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 minutesIs Organic Growth Dead? Is RSS losing it's Power?
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To we talk about the power of RSS (and is it diminishing)? Is Organic search (word of mouth) dead? and the importance of backing things up.
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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
http://www.theaverageguy.tvFeatured Supporter: Chris at Castahead.net
Equipment Mentioned
Hollyland Lark M2 Wireless System
Zoom Podtrak P4 Portable Recorder
Featured Supporter Chris Stone
Cast Ahead has carved a niche in the podcasting industry by providing full-spectrum podcast production services tailored to each client’s unique needs
See castahead.netPodcast 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!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 January 2026, 12:00 am - 1 hour 34 minutesComputer Gear Talk, Plugins, and 13 Years of ATPC
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To we talk about Dave needing another montitor (and no Jim doesn't have a problem using 11 monitors) along with plugins to make things sound better, using switchy for link shortening, and some plugins to clean up audio.
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Today Jim is back and we are looking at 2026 and what podcasters may be considering to improve their show.
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
http://www.theaverageguy.tvPodcast Hot Seat
Whispr Flow Talk to Text ToolSwitchy link shrtner
Captivate Media Hosting
Buzzsprout Media Hosting
Auphonic audio clean up tool
Accentize Plugins
Clear - Reverb Clean up From Supertone.
Wave plugins like Scheps Omni Channel, Vocal Rider
iDrive online back
Synergy - Mouse sharing software.
Monarch Money - Money tracking tool.
Featured Supporter Chris Stone
Cast Ahead has carved a niche in the podcasting industry by providing full-spectrum podcast production services tailored to each client’s unique needs
See castahead.netPodcast 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!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/awesome3 January 2026, 9:00 pm - 1 hour 29 minutesGetting Real About Podcast Improvement: Audio, AI, and Authenticity
Send us feedback/questions via Text
Today Jim is back and we are looking at 2026 and what podcasters may be considering to improve their show.
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
http://www.theaverageguy.tvPodcast Hot Seat
Whispr Flow Talk to Text ToolAuphonic - Sound Leveling and More
Magai - AI Suite of Tools
Castmagic - AI Transcripts and Show Notes
Buzzsprout - Media Hosting
Captivate - Media Hosting
Featured Supporter Chris Stone
Cast Ahead has carved a niche in the podcasting industry by providing full-spectrum podcast production services tailored to each client’s unique needs
See castahead.netPodcast 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!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/awesome27 December 2025, 8:00 pm - 1 hour 27 minutesIs It a Podcast Without an RSS Feed? The Great Debate
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Welcome to another episode of Ask the Podcast Coach! I’m Dave Jackson from School of Podcasting, joined by podcasting legend Rob Greenlee from the New Media Show. In today’s episode, we dive into a ton of topics ranging from the definition of a podcast to AI-generated content, and industry trends.
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.comNew Media Show
Podcaster Hall of Fame
Pod SEO
https://www.podseo.com (use coupon schoolofpodcasting )
Answer Socrates
https://answersocrates.com?via=sop
Answer the Public
https://www.answerthepublic.com
Featured Supporter Chris Stone
Cast Ahead has carved a niche in the podcasting industry by providing full-spectrum podcast production services tailored to each client’s unique needs
See castahead.netPodcast 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!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/awesome21 December 2025, 2:00 am - 1 hour 30 minutesNew Tip Legislation May save you Big in taxes
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On this episode, I was joined as always by Jim Collison, and we had the pleasure of welcoming Ralph Estep from AskRalph.com—the Content Creators' Accountant—to dive into recent changes in how the IRS handles tips for content creators. Ralph walked us through the new law allowing up to $25,000 in tip income (like Super Chats, Buy Me a Coffee, etc.) to be excluded from income taxes in 2025, provided you track it properly. We talked about the importance of keeping tip income separate from memberships or other payments where the customer receives something tangible or access in exchange.
We also took questions and comments from our live chat about accounting software, prepping for taxes, and even how certain types of Patreon support could possibly qualify as tax-free tip income under this new law (with a big emphasis on always consulting your own accountant!). Whether you’re using Super Chats, Patreon, or other support methods, this tax year might look a little different.
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.homegadgetgeeks.com
Content Creator's Accountant
https://www.contentcreatorsaccountant.com/
Podcaster Hall of Fame
Featured Supporter Chris Stone
Cast Ahead has carved a niche in the podcasting industry by providing full-spectrum podcast production services tailored to each client’s unique needs
See castahead.netPodcast 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!Leave Your Question
Featured Supporter: Chris Stone
Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show.
Need a podcast producer? Chris Stone at castahead.net is the man
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.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 December 2025, 4:00 am - 1 hour 25 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 Chris Stone
Cast Ahead has carved a niche in the podcasting industry by providing full-spectrum podcast production services tailored to each client’s unique needs
See castahead.netPodcast 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!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/awesome6 December 2025, 7:00 pm - 1 hour 27 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 (affilia
Featured Supporter Chris Stone
Cast Ahead has carved a niche in the podcasting industry by providing full-spectrum podcast production services tailored to each client’s unique needs
See castahead.netPodcast 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!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 27 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 Chris Stone
Cast Ahead has carved a niche in the podcasting industry by providing full-spectrum podcast production services tailored to each client’s unique needs
See castahead.netPodcast 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!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 27 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 Chris Stone
Cast Ahead has carved a niche in the podcasting industry by providing full-spectrum podcast production services tailored to each client’s unique needs
See castahead.netPodcast 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!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 29 minutesNo Engagement? Maybe You Should Check Your Website
Send us feedback/questions via Text
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 - Podc
Featured Supporter Chris Stone
Cast Ahead has carved a niche in the podcasting industry by providing full-spectrum podcast production services tailored to each client’s unique needs
See castahead.netPodcast 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!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 30 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 tFeatured Supporter Chris Stone
Cast Ahead has carved a niche in the podcasting industry by providing full-spectrum podcast production services tailored to each client’s unique needs
See castahead.netPodcast 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!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 - More Episodes? Get the App