Ask the Podcast Coach
Dave Jackson
Dave Jackson has been helping people launch podcasts since 2005 and every Saturday he is joined by Jim Collison to is runs the Average Guy Network. Together they have 20 years of podcasting experience and coaching.
- 1 hour 27 minutesThe Truth About Podcast Guesting in 2025 (And AI Pitch Slaps)
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Welcome to this holiday edition of Ask the Podcast Coach! I’m Dave Jackson, flying solo with special guest Chris Stone from Castahead.net. In this lively episode, we kick things off debating the most overplayed Christmas songs (sorry, Mariah Carey!), slide into podcast mic setups—covering everything from phantom power to Cloudlifters and USB/XLR combos—and share our biggest podcast merch mistakes.
Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?Video Version (unedited)
Mentioned In This Episode
School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/joinPodpage
http://www.trypodpage.comChris' Podcast Production
Dealcasters
https://www.podpage.com/dealcasters
Home Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.comPodmatch Guesting Tool
https://supportthisshow.com/podmatch
Fourth Wall Merch
https://supportthisshow.com/fourthwall
Podcast Hot Seat (Podcast Audits)
https://www.podcasthotseat.com
Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/Podcast Hot Seat Black Friday Deal
Not happy with your downloads? Get some honest, constructive, feedback to get your show going in the right direction AND get a free month at the School of Podcasting (now through the end of the year). Take advantage of this black friday deal and get your podcast going in the right direction. Go to podcasthotseat.com
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Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show.BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome6 December 2025, 7:00 pm - 1 hour 29 minutesRechargeable vs. Alkaline: Best Batteries for Podcasting Gear
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Welcome to this week’s episode of Ask the Podcast Coach! I’m Dave Jackson, and I’m excited to be joined by my good friend Jim Collison as we kick back after Thanksgiving and dig into everything from surviving power outages as a podcaster to getting serious about connecting with your audience. We’ll swap stories from behind the mic, share practical tips for managing your listeners, debate the best batteries for your gear, and tackle questions about websites, live show feedback, and the ever-changing world of podcast tech. Let’s get into it!
Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?Video Version (unedited)
Mentioned In This Episode
School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/joinPodpage
http://www.trypodpage.comHome Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.comKit Email List Tool
https://partners.kit.com/wcqdcqy9cu40Substack Email Platform
https://substack.com/refer/davejacksonAweber Email List Tool
https://podcastcoach.aweber.com/Beehiv Email List Tool
https://www.beehiiv.com/?via=Dave-JacksonPabbly Automation Tool
https://supportthisshow.com/pabblyZapier
https://zapier.com/ElfSight (Faq and other Scripts)
https://supportthisshow.com/elfsightRSS.com Media Hosting
https://supportthisshow.com/rssdotcomCaptivate Media Hosting
https://supportthisshow.com/captivate
Buzzsprout Media Hosting
https://supportthisshow.com/buzzsproutWhisper Link WordPress Plugin
https://supportthisshow.com/linkwhispererEBL Batteris on Amazon (affiliate)
Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/Podcast Hot Seat Black Friday Deal
Not happy with your downloads? Get some honest, constructive, feedback to get your show going in the right direction AND get a free month at the School of Podcasting (now through the end of the year). Take advantage of this black friday deal and get your podcast going in the right direction. Go to podcasthotseat.com
Leave Your Question
Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show.BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome1 December 2025, 2:00 pm - 1 hour 29 minutesHas Podcasting Become Just Like Radio? Surviving the Age of Ads and Consolidation
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In this episode of Ask the Podcast Coach, Dave Jackson and Jim Collison dive into the evolving world of podcasting where authenticity wrestles against the growing pressures of monetization and consolidation. Are podcasts losing their unique spirit and turning into just another version of radio? Dave and Jim reflect on the rise of dynamic ads, syndication, and free hosting, dissect the pitfalls of “following the money,” and urge podcasters to stay true to their voices.
They also share hard-earned insights on:
- The realities of switching hosting platforms and how to avoid common traps
- Building and engaging a supportive community
- Motivation and consistency tips during slow growth phases
- Smart file management and backup strategies
- How to handle listener feedback, sponsorships, and measuring podcast success beyond downloads
Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?Video Version (unedited)
Mentioned In This Episode
School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/joinPodpage
http://www.trypodpage.comHome Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.comOther Websites Mentioned
Ralph Estep's New Show
https://www.contentcreatorscontent.com
Jodi Krangle
https://voiceoversandvocals.com/
Riverside - Remote Recorder, Editor, and Hosting(?)
