If listeners are quitting your podcast in the first five minutes, this episode is for you. In this annual ‘podcast pet peeves’ roundup, I asked my audience what makes them bail on a show— and they did not hold back.

Participants

You’ll hear from Kim Newlove (The Pharmacist’s Voice, Perrysburg Podcast), Steve Stewart (podcast editor extraordinaire), Todd ‘the Gator’ (Guardian Down Roundtable, Lessons in the Rear View), and York (Welcome to Earth Stories) as they unpack the habits that drive them nuts: from bad audio and buried leads to ad overload, lazy interview questions, sloppy terminology, and more.

You’ll walk away knowing exactly what turns listeners off - and how to fix it. I’ll also share my own take on ads, monetization, and why a little creativity can still set your show apart in 2026

The Most Popular Pet Peeves

• Too many/poorly placed ads (especially mid-roll and early heavy ad blocks)
• Not getting to the point / burying the lead / unclear episode direction
• Lack of preparation (hosts winging it, talking in circles, not prepping guests)
• Sloppy language and terminology (“podcast” vs “episode,” “podcasting” vs “podcasts,” RSS vs not)
• Wasting listener time with meta-chatter, overlong intros, and “Tell me about yourself” questions

I do this question every year, and as you might imagine, this list doesn't change much. This year seems like advertisements were the top peeve.

Is Everyone Going to use the "YouTube Annoying Your Audience to Death" strategy, and use tools like Supercast and Patreon, and offer an ad-free version?

Mentioned In This Episode

School of Podcasting

Podpage - Podcast Websites

The Pharmacist's Voice

The Perrysburg Podcast

Steve Stewart

Podcast Editors Academy

Welcome to Earth Stories

Guardian Down Roundtable

Lessons in the Rear View

Ask the Podcast Coach

Podcasting Observations (Dave's Newsletter)

School of Podcasting Follow Page

Patreon

Supercast

OP3 Open Source Stats

Truefans.FM

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Some Feedback On Your Show

“Want honest, helpful feedback on your podcast? At the School of Podcasting, we host ‘Listening Parties’ where members share short clips and get constructive, encouraging critiques from fellow podcasters and myself. It’s a safe, supportive way to hear what’s working, fix what’s not, and make your show stronger fast.”

School of Podcasting

Question of the Month: The Future of Podcasting

Someone asked me, and I had to think about it. So now I'm asking you, How do you feel about the future of podcasting? Where do you think it's going? (etc,). Feel free to share your opinion and why. Don't forget to tell us about your show and where we can find it.

Question of the Month

Give Your Podcast A Home

When you look at our podcasting pieces, your media host is the engine. But your website is the home. It’s where your audience learns who you are, explores your episodes, and decides to subscribe. At Podpage, we build podcast websites that are fast, reliable, and designed to convert visitors into listeners. Every episode is automatically published, SEO-optimized, and structured for growth—so you can focus on creating, not managing your site. If your media host powers your podcast, Podpage gives it a place to live—and a place to grow. Start building your podcast’s home with Podpage by going to www.podpage.com/preview and start your 14 day free trial today.

Podpage

The School of Podcasting has been acquired, and yes, that means changes are coming. But don’t panic! The essence of what we do is staying intact. We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of what this acquisition means for our loyal members and anyone thinking about joining.

New Free Tier

We’re adding a free tier, more courses, and even a way for you to connect with podcasting experts. This is all about making the podcasting journey smoother and more accessible for everyone.

Brenden and I have a vision for the future, and it’s about empowering you to take your podcasting game to the next level. If you’ve ever wanted to launch a podcast, or if you’re already knee-deep in it and looking for ways to monetize, we’ve got you covered. We’re building a community where you can learn, grow, and thrive, and I’m more excited than ever to be a part of your podcasting journey.

So, let’s get to work and see what we can do together!

My Favorite CRM

I'm not making this up. My favorite CRM is call "Less Annoying CRM. Its s a simple, no-frills customer relationship management tool built specifically for small businesses, solopreneurs, and anyone who feels overwhelmed by complex CRMs. It focuses on the essentials: tracking contacts, managing leads, organizing tasks, and keeping a clear sales pipeline (although I don't use the pipleline tool)

Takeaways:

1. This week, we celebrated the acquisition of the School of Podcasting by PodPage, which is a huge deal.
2. I went from living in my brother's basement after a divorce to running a successful podcasting business, talk about an upgrade.
3. Relationships are key in podcasting; it's wild how many people you meet that can help you out.
4. We’re excited to expand the School of Podcasting, bringing more courses and experts for everyone to learn from.
5. This merger means more time and resources to create better content for our community, so stay tuned!
6. Don't worry, if you’re already a member, nothing changes except for more value coming your way!

Links referenced in this episode:

1. schoolofpodcasting.com
2. podpage.com
3. podnews.net
4. Less Annoying CRM
5. Last week's episode on Podcasting SEO
6. PodSEO
7. Heartbeat - Community and Courses Platform

Mentioned in this episode:

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

Get a look 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. You also get "behind the scenes" info from the School of Podcasting Don't miss out on staying ahead of the game—join the 1700+ people who are already reading Podcasting Observations today!

Podcasting Observations

Question of the Month: The Future of Podcasting

Someone asked me, and I had to think about it. So now I'm asking you, How do you feel about the future of podcasting? Where do you think it's going? (etc,). Feel free to share your opinion and why. Don't forget to tell us about your show and where we can find it.

