Following up from my previous episode (#420) about using numbering your podcast episode, here are 5 times and places to not use episode numbers.

Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/avoidepisodenumbers

Introduction: listen to #420 first! [00:00]

• When to Use Podcast Episode Numbers: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/when-to-use-podcast-episode-numbers/

1. Don't use episode numbers when they would not matter to your audience [00:46]

2. Avoid episode numbers when they conflict with episode titles, or else reword [02:05]

3. Don't use the episode's number within that episode [05:10]

4. Don't use episode numbers in website, social, or SEO titles [09:02]

5. Don't use episode numbers in the tag [13:59]

• Learn more about how to properly use episode numbers in your podcast metadata: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/should-you-include-episode-numbers-in-episode-titles/

Follow-up to my previous episode [16:55]

Special thanks [19:08]

• $30 from Stevie Taylor, host of The Gig Life Podcast, saying, "Hey Daniel. Thank you for all you do, sir."
• $20 from Randy Black, host of Shooting It Straight, saying, "A small amount of support for a friend and podcasting legend who gives so much to the space with little given back in turn. Keep up the good work Daniel!"
• 696§ from Bryan Entzminger, podcast producer at Top Tier Audio

If you value The Audacity to Podcast, please consider giving back whatever it's worth to you! https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/giveback

———

Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/

Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/

FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity

MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

I've changed my mind since 12 years ago in episode 175, when I proposed that episode numbers were unnecessary for most podcasts. Now, I see more cases when you should consider using episode numbers with your podcast.

It comes down to this: use episode numbers when they matter to your audience.

Specifically, here's how to determine when that applies.

Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/whenepisodenumbers

1. Use episode numbers for serial podcasts [00:53]

2. Use episode numbers if frequently referencing other episodes [02:58]

• My original episode 175 about episode numbers: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/are-podcast-episode-numbers-really-necessary-in-podcasting-show-notes-tap175/

3. Use episode numbers for file and folder organization [15:16]

• Use PodChapters to quickly transcribe and chapter your podcast! https://podchapters.com/

4. Use episode numbers when you can't make better episode URLs [18:15]

5. Use episode numbers correctly and efficiently in episode titles [21:41]

• Learn how to include episode numbers in your titles: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/should-you-include-episode-numbers-in-episode-titles/

Special thanks [26:42]

———

Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/

Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/

FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity

MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

No matter where you are in your podcasting journey, it's possible to make one of these podcasting mistakes at any point!

Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/5commonmistakes

1. Striving for "perfect" [00:40]

• Sony ZV-E10 II mirrorless camera: https://podcasting.deals/Bs4fi
• Sigma 16 mm f/1.6 lens: https://podcasting.deals/QmPnet

2. Doing too much [10:21]

3. Starting without a plan [13:55]

4. Obsessing over the "launch" [16:25]

5. Not launching at all [19:11]

Supercharge your audience engagement with Podgagement! [21:34]

• Try Podgagement FREE for 14 days! https://podgagement.com/

———

Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/

Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/

FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity

MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Do you have any unfinished episodes? Maybe you already recorded them but just haven't gotten around to editing them. Or maybe you started writing the outline, but you never finished. Then this challenge is for you!

Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/unfinished

"If it'll keep, it'll preach" [00:49]

Complete the preproduction for draft episodes [05:22]

• Try PodChapters to help you transcribe and chapter your episodes faster than ever before! https://podchapters.com/

Finish the editing, or publish with minimal editing [10:53]

Discard what no longer "sparks joy" [14:34]

Special thanks [20:13]

———

Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/

Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/

FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity

MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

I'm back from Podfest Multimedia Expo 2026 in Orlando. This is now my favorite podcasting conference, and I'd like to share some thoughts.

Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/podfest26

1. Community is still priority [01:54]

2. The Podcast Hall of Fame is a highlight [05:19]

• https://podcasthall.com

3. Lots of quality teaching [07:18]

4. The location is still expensive [10:40]

5. Great networking [12:57]

Feedback reminder: your unexpected upgrades and 3 questions [16:29]

• https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity

———

Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/

Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/

FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity

MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

When thinking about upgrading your podcasting workflow, you probably immediately think of actual podcasting tools: microphones, recorder/mixer/interface combos, podcast hosting, podcasting software, cameras, lighting, and such. But that's not what I'm going to share with you! In fact, none of these are explicitly podcasting tools (with one on the fence). And not a single one of these is yet another AI tool!

Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/unexpectedupgrades

Try PodChapters FREE on your next episode! [00:52]

• https://podchapters.com/

1. Computer mouse and keyboard [02:21]

• Logitech MX Master 4 wireless mouse: https://podcasting.deals/8i04ai
• Corsair GALLEON 100 SD keyboard with built-in Stream Deck: https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/keyboards/CH-912A31I-NA/galleon-100-sd-stream-deck-integrated-mechanical-keyboard-ch-912a31i-na

2. Control interface [07:15]

• Stream Deck: https://podcasting.deals/FaX2Je
• Corsair GALLEON 100 SD keyboard with built-in Stream Deck: https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/keyboards/CH-912A31I-NA/galleon-100-sd-stream-deck-integrated-mechanical-keyboard-ch-912a31i-na

3. Automation/shortcut tools [12:12]

• TextExpander: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/textexpander
• Keyboard Maestro (macOS): https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/keyboardmaestro
• AutoHotKey (Windows): https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/autohotkey
• Apple Shortcuts
• Raycast: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/raycast

4. Smarthome accessories [18:42]

5. Furniture [23:13]

6. Cable management [28:36]

———

Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/

Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/

FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity

MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Post office boxes (maybe called something else in other countries) require an investment (especially increasing the last few years), but they could be worth it for you!

Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/pobox

1. Privacy, obviously! [01:05]

2. Use your PO Box for public records [01:51]

• Check your own domain's WHOIS/RDAP information: https://who.is

1. Encourage your audience to send things to your PO Box [03:58]

2. Use your PO Box as a secure delivery address for retailers (may not be available everywhere) [06:12]

3. Boost your reputation with a hint of professionalism [08:52]

Please share your thoughts about The Audacity to Podcast! [10:23]

• Send a written or voicemail message through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity

———

Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/

Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/

FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity

MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Surveying your audience doesn't have to be a complicated matter. Moving into a new year, here are the three most important questions I recommend you ask your audience.

Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/3questions

1. "What would you like more of from me/us or my/our podcast?" [01:20]

2. "What would you like less of from me/us or my/our podcast?" [02:14]

3. "What do you want to tell me/us that's been on your mind?" [04:05]

You turn these into to-dos and take action [04:43]

I want to hear your thoughts about The Audacity to Podcast! [07:36]

• Please share your answers to these through questions through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity

Special thanks [10:30]

• 1,363§ from Bryan Entzminger from TopTierAudio.com

———

Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/

Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/

FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity

MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Is WordPress still the best choice for your podcast website, or should you try something else now?

Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/needwordpress

Your podcast does need a website! [01:16]

Podcast-hosting providers have much better websites now [05:24]

• Captivate podcast hosting: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/go/captivate
• Buzzsprout podcast hosting: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/buzzsprout
• Transistor podcast hosting: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/transistor

WordPress gives ultimate power with costs [07:24]

• Blubrry podcast hosting: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/bhosting

Website builders have gotten easier and better [10:04]

• Squarespace: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/squarespace
• Wix: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/wix

Podpage and Beamly provide a new way [11:15]

• Podpage: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/podpage
• Beamly: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/beamly

What's right for you? [13:35]

Important tip #1: update your RSS feed's episode links! [15:01]

Important tip #2: copy or redirect all old URLs [16:00]

Chapter your podcast with PodChapters! [18:07]

• Try PodChapters FREE! https://podchapters.com/

———

Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/

Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/

FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity

MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Running short on time but feel obligated to podcast? Should you "wing it" or just cram like a procrastinating high-schooler the night before a big test?

Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/SLUG

1. Respect your audience's time

• Should Podcast Episodes Have a Consistent Length?

2. Always consider quality over quantity

• Seth Godin's blog

3. Adapt to prevent recurrences

Special thanks

• Try PodChapters FREE

———

Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/

Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/

FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity

MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

There are plenty of great podcast-hosting providers, but some of them are committing podcasting sins that could make it harder for you to use them, or impair your podcast's performance.

Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/hostingsins

(I earn from qualified purchased through my affiliate links in this episode, but I recommend things I truly believe in, regardless of earnings.)

Introduction [00:00]

Sin 1: not redirecting your podcast RSS feed [01:02]

• [Redirects and How to Use Them in Podcasting] (https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/redirects-and-how-to-use-them-in-podcasting-tap280/)

Sin 2: using unpredictable media URLs [06:07]

Sin 3: changing your GUIDs [14:08]

• Podcast GUID from Podcasting 2.0

Sin 4: improperly constructing your RSS feed [18:35]

Sin 5: stripping important data from your episodes [28:19]

• Try PodChapters for $0!

Sin 6: not optimizing your media [32:53]

Sin 7: unnecessarily optimizing your media [39:21]

• My podcast-hosting performance results

Special thanks [45:53]

• Lyndsay Phillips had me as a guest on Leverage Your Podcast to talk about engaging your podcast audience. Go listen to it!
• Podfest Multimedia Expo accepted my session proposal, so I will be sharing "What You Need to Know About Podcasting 2.0" at Podfest! Please join me at Podfest, January 15–18, in Orlando, Florida!
• Please support The Audacity to Podcast if you feel you get any value from it!

Try PodChapters on your next episode for $0! https://podchapters.com/

———

Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/

Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/

FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity

MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005