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!
Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/Podcast Hot Seat Black Friday Deal
Not happy with your downloads? Get some honest, constructive, feedback to get your show going in the right direction AND get a free month at the School of Podcasting (now through the end of the year). Take advantage of this black friday deal and get your podcast going in the right direction. Go to podcasthotseat.com
Leave Your Question
Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show.BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome22 November 2025, 6:00 pm - 1 hour 28 minutesGetting More From Your Podcast Guests: Sharing, Branding, and Engagement
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First up, I share some behind-the-scenes updates, including my recent move from a lifetime video hosting deal that went south to Voomly, and how AI tools like ChatGPT are helping me generate show notes and summaries more efficiently. We also discuss the mysterious rise of EM dashes in AI-generated writing—did anyone use them before AI took over our grammar?
We talk about what’s happening at Libsyn, including some big changes in leadership and strategy, and my insider thoughts about their direction and features (or lack thereof). If you’re as confused about Descript’s new billing system as I am, you’re not alone! We chat about the challenges podcasters are facing as media hosts race to add features and AI tools—sometimes at the expense of clarity or affordability.
Our special guest, Ray Arnott from Around the Layout, comes on to ask how to best encourage guests to promote their episodes. Jim and I brainstorm practical ways to make it easier for your guests—everything from pre-written social posts to follow-up routines and even link tracking so you know who your real MVPs are.
Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?Mentioned In This Episode
School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/joinPodpage
http://www.trypodpage.comHome Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.comOther Websites Mentioned
Voomly - Video Hosting
Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/Podcast Hot Seat Black Friday Deal
Not happy with your downloads? Get some honest, constructive, feedback to get your show going in the right direction AND get a free month at the School of Podcasting (now through the end of the year). Take advantage of this black friday deal and get your podcast going in the right direction. Go to podcasthotseat.com
Leave Your Question
Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show.BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome15 November 2025, 6:00 pm - 1 hour 31 minutesNo Engagement? Maybe You Should Check Your Website
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Ever wonder if daily podcasting helps or hurts? We break down how to use November-style challenges to build reps without burning yourself out, and why the best consistency is consistently delivering value. From there, we get real about “reality” podcasts: celebrity banter can skate by on fame, but most shows need a promise listeners can feel—make them laugh, teach them something, or save them time. If your friends love hanging out, great. If strangers stick around, you’ve got a show.
We also dive deep into AI as a workflow multiplier. Show notes, chapters, and summaries can be generated in seconds, but they’re drafts you must refine. We share practical prompts, why FAQs boost discoverability, and the non-negotiable habit of checking links AI invents. Then we zoom out into platform hygiene: remove dead Google Podcasts links, test your contact form, and make your subscribe page obvious. Quiet fixes compound growth.Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?Mentioned In This Episode
School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/joinPodpage
http://www.trypodpage.comHome Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.comOther Websites Mentioned
- Pod Indy (Podcasting Event)
URL: podindy.com - CDN – Bunny.net (for self-hosting media files)
URL: bunny.net - Podcast stats – OP3
URL: op3.dev - POD Chapters (Daniel’s chaptering tool)
URL: podchapters.com - Bible Bites (Randy Black’s podcast)
URL: bible-bytes.com - Shooting It Straight (Randy Black’s podcast)
URL: shootingitstraight.net - Content Creators Accountant (Ralph’s show)
URL: contentcreatorsaccountant.com - Podcast Hot Seat (Dave’s feedback/review s
Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/Podcast Hot Seat Black Friday Deal
Not happy with your downloads? Get some honest, constructive, feedback to get your show going in the right direction AND get a free month at the School of Podcasting (now through the end of the year). Take advantage of this black friday deal and get your podcast going in the right direction. Go to podcasthotseat.com
Leave Your Question
Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show.BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome1 November 2025, 6:00 pm - Pod Indy (Podcasting Event)
- 1 hour 31 minutesThree Years Till We're All Replaced?
Send us feedback/questions via Text
What happens when your listener’s device can generate a personalized podcast on command—your voice, their preferences, zero friction? We dig into a bold forecast from Joe Pulizzi and use it as a springboard to map what creators must do now to stay essential. The headline: you have time, but not to waste. The next three years will reward human connection, not just output.