Question of the Month

Quit Thinking About It and START THAT PODCAST

If you have ever turned down the radio to hear your phone in the car, you know how to mix audio. If you have ever attached a photo to an email, you know how to upload an mp3 to a media host. Deleting text in Word is the same as delete audio in audacity. Yes, there is a learning curve but it's not as scary as you think. I'll be there the whole way, and you can join worry free with a 30 day money-back guarantee. Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/join

School of Podcasting

See Your Show On Podpage

If you host a podcast, your website should work as hard as your episodes do. At Podpage, we automatically create a beautiful, professional site for your show — complete with episode pages, transcripts, audio players, SEO optimization, and built-in tools to grow your audience. No design work. No plugins. No ongoing maintenance. In less than a minute, you can see exactly what your podcast would look like on Podpage. Go to podpage.com/preview and generate your free preview site now. (No Credit Card Required) See your show the way it should look.

Podpage

When it comes to podcast strategies to grow your podcast, one strategy that often gets overlooked (because it takes time) is Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Now people are starting to market a "New" thing known as PSO (Podcast Search Optimization).

Podcast Search Optimization VS Search Engine Optimization

So what is the difference? In reality not much. Tools like Podseo and PSO and Ausha show you information on how often keywords are being search in Apple and Spotify (and others). SEO tools show what people are searching for in Google and other places (YouTube, TikTok, and more).

So THE question is, do people search differently in a Podcast App vs how they search Google? For me, I don't think so. I might just type a keyword "Podcasting Best Practices" where in Google I would type "Podcasting Best Practices Podcast."

Keyword Research Boils Dow To This

Find a keyword that has a fair number of people searching for (somewhere between 20-100 searches), and see how much competition it has. Instead of trying to score for a really popular keyword, score multiple times with less popular (but still be sought after) key words with less competition. Mom said "Don't go play in traffic," but that's what you need to do - but no on the free way.

What is Your Domain Authority?

SEMRush (a great suite of tools) has a domain authority checker.

Tools To Boost Your Podcast SEO on the Web

Free Keyword Tool (That Sucks IMHO)

https://www.wordstream.com/keywords

Google Keyword Tool (Inside of Adsense Account)

https://ads.google.com

Go to Tools > Planning > Keyword Planner (Free and unlimited use)

Keywords Everywhere

Extension for Chrome and Firefox $7/month. Helps you measure traffic and competition for keywords.

https://keywordseverywhere.com/

Also Asked (see what people are asking)

1 Free search a Day or $12/month

https://alsoasked.com/

Answer Socrates

3 searches a day

$15/month gets you 100 searches a month

https://answersocrates.com

Ubsersuggest

Shows key word competition and more. It's a suite of tools to help find keywords, and write articles.$29/month.$290 Lifetime (credits thanks to AI)

https://ubersuggest.com

SERanking

A full suite of tools that helps you create content, competitor comparisons and more. $129/month

https://www.sewranking.com

SEMRUSH

Consider by many people to be "THE" suite of SEO tools (especially finding tools that your competitor is not using, and you should). $139/month

https://www.semrush.com

Page Audit Chrome Extension

A chrome extension that shows all sorts of information about a page so you can then write a similar page that will rank better.

Chrome Extension

Two Tools Dedicated For Podcast SEO

While I'm not sure there is much difference between SEO and PSO, there two tools dedicated for podcasts.

PSO from Ausha

This tool has some nice features, but it also left me frustrated. If you give me seven days to test the tool, give me access to ALL OF IT. I mean every marketer knows that you give it to the customer and let them "get hooked" so when their trial is over they will purchase.

I couldn't do that as much of the tools spotlighted required me to upgrade. Boo.

That being said it does show how much a keyword is searched for (not as specific as some tools for web seo). It also shows you how hard to competition is.

Keep in mind that you need to give your dashboard 24 hours to show some statistics in your dashboard.

Ausha PSO (affiliate)

PodSEO

This is from Andrea De Marsi (Co-founder of Spreaker) and Francesco Baschieri (Co-founder of Spreaker) and it has a similar feature set to the ausha tool.

You can save 10% using the coupon schoolofpodcasting. (affiliate)

I thought it was very cool that Podseo alerted me to the mistake that I had accidentally listed my show twice in Spotify (I moved from Libsyn to Captivate - nuff said).

It has some cool episode planners, and is cheaper than Ausha PSO. Their AI tools looks at your episodes and recommend future ideas and then helps you plan them, and has a calendar showing when the episodes were released.

They also can send you daily updates on your rankings or your competition.

Check it out at podseo.com and use the coupon schoolofpodcasting to save 10%

Because of My Podcast: Paul Colligan

Paul is a huge theater nerd, and loves the musical Chess. There was a version that was awful, but never got to see it. Then he let a library in NYC know he was a podcaster. Then he got access to videos that the public hasn't seen - because he had a podcast. Check out Paul at https://podcastpartnership.com/

Other Items Mentioned

Turn AI Into Your Personal Podcast Analyst! on Buzzcast

SEO for People Who Don't Like SEO Podcast

Podpage - Websites for Podcasters

Captivate - AI Tools Help You Choose Episode Topics

Oura Ring - Body Measurement via a Ring

Just One Tip Podcast

Big Lash Energy Episode 201

Big Lash Interview on Last Week's Episode

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!

Mentioned in this episode:

Question of the Month: The Future of Podcasting

Someone asked me, and I had to think about it. So now I'm asking you, How do you feel about the future of podcasting? Where do you think it's going? (etc,). Feel free to share your opinion and why. Don't forget to tell us about your show and where we can find it.

Question of the Month

Want to Make Some Money with Your Podcast?

