but engagement metrics are what truly matter.

Mentioned in this episode:

Podcast Hot Seat: We Make Good Podcasts Great

You are too close to your content. I've missed typos and more. Your content may have some VERY low-hanging fruit. One way to grow your audience is to KEEP people from leaving. Your Audience will thank you! Order now, and get a free month at the School of Podcasting (including unlimited consulting).

Podcas Hot Seat

Navigating the complexities of podcasting can be challenging, especially when faced with self-doubt and external criticism. In a recent discussion, the importance of authenticity in voice and presentation was emphasized, particularly in response to a query from Lisa McLean regarding complaints about her voice as a female Australian podcaster. The host, Dave Jackson, passionately argues against the idea of cloning one’s voice, suggesting that embracing one’s unique identity is far more valuable. He highlights that attempting to mimic someone else or change one’s natural voice can lead to a lack of authenticity, which ultimately hinders the podcasting journey. Instead, he champions the idea that podcasters should focus on being themselves, as this will resonate more with their true audience.

Dave elaborates on the notion of target audiences, explaining that not everyone will appreciate every voice or style. He uses relatable examples, like food preferences, to illustrate that personal taste varies widely. Just as some people love Brussels sprouts while others detest them, the same applies to podcasting. It's crucial for podcasters to appreciate that while some listeners may critique their voice, there are plenty more who will appreciate their authenticity and message. This perspective encourages podcasters to cultivate confidence, channel their energy into creating content that reflects who they are, and ultimately ignore naysayers. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to seek guidance in their podcasting endeavors, reinforcing the idea that support is available for those willing to embrace their true selves.

Takeaways:

• Trying to be someone you're not makes podcasting harder than it already is.
• Your voice is fine, so focus on your strengths instead of worrying about complaints.
• Not everyone will like your podcast, and that's completely okay and normal.
• Embrace your uniqueness and be yourself; there's no one else like you.
• If someone dislikes your voice, remember they are not your target audience.
• Focusing on the people who love your content will boost your confidence and creativity.

Links referenced in this episode:

• schoolofpodcasting.com

Why would you put a limit on how much someone in your audience would give to you as a way of saying "Thanks" for doing your show? When someone creates a product, they need to ask, "Who is this for, and what problem does this product solve." Today I share my confusion over a tool that is supposed to make it easy to donate to you (it's not hard), and they take 10%

Mentioned In This Episode

Buy Me a Coffee

The School of Podcasting

Schedule a Coaching Call

Episode on Best Tools For Premium Content

Lenny.fm

I saw this question from Stanley Adoyi in a Facebook group and thought I'd use it today. If you have a question you can leave it at www.podcastconsultant.com/voicemail

Seasons makes sense in two situations:

1. You have a team of 19 flying around the world to do interviews and they are tried.

2. You are having so much mental stress that your health and family are affected (and maybe should have thought a little more about your podcast schedule before launch).

If you're not in the above two situations, what you are doing is taking your slot in someone's routine and hoping the show they put in YOUR SLOT isn't better than yours. Cause when you come back, if your show isn't better, you're not getting that slot in their routine back.

It's not like they get in the car to go to work and say, "Oh Stanley doesn't have a show today. I'll guess I'll drive to work in silence."

When I travel, I plan ahead, record two episodes instead of one, and time release. For me (again, not having those two situations above) I've never missed a Monday in 19 years.

But I Do Have Seasons For My Podcast

In that situation, I would not recommend releasing them all at once. When you do, sure your audience can binge, but they can't talk about it with anyone because of spoilers.

Google likes it when you release quality content on are regular basis. So this is another reason not to release your podcast season all at once.

If you're audience is all listening to the latest episode, they can talk about it with each other and ask the most important question, "I wonder what is going to happen next."

Avoid Podcast Burnout

So many people put themselves on track to burnout because they didn't plan their podcast accordingly. I can help you with that, and make sure your show stays consistent in schedule but also in content. I'd love to see what we can do together.

Sign up today at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/consultant.