We break down why live shows build a moat AI can’t cross: people show up to participate, not just consume. That interaction turns casual listeners into community, and community into staying power. We also get real about costs. AI features rarely come free; they come with higher monthly bills and massive energy needs. From new data centers to rising rates, we unpack how an “AI bubble” could reshape tools and pricing—and why consolidation doesn’t mean the end, just a different landscape.Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?Mentioned In This Episode
School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/joinPodpage
http://www.trypodpage.comHome Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.comConent Inc Episode
https://www.contentinc.io/hey-content-creators-our-three-year-window-is-here-518/Podcast Clothes
www.podcastclothes.com
AI Goes to College
www.aigoestocollege.com
Live Well and Flourish
www.livewellandflourish.com
Become and Awesome Supporter (Starting a $5/month)
https://podcastcoach.supercast.com/Podcast Hot Seat
Grow your podcast audience with Podcast Hot Seat. We help you do more of what is working, and fine tune those things that need polished. IFeatured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/Podcast Hot Seat Black Friday Deal
Not happy with your downloads? Get some honest, constructive, feedback to get your show going in the right direction AND get a free month at the School of Podcasting (now through the end of the year). Take advantage of this black friday deal and get your podcast going in the right direction. Go to podcasthotseat.com
Leave Your Question
Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show.BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome25 October 2025, 5:00 pm - 1 hour 31 minutesFrom Doomscrolling To Downloads: What Social Feeds Really Do To Podcasts
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The feed isn’t “social” anymore—it’s an endless parade of AI-recommended video. So why are we still hoping a 30-second short will magically convert strangers into hour-long listeners? We pull back the curtain on what the platforms actually reward, why shorts are best used for brand awareness, and the specific moves that help listeners cross the bridge to your long-form show.
We talk about the algorithm reality—how little time people spend with actual friends on major platforms—and what that means for podcasters betting on reels to drive growth. From hooks that stop the scroll to chapters that make episodes navigable, we break down a conversion path that respects your audience’s time. We also dig into platform control and fragmentation, from Spotify pushing video to Netflix to creators leaving YouTube, and why owning your domain and a simple “/follow” page reduces friction across the board.Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?Mentioned In This Episode
School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/joinPodpage
http://www.trypodpage.comHome Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.comNo Agenda Show
https://www.noagendashow.net/listen/1808Podcast Hot Seat
Grow your podcast audience with Podcast Hot Seat. We help you do more of what is working, and fine tune those things that need polished. In addition to the podcast audit, you get a FREE MONTH at the School of Podcasting (including more coaching). Check it out at https://www.podcasthotseat.com/store
Your Audience Will Thank You!Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/Podcast Hot Seat Black Friday Deal
Not happy with your downloads? Get some honest, constructive, feedback to get your show going in the right direction AND get a free month at the School of Podcasting (now through the end of the year). Take advantage of this black friday deal and get your podcast going in the right direction. Go to podcasthotseat.com
Leave Your Question
Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show.BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome18 October 2025, 6:00 pm - 1 hour 35 minutesAI, Co‑Hosts, and Keeping It Human
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What happens when AI gets good enough to sit in the co-host chair—but not good enough to replace a heartbeat? We dig into the real trade-offs behind AI in podcasting, from research assistants and auto-summaries to voice cloning, live translation, and whether anyone actually wants a synthetic sidekick. The conversation is honest and a little contrarian: yes, the tools are powerful and getting better by the week; no, they can’t carry the weight of human curiosity, risk-taking, and the messy surprises that make a show worth hearing.
We also tackle the question so many podcasters ask at the 200‑episode mark: should I quit? The answer starts with purpose, not downloads. If your show brings in clients, sharpens your thinking, and gives your current audience real value, that’s success. If burnout is the real problem, take a strategic break or switch to seasons—use themes for deep research, group similar content for discovery, and protect your energy without ghosting your listeners. On the flip side, there’s a strong case for consistency: when you occupy a loyal spot in someone’s weekly routine, missing a release can invite another show onto their “first string.” Choose the path that fits your goals, then communicate it clearly.Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?Mentioned In This Episode
School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/joinPodpage
http://www.trypodpage.comHome Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.comFeatured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/Podcast Hot Seat Black Friday Deal
Not happy with your downloads? Get some honest, constructive, feedback to get your show going in the right direction AND get a free month at the School of Podcasting (now through the end of the year). Take advantage of this black friday deal and get your podcast going in the right direction. Go to podcasthotseat.com
Leave Your Question
Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show.BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome11 October 2025, 5:00 pm - 1 hour 27 minutesFrom Swear Words to Show Growth: What Podcasters Can Learn the Hard Way
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Ever feel like your show is stuck at 30 downloads and your guests won’t share your episode? We’ve been there, and we’re putting it all on the table—how language choices affect your brand and reach, why “big name” guests almost never translate to listener growth, and how to structure improv so it lands without a live audience. We get honest about impostor syndrome, burnout, and the moment you realize your strategy isn’t working. Then we walk through practical fixes: crafting episode promises that stop the scroll, building segments that deliver clear payoffs, and setting up chapters so listeners can jump straight to what matters.