Pick up any book on podcast monetization, and you will find 90 percent of it only covers how to launch a podcast. If you already have a podcast, you have that information; you’re ready for the next step. Profit from Your Podcast provides top strategies and real-life examples of podcast monetization. This book is more than what to do. It also tells you how to do it. Go to www.profitfromyourpodcast.com/book

Profit From Your Podcast

Welcome to the world of Big Lash Energy, where Jayna Marie takes us on a no-holds-barred journey through the ups and downs of her life and career. As a makeup artist, Jayna decided that her life was too colorful not to share, and she jumped headfirst into podcasting.

It's like she hit the ground running, with tons of awards, 200 episodes, and one million downloads you might say she's unstoppable.

Do You Need a Video Podcast?

The conversation kicks off with Jayna reflecting on the pressure to include video in her podcasting journey, but she confidently asserts that real connection comes from authentic storytelling, not flashy visuals. It’s refreshing to hear someone challenge the norm and embrace the art of audio storytelling.

As the episode unfolds, Jayna shares her experiences with vulnerability, especially in her first episode, where she bared her soul and laid it all on the line. She describes it as feeling like she jumped off a cliff, and honestly, who hasn’t felt that way about sharing their truth? This episode dives into the nitty-gritty of her life, tackling topics that range from relationships to personal growth, all while maintaining a sense of humor that makes you feel like you're chatting with a friend over coffee.

Always Be Entertaining

Jayna emphasizes the importance of being relatable and not shying away from difficult topics, making for a conversation that is both entertaining and enlightening. What really makes Jayna stand out is her approach to audience engagement.

She’s built a loyal following by sharing snippets of her life and encouraging conversations around her podcast episodes. Jayna is all about creating that connection with her listeners, which is a breath of fresh air in a sea of cookie-cutter AI content. And let’s not forget her unique marketing tactics; she even uses dating apps to promote her podcast, turning the world of swiping into a strategic move for gaining listeners. It’s hilarious and clever, showing us that sometimes, the best marketing is just being yourself.

The Power of Being Authentic

This episode isn’t just about podcasting; it’s about authenticity, vulnerability, and the power of storytelling. If you’re looking for inspiration in your own podcasting journey, or just want a good laugh, tune in to hear Jayna Marie's incredible story and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

So whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just curious about what it takes to create a meaningful show, Jayna's insights are golden. She proves that podcasting is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to connect, share, and inspire others through your unique voice. Join us as we delve into the world of Big Lash Energy and discover what makes Jayna Marie a standout in the podcasting community. It's a wild ride, and you won't want to miss it.

Mentioned In This Episode

Big Lash Energy Podcast

Under the Makeup: A very Messy Life (Episode 1)

Faking the "OH!" Face

8 Super Annoying Things That Men Do

I Ran Out Of Time To Say I Love You: It's My Party, I'll Cry If I Want To (her latest episode as of this recording)

Jayna's Makeup Site & Instagram

Sticker Mule (For Car Decals)

Switchy QR Maker, Link Tracker, and "Linktree" type tool

Fourth Wall Create Merch

Podpage Pretty Websites For Podcasters Who Don't Want To Learn How To Code

Tim Wohlberg's Just the Tip Podcast

Podcasting Tips From Jayna Marie:

Lead with vulnerability and authenticity

Sharing your true self and personal stories draws in listeners and forges real connections.

Serve your audience with purpose

Focus on providing value for others and fill gaps you wish someone had filled for you.

Don’t overthink—trust your gut and put your work out there

Creativity thrives when you let go of perfectionism and follow your instincts.

Make sure every episode has a clear purpose

Aim for your episodes to make listeners laugh, cry, or learn—give them a reason to engage.

Prioritize storytelling and strong writing

Compelling, well-crafted stories are at the heart of a great podcast.

Break up solo shows with production elements

Use sound effects, music, and character voices to keep solo episodes interesting and dynamic.

Collaborate closely with your editor

Build a strong partnership for creative sound design and production ideas.

Release episodes on a consistent schedule

Consistency builds trust and keeps your audience coming back.

Build and engage a community

Foster relationships with listeners to create fierce loyalty and word-of-mouth promotion.

Be intentional about monetization and ads

Consider whether monetizing with ads fits your brand and your listeners’ experience.

Leverage your podcast to support your main business

Use your show to help connect with potential clients in your field.

Save and revisit listener feedback

Keep encouraging messages for motivation during challenging times.

Create desirable merch—only sell what you’d wear

Strong branding and personal endorsement make merchandise more appealing.

Be creative with your marketing strategies:

Utilize unconventional ideas, such as:

Sharing your podcast link in dating bios

Setting up at relevant trade shows

Distributing podcast cards in swag bags with recommended episodes

Branding your car with podcast info and QR codes

Track your promotional results

Use QR codes to measure the effectiveness of your offline marketing efforts.

Encourage value-for-value support

Make it easy for loyal listeners to give back, whether buying merch or donating.

Host in-person events for your audience

Create memorable live gatherings to deepen connections and increase social media buzz.

Promote episodes long after release with social posts

Share throwbacks, listener DMs, and topical connections on your stories to boost ongoing downloads.

Show your creative process on social media

Build anticipation for new episodes and keep your audience actively engaged.

Know your target audience and stay on-brand

Be clear about who your podcast is for, and let that clarity reflect in your branding.

Prepare thoroughly before launching

Study podcasting fundamentals, plan your content, and understand your desired audience.

Don’t share every story—wait until you know the lesson

Only open up about painful moments when you’re ready to share how you grew from them.

Understand podcasting is hard work—stay motivated

Celebrate the impact you have, and let your listeners’ appreciation keep you going

Always Research Your Guest (from Dave)

The question AI gave me to interview Jayna were nothing compared to the questions that came up after I listened to her show.

Mentioned in this episode:

See Your Show On Podpage

If you host a podcast, your website should work as hard as your episodes do. At Podpage, we automatically create a beautiful, professional site for your show — complete with episode pages, transcripts, audio players, SEO optimization, and built-in tools to grow your audience. No design work. No plugins. No ongoing maintenance. In less than a minute, you can see exactly what your podcast would look like on Podpage. Go to podpage.com/preview and generate your free preview site now. (No Credit Card Required) See your show the way it should look.

Podpage

Question of the Month: The Future of Podcasting

Someone asked me, and I had to think about it. So now I'm asking you, How do you feel about the future of podcasting? Where do you think it's going? (etc,). Feel free to share your opinion and why. Don't forget to tell us about your show and where we can find it.

Question of the Month

Worry Free Podcasting

Are you ready to take your podcasting dreams to the next level? Look no further than the School of Podcasting. With over 19 years of experience, I’ve helped countless individuals plan, launch, grow, and monetize their podcasts the right way. My comprehensive courses cover everything from content creation to tackling technology, ensuring you sound professional and confident. Join our supportive community of podcasters, access weekly group coaching, and receive unlimited one-on-one consulting. Don't let fear hold you back. With my 30-day money-back guarantee, you can start your podcasting journey risk-free. Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/join and be on your way to podcast success.

School of Podcasting

In this episode, I tackled the question submitted by Emily Kate: What sacrifices and shortcuts did you take in your podcasting journey, and did they work out well? A fantastic lineup of podcasters shared their wisdom, experiences, and favorite tools. Here’s an organized list of all the contributors with their URLs, plus every resource/tool we mentioned to help you on your own podcasting path.

Contributors & Their URLs

1. Emily Kate :

emilykatecreative.com

1. Kim Newlove ("The Pharmacist’s Voice" & "Perrysburg Podcast")

thepharmacistsvoice.com

perrysburgpodcast.com

1. Ralph ("Ask Ralph Media Network")

askralph.com

Includes shows: Financially Confident Christian, Grit and Growth Business, Truth Unveiled with Ralph, Content Creators Accountant

1. Todd the Gator ("Guardian Down Roundtable")

guardiandowncast.com

1. Krista Lawley & Mark ("Practical Prepping Podcast")

practicalprepping.info

Resources & URLs Mentioned

1. Otter.ai – Transcription tool
2. Bitly – Link shortener/tracker/QR Code Creator
3. Switchy – Link shortener/tracker/QR code creator (one time payment)
4. Steve Stewart’s Podcast Editor Finder Form
5. Podcast Editors Academy
6. Auphonic – Audio processing & AI audio editing
7. Audacity – Audio editing software
8. OBS (Open Broadcaster Software)
9. Descript – Audio editing & AI tool
10. Resound.fm – De-um tool & audio editing
11. AppSumo – Deals platform (referenced for AI tools)
12. Castmagic – AI show notes & content creation
13. Podpage – Podcast website builder
14. Music Radio Creative – Jingles, music, and audio branding
15. Suno – AI-generated jingles/music
16. Ecamm Live – Live streaming & recording software (Mac only)
17. Alec Johnson / One Take Productions Ecamm Live Masterclass
18. Magi – AI aggregation tool
19. Voice Regen - AI Audio Clean Up Tool
20. The Audacity to Podcast
21. The Podcasters Roundtable
22. Podcasters Studio

Mentioned in this episode:

See Your Show On Podpage

If you host a podcast, your website should work as hard as your episodes do. At Podpage, we automatically create a beautiful, professional site for your show — complete with episode pages, transcripts, audio players, SEO optimization, and built-in tools to grow your audience. No design work. No plugins. No ongoing maintenance. In less than a minute, you can see exactly what your podcast would look like on Podpage. Go to podpage.com/preview and generate your free preview site now. (No Credit Card Required) See your show the way it should look.

Podpage

Podcast Hot Seat - Now Private Podcast Audits

There are things your podcast is missing that often lead to you losing the audience you are attracting. I help make good podcasts GREAT. End the frustration with your podcast growth. Check out the Podcast Hot Seat Service Today.

Podcast Hotseat

Join the School of Podcasting

Mark from Practical Prepping had been podcasting for a while, but after joining the School of Podcasting, his podcast grew at a faster rate. His Facebook group has over 30,000 members! Join the School of Podcasting and get access to: Step-by-step tutorials An amazing podcast community Unlimited One-On-One Coaching Join today worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

School of Podcasting

Question of the Month: The Future of Podcasting

Someone asked me, and I had to think about it. So now I'm asking you, How do you feel about the future of podcasting? Where do you think it's going? (etc,). Feel free to share your opinion and why. Don't forget to tell us about your show and where we can find it.

Question of the Month

Hey, it's Dave Jackson! In this episode, Ishare my talk that I did at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) about video podcasting. What are the real benefits, the costs, and the drawbacks? I also tackled the recent Apple announcement about HLS video, shared my NRB event experience, and got into some real stats and stories about YouTube and podcasting.

This episode uses chapters to enable you to jump to the most important parts for you.