We also tackle the messy stuff most shows avoid. If a co‑host keeps low-talking under you, the solution isn’t a new mic—it’s leadership. Hear how to set expectations, give actionable feedback, and make the hard call when behavior doesn’t change. On the tools front, we compare quick-win clip workflows, where AI show notes actually help (FAQs, key takeaways), and why you still need a human ear before you publish. We touch on platform realities—feed limits, chapter support, and the way explicit tags can nuke discoverability in certain markets—so your distribution doesn’t quietly work against you.Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?Mentioned In This Episode
School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/joinPodpage
http://www.trypodpage.comHome Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.comFeatured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/Podcast Hot Seat Black Friday Deal
Not happy with your downloads? Get some honest, constructive, feedback to get your show going in the right direction AND get a free month at the School of Podcasting (now through the end of the year). Take advantage of this black friday deal and get your podcast going in the right direction. Go to podcasthotseat.com
Leave Your Question
Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show.BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome4 October 2025, 7:00 pm - 1 hour 29 minutesWhat Happens When Spotify Deletes Everything?
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Dave Jackson flies solo this week (with special guest appearances from Randy Black and Ralph Estep Jr.) to tackle this challenging question and more. Randy shares a heart-wrenching story about losing his podcast co-host and friend, reminding us of the human connections that make this medium so powerful. His emotional recounting serves as a poignant reminder that beyond analytics and strategies, podcasting creates meaningful relationships that transcend the microphone.
The conversation takes a practical turn when Ralph joins to break down the differences between LLC and sole proprietorship structures for podcasters. His expertise reveals that proper business structuring can save significant money on self-employment taxes while providing liability protection—with benefits potentially kicking in at just $8,000 of annual podcast income.
A cautionary tale emerges about platform dependence when Dave shares the story of a podcaster who lost 168 episodes overnight when Spotify deleted their entire catalog over a single music-related terms of service violation. The lesson? Always back up your content and understand platform policies before it's too late.Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?Mentioned In This Episode
School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/joinPodpage
http://www.trypodpage.comHome Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.comFeatured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/Podcast Hot Seat Black Friday Deal
Not happy with your downloads? Get some honest, constructive, feedback to get your show going in the right direction AND get a free month at the School of Podcasting (now through the end of the year). Take advantage of this black friday deal and get your podcast going in the right direction. Go to podcasthotseat.com
Leave Your Question
Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show.BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome20 September 2025, 4:00 pm - 1 hour 32 minutesBeyond the Stage: Stripper Tales and Industry Insights
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How do you find guests when your podcast covers extremely niche topics? It's a challenge many creators face, especially when starting out. Dave Jackson and Jim Cullison tackle this question head-on, providing practical strategies that go beyond the standard advice. Rather than endless online searching, they suggest going directly to where your potential guests gather, leveraging existing connections, and most importantly, asking current guests for recommendations.
The episode takes a heartfelt turn as the hosts pay tribute to podcasting pioneer Todd Cochran, founder of Blubrry, who recently passed away. Todd's unwavering commitment to open RSS, transparent business practices, and advocacy for podcasters has left an indelible mark on the industry. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Dave and Jim highlight how Todd's principled approach to business and genuine care for the podcasting community set a standard that continues to influence the medium today.Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?Mentioned In This Episode
School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/joinPodpage
http://www.trypodpage.comHome Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.comFeatured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/Podcast Hot Seat Black Friday Deal
Not happy with your downloads? Get some honest, constructive, feedback to get your show going in the right direction AND get a free month at the School of Podcasting (now through the end of the year). Take advantage of this black friday deal and get your podcast going in the right direction. Go to podcasthotseat.com
Leave Your Question
Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show.BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome18 September 2025, 5:00 pm - More Episodes? Get the App