Key Topics Covered:

1. The difference between a podcast and a YouTube show
2. Stats on how many podcasters are actually doing "real" video
3. YouTube's change to how Shorts views are counted
4. Pros and cons of YouTube for discovery and monetization
5. Cost breakdowns of starting both audio and video podcasts
6. Completion percentages for audio vs video shows
7. Algorithm reality and how audience recommendations work
8. Major drawbacks of relying on video platforms for income
9. The new Apple HLS video announcement: what it means, who it's for, and whether you should care
10. Real examples of creators' experiences on YouTube

My Takeaways:

You don't have to do video if you don't want to. Video can help with discovery, but the audio side offers significantly more opportunity—sometimes a 15x larger audience! Also, while YouTube provides community and powerful analytics, the algorithm and monetization risks are real. The new Apple HLS video support is mostly about helping advertisers, not creators, and comes with new costs.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

1. School of Podcasting: schoolofpodcasting.com
2. Podcast Host Survey (Dr. Colin Gray): thepodcasthost.com
3. The Truth About ‘Video Podcasts’ on YouTube
4. These 5 Podcasters Added Video – Here’s What Happened
5. PodcastIndex stats: podcastindex.org
6. Hosting Recommendations:
7. Captivate: captivate.fm
8. Buzzsprout: buzzsprout.com
9. RSS.com: rss.com
10. Blubrry: blubrry.com
11. Think Media (YouTube demonetization video): thinkmedia.com
12. Truth Unveiled with Ralph (Ralph Eastep):
13. Sponsor Magnet book by Justin Moore:
14. Profit from Your Podcast (my book):
15. Streamline Solopreneur with Joe Casabona
16. Around the Layout (Ray)
17. Podpage (Podcast Website builder): podpage.com
18. Podnews details on Apple announcement on HLS
19. Jordan Harbinger on the New Media Show
20. Professor of Rock on AI Ruining YouTube.
21. Rob Walch talks about Club Random

Other Tools Mentioned:

1. Samson Q2U mic, Rode PodMic USB, Shure MV7 and SM7B, Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Condenser Microphone (mic options)
2. Elgato Facecam Pro, Sony ZV-E10 II (camera options)
3. Descript & Riverside (remote video recorders/editors)
4. Patreon & SuperCast (crowdfunding)
5. Ecamm Live (live streaming tool)
6. Inexpensive Lighting Rig

Final Thoughts:

If you want to do video, go ahead—but know the realities and risks. Don't let anyone (especially YouTube or Spotify) pressure you into it unless it suits your content and goals. And keep in mind, when Apple rolls out its new features, it’s likely to come with extra charges, so stay informed!

If you need help planning, launching, or growing your show, check out schoolofpodcasting.com and use coupon code LISTENER.

Please share the episode with a friend if you found it helpful!

Send people to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/1024

Mentioned in this episode:

Starting a podcast can be daunting. Fear of failure, uncertainty about where to begin, and doubts about your abilities can hold you back. But what if you had a guide? The School of Podcasting is here to help you confidently launch, grow, and monetize your podcast. With over 20 years of experience and tons of successful podcasts launched, I'll walk you through every step. From planning to promotion, you're never alone." Learn at your own pace with video courses, join a supportive community, and get unlimited coaching. Say goodbye to fear and hello to success." Start your podcasting journey today with the School of Podcasting. Join now and take the first step towards turning your passion into a reality. Visit SchoolOfPodcasting.com to get started. No fear, just success.

School of Podcasting

Want to Make Some Money with Your Podcast?

Pick up any book on podcast monetization, and you will find 90 percent of it only covers how to launch a podcast. If you already have a podcast, you have that information; you’re ready for the next step. Profit from Your Podcast provides top strategies and real-life examples of podcast monetization. This book is more than what to do. It also tells you how to do it. Go to www.profitfromyourpodcast.com/book

Profit From Your Podcast

In this episode, I’m walking you through why great podcast editing doesn’t start with software, plugins, or secret shortcuts — it starts with knowing your audience. Once you’re crystal clear on who you’re talking to and what they value, editing becomes a lot easier: you simply remove anything that wastes their time or doesn’t deliver value.

Editing For Content

I’ll share examples from real interviews (including Amy Poehler’s “Good Hang” and conversations with my friends Daniel J. Lewis and Katie Krimitsos) to show how to tighten up questions, trim rambling answers, and keep the pace moving so your listeners stay engaged from start to finish.

If you’ve ever listened back to your show and thought, “It’s fine…but something feels off,” this one’s for you.

---

Where To start?

Editing starts with your audience, not your software

1. Why the first question is, “Who am I talking to and what do they want?”
2. How knowing your audience’s problems, language, and attention span guides every cut.
3. The “vegetarian at dinner” analogy: if you know who’s coming, you know what not to serve.

Did they actually answer the question?

1. Using Amy Poehler’s friend and Jennifer Lawrence as an example of a non-answer answer.
2. How to spot when guests talk *around* a question instead of answering it.
3. When to follow up, when to re-ask more simply, and when to just fix it in the edit.

Cut the fluff, keep the value

1. Trimming long-winded questions where the host gives too much backstory.
2. Shortening guest answers that wander, repeat, or add no value to the listener.
3. Why you don’t need to include your guest “thinking out loud” to get to the point.

Friends, comfort, and wasted time

1. How being comfortable with guests (friends, colleagues) can lead to bloated conversations.
2. Why “fun to say” isn’t the same as “valuable to hear” for your audience.
3. The discipline of deleting entire questions and answers that just don’t land.

Content editing vs. cosmetic editing

1. Why removing bad questions is more powerful than removing ums and uhs.
2. When it makes sense to leave in human imperfections for a natural feel.
3. The mindset shift from “How do I make this cleaner?” to “How do I make this stronger?”

Basic audio cleanup that actually matters

1. A practical order of operations: repair first, then shape the sound.
2. What plosives, noise gates, compression, EQ, and de-essers do in plain English.
3. Why “listenable” beats “perfect,” especially for guest recordings.

Testing popular cleanup tools on bad audio

1. What happened when I ran intentionally bad audio through different tools.
2. How tools like Voice Regen, Auphonic, Descript Studio Sound, Adobe Enhance, and others compare in real use.
3. Why the cheap, simple option sometimes wins for everyday podcasters.

Know your audience, know your cuts

1. How hanging out where your audience hangs out (YouTube, Facebook groups, Reddit, etc.) tells you what to keep.
2. The simple question to ask of every segment: “Does this deliver value to *my* listener?”
3. How better audience understanding leads to faster editing and stronger episodes.

Key Takeaway:

Editing isn’t about showing off your software skills. It’s about respecting your listener’s time. When you know exactly who they are and what they care about, the decisions of what to cut — and what to keep — almost make themselves.

Links Mentioned In This Episode

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!

School of Podcasting

Podpage

How to Pitch a Podcast Show (submit your show)

Good Hang Jennifer Lawrence Episode

Women's Mediation Network

Podchapters

Podgagement

Samson Q2U Microphone

Voice Regen from Waves

Auphonic

Descript Studio Sound

Adobe Enhance

Accentize Dxrevive Pro

Check Your Loudness at https://loudness.app/en

YouTube Demonetizing Shows (30K Goodbye!)

Big Lash Energy's Jayna Marie is Next Week.

Mentioned in this episode:

Question of the Month: The Future of Podcasting

Someone asked me, and I had to think about it. So now I'm asking you, How do you feel about the future of podcasting? Where do you think it's going? (etc,). Feel free to share your opinion and why. Don't forget to tell us about your show and where we can find it.

Question of the Month

Help Us Fight Back Against Spam and Get Some Exposure

How to Pitch a Podcast is a show I'm launching that NEEDS your stories of good/bad pitches. Read your bad/good pitch (I'll remove the guilty names) and explain why it's good or bad. Then (if it's bad) explain what your perfect guest would be, tell us about your show and your website. Don't over-think it. I need your stories by 2/28 to launch. Go to pitchapodcast.com/story

Pitch a Podcast

Join the School of Podcasting

Mark from Practical Prepping had been podcasting for a while, but after joining the School of Podcasting, his podcast grew at a faster rate. His Facebook group has over 30,000 members! Join the School of Podcasting and get access to: Step-by-step tutorials An amazing podcast community Unlimited One-On-One Coaching Join today worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

School of Podcasting

Alright, so if you’re a podcaster looking to snag more listeners and get them hooked on your back catalog, then buckle up, because we’re diving into binge triggers straight outta the Netflix playbook. We’re breaking down three juicy strategies that can keep your audience glued to their headphones, even after they’ve finished your latest episode. Plus, we’ve got a heartwarming “because of my podcast” story from Ray Arnott that’ll make you believe in the magic of podcasting. So, if you're tired of people tuning in and then bouncing faster than a bad date, stick around. We’re gonna make your podcast the one they're bingeing on next!

1. Open Loops (Brain Gaps)

What It Is:

An open loop is an unresolved element in your content—a question, mystery, or ongoing storyline that the listener subconsciously wants resolved. This is a storytelling technique borrowed from TV and movies: cliffhangers, subplots, or even hints about future developments that drive people to keep watching (or listening) to find out what happens next.

Examples from the Episode:

1. uses TV examples like Will Trent and Tracker:

"There's a problem at the beginning of the episode… and 50 minutes later, give or take, the problem is solved. … On occasion they'll do a two-parter with a cliffhanger." (01:39)

1. In Will Trent, the ongoing subplot about the main character being disliked and saving a dog (an adaptation of the “save the cat” storytelling trope) gets the audience rooting for him, creating emotional investment through an open loop about his relationships and backstory.

"You have this underlying story that's going through the whole thing, and I believe that's why we are binging content." (13:11)

1. In podcasts, an open loop could be as simple as starting a story in one episode and promising to finish it later, or introducing a mystery or a question (“Did James ever fix his solar panels?”) that’s answered in a later episode.

How To Use:

1. Tease questions (“Next week, I’ll reveal the results…”)
2. Continue a personal story arc across episodes
3. Dangle small mysteries (“I opened the door and only saw one of the three things I was looking for…”) (
4. Share journey updates that listeners want closure or progress on

2. Teasers & Episode Structure

What It Is:

Tease content before and after episodes to contextualize your podcast for new and returning listeners. By referencing what was discussed in previous episodes and previewing what’s coming next, you build a web of episodes that feel interconnected—just like "Next Episode" buttons on streaming platforms encourage more watching.

Examples from the Episode:

1. highlights Harry Duran’s approach:

"He introduces his show… 'If you missed last week's episode, we talked to so-and-so about such and such…' On today's show, we're talking with so-and-so. … At the end of the show… he knows what the next episode is. … You now have 3 ideas of what this show is about." (08:28)

1. The benefit is, if listeners hear a recap of a past episode or a preview of the next, they’re incentivized to explore your other episodes—bingeing your back catalog.

How To Use:

1. At the start: preview what’s happening in the current episode and what listeners missed if they haven’t heard recent content
2. At the end: teaser for the next episode (e.g., “Next week, I’m talking to…”)
3. Mention popular or related episodes (“Check out our past episode on…”)
4. Structure your season thematically, so every episode contributes to a bigger picture (e.g., a season all about podcast hardware invites listeners to hear the whole set)

3. Ongoing Initiatives & Personal Journeys

What It Is:

Maintain a continuous, real-life thread running through your podcast—such as a personal project, journey, or community initiative—which encourages listeners to check back for updates and stay invested in your progress over time.

Examples from the Episode:

1. I talk about his “How to Pitch a Podcast” project:

“I've been talking about the How to Pitch a Podcast project… I'm not launching the show until I get 20 stories. … It’s an ongoing initiative that people are like, oh, you know, and you might be kind of involved with like, oh, I really want to see this show take off.” (10:23)

1. He references Joanna Penn’s podcast chronicling her journey to become an independent author—listeners followed along as she learned, failed, and eventually succeeded, creating long-term engagement and rooting interest.
2. Many shows use “journey” approaches where listeners are encouraged to follow a process or transformation over time (fitness challenges, entrepreneurial launches, etc.).

How To Use:

1. Start a project or challenge and give periodic updates (“I’m launching X, here’s what happened this week…”)
2. Share personal development arcs—what you’re learning, obstacles, and milestones
3. Invite audience participation (“I need 20 submissions from you before the project goes live!”)

In summary:

1. Open loops hook listeners by leaving threads unresolved, making them want to continue and find closure.
2. Teasers and structured episode links make every episode a gateway to others in your catalog, increasing binge potential.
3. Ongoing initiatives or journeys build sustained interest by making listeners part of your process and progress.

These strategies ensure listeners don’t just drop in for a single episode—they feel compelled to stick around, binge, and become loyal fans.

Becuase of My Podcast: Ray Arnott

Ray Arnott from the Around the Layout Show (model trains) has been on the show before, and today Ray shares how a listener from Australia is paying for Ray's tripe to come to a model train meetup in Australia!

Links referenced in this episode:

1. schoolofpodcasting.com
2. pitchapodcast.com
3. aroundthelayout.com
4. podcastjunkies.com
5. newmediashow.com
6. Pet Davidson on Jimmy Fallon
7. Joe Rogan with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck
8. Save the Cat Book
9. Ray Arnott on the School of Podcasting (on finding Sponsors/Partners)

Mentioned in this episode:

Question of the Month: The Future of Podcasting

Someone asked me, and I had to think about it. So now I'm asking you, How do you feel about the future of podcasting? Where do you think it's going? (etc,). Feel free to share your opinion and why. Don't forget to tell us about your show and where we can find it.

Question of the Month

See Your Show On Podpage

If you host a podcast, your website should work as hard as your episodes do. At Podpage, we automatically create a beautiful, professional site for your show — complete with episode pages, transcripts, audio players, SEO optimization, and built-in tools to grow your audience. No design work. No plugins. No ongoing maintenance. In less than a minute, you can see exactly what your podcast would look like on Podpage. Go to podpage.com/preview and generate your free preview site now. (No Credit Card Required) See your show the way it should look.

Podpage

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

Get a look 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. You also get "behind the scenes" info from the School of Podcasting Don't miss out on staying ahead of the game—join the 1700+ people who are already reading Podcasting Observations today!

Podcasting Observations

Join the School of Podcasting Today - Your Future Self Will Thank You

Stepping out of your comfort zone isn't easy, but at the School of Podcasting, we're here to make it feel like second nature. With our expertly crafted courses and an incredible community, you're never alone in your journey. From planning and launching to growing your podcast, I’ll be right by your side every step of the way. Remember, every podcast episode builds connections and opens doors to future opportunities. Take action today, and let your future self reap the rewards.

School of Podcasting

I just got back from the Novel Marketing Conference. This was put on by my friend Thomas Umstattd Jr (who has a great podcast for authors). I love single track events, and this one was AMAZING. It was all about book marketing (which applies to podcasting). Only the original Podfest comes close (but that didn't feed me Schlotzky's deli Sandwiches).

I need to give credit, the "Four D's" come from Chase Replogle who does a few podcasts including the Pastor Writer, Let's Talk Bible: Kids, and he's the Pastor at Bent Oak Church. His opening keynote was AMAZING. I have adopted it for podcasters.

Main Points:

1. Single Track Conferences: I explained why single-track conferences are my favorite—you don’t miss out on sessions, and the Novel Marketing Conference was one of the best I’ve attended.
2. Opening Keynote – The Four Ds: Chase Replogle’s talk resonated with the “Four Ds”: decisiveness, discipline, discernment, and devotion—applies to both writing and podcasting. My favorite: nobody listens to what you record, they listen to what you edit (editing is magic!).
3. Marketing Parallels: Even though this was a book conference, book marketing is a close cousin to podcast marketing. The basic principles really do translate.
4. Serving Your Audience: I reflected on the courage to create, facing the fear of “what if nobody listens?”, and focusing on service and devotion to your listeners.
5. Is Your Podcast a Painkiller or a Vitamin?: Thanks to Thomas Umstattd Jr.’s talk—a “painkiller” solves a direct need, while a “vitamin” is nice to have but not urgent. Think about what pain your show removes for your audience.
6. Podcast Competition: I highlighted that we’re not just competing with other podcasts, but with all forms of entertainment—TV, games, etc. Know your unique value.
7. Why People Listen: People consume podcasts for entertainment, education, or escape. I asked: Does your show serve one (or more) of these needs?
8. Value of Listener’s Time: All podcasts are “free,” but listeners pay with their time. We need to make it worth it.
9. Improving Your Show: Attending other sessions gave me ideas about making changes that truly improve the show rather than just making it different.
10. AI & Prompts: I shared tips I learned about using AI—give ChatGPT clear instructions about who you are, what you need, and who your audience is.
11. Book Covers = Podcast Artwork: Don’t be cheap with your cover! As much as we say not to judge by appearances, we all do. Your show art matters.
12. Networking: The conference structure ensured everyone met and interacted with new people every day—awesome for making connections.
13. Feedback & Iteration: Get feedback and be willing to edit and improve. Like writing, multiple drafts (and edits) make better episodes.
14. Target Audience: Jonathan’s session hit home: don’t just market for yourself—know your actual audience, and don’t trust social media polls alone.
15. Conferences in General: I appreciated speakers not blatantly selling from stage—a rarity!
16. If You Want to Start a Show: Record everything (planning, editing, writing, etc.) to see how much time it takes, then set a sustainable schedule.
17. Finding Your Listeners: Look for audiences in adjacent markets—not just podcasting-specific spaces.
18. More Takeaways: The importance of networking, getting feedback, and attending events that put you in the room with your ideal audience.

Mentioned In This Episode

Thomas's Patron Toolbox

Novel Marketing Podcast

Chase Replogle

School of Podcastng

Podpage

Mentioned in this episode:

Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes Content

In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community

Podcasting Observations

Don't Let Your Poor Upbringing Stop Your From Starting Your Podcast

If you grew up attempting to get the attention of your parents, friends, and others but couldn't, podcasting is THE way to get your message out to the WORLD. The School of Podcasting allows you to: Learn at your own pace Network with other brilliant podcasters Get UNLIMITED one-on-one coaching with Dave Jackson

School of Podcasting

See Your Show On Podpage

If you host a podcast, your website should work as hard as your episodes do. At Podpage, we automatically create a beautiful, professional site for your show — complete with episode pages, transcripts, audio players, SEO optimization, and built-in tools to grow your audience. No design work. No plugins. No ongoing maintenance. In less than a minute, you can see exactly what your podcast would look like on Podpage. Go to podpage.com/preview and generate your free preview site now. (No Credit Card Required) See your show the way it should look.

Podpage

Question of the Month: The Future of Podcasting

Someone asked me, and I had to think about it. So now I'm asking you, How do you feel about the future of podcasting? Where do you think it's going? (etc,). Feel free to share your opinion and why. Don't forget to tell us about your show and where we can find it.

Question of the Month

Hey, it’s Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting, and in this episode, I’m recapping my experience at Podfest 2026, which was a whirlwind of hallway chats, memorable dinners, and some eye-opening lessons. Here’s what I cover:

Hallway Conversations & Overheard Myths: I noticed folks were obsessing over tiny details like the exact minute a podcast should release, debating things like whether 8:01am is better than 8:00am. Honestly, I don’t think anyone is waiting by their phone for your show to drop to the minute. Being consistent matters more than timing it down to the second.

The Role (and Cost) of AI in Podcasting: I talked to podcasters searching for AI tools that could do everything—generate ideas, write scripts, edit, publish, you name it—ideally for free. The reality is, good AI isn’t free, and companies are raising prices when they add AI features. “AI” stands for “Always Increase” when it comes to your expenses!

Reflections on Video: Unlike previous conferences, there wasn’t as much pressure this time to dive into video podcasting. Most folks seemed to realize you don’t want AI or automation to create your whole show. Polishing? Sure, but not producing the meat.

A Cool AI Demo: I saw a preview of Episonic AI, which analyzes your past episodes, constructs a target audience profile, and even suggests topics and guests. It was interesting in demo form, but I’d want to play with it myself before really judging.

Conference Costs and Why They're So High: I break down just how expensive it is to put on a conference—think $10k to rent an LED screen and $8k just to plug it in. Even coffee for attendees can run $135/gallon! High ticket prices aren’t about gouging attendees; organizers are just trying to cover astronomical hotel fees.

Networking Magic: The biggest benefit of these events is always the networking. I had a blast connecting with old friends, like Daniel J. Lewis, Rob Walsh, Rob Greenlee, and James Cridlin, and got to enjoy some great stories and camaraderie.

Podcasting Hall of Fame: The Hall of Fame event was a highlight. Seeing so many people who’ve truly served the podcasting community—sharing knowledge, fighting legal battles, innovating—reminded me that serving your audience is the common denominator among podcasting greats.

A Word on Programmatic Ads: I discuss my article comparing podcast CPM/programmatic ads to the historic crash of banner ad prices on websites. My worry: as more low-quality, AI-generated shows flood the market and accept pennies, ad rates may sink across the board.

"How to Pitch a Podcast" Show Update: I’m experimenting with a new show concept where we share the worst—and best—podcast pitches. So far, the main hurdle is getting folks to submit their stories in audio form. I’ve simplified the process, and hope more people will participate. If not, it may become a segment rather than a full show.

Final Thoughts: If you went to Podfest, don’t wait to follow up with those business cards—make the most of your new connections! I share about my next steps, including attending the Novel Marketing Conference in Austin, and remind everyone to check out schoolofpodcasting.com if you want personal help growing your show.

Mentioned In This Episode

School of Podcasting Community

Podnews

Rich Graham the Merch Drop Show

Jeff Grief and the Sell'n Podcast.

Electronic Frontier Foundation

Podfest Expo

Episonic.ai

Capitvate Media Hosting

Podcast Hall of Fame Replay

Thanks for listening, please share the show if you found it valuable, and I’ll catch you next week!

Mentioned in this episode:

Podcast Hotseat Jump Start Your Podcast Growth

When you sit in the Podcast Hot Seat, you get help finding what you're doing right (so you can do more of that) and identifying those things that might need a little help. You also get a month of access to the School of Podcasting, which includes unlimited coaching.

Podcast Hotseat

See Your Show On Podpage

If you host a podcast, your website should work as hard as your episodes do. At Podpage, we automatically create a beautiful, professional site for your show — complete with episode pages, transcripts, audio players, SEO optimization, and built-in tools to grow your audience. No design work. No plugins. No ongoing maintenance. In less than a minute, you can see exactly what your podcast would look like on Podpage. Go to podpage.com/preview and generate your free preview site now. (No Credit Card Required) See your show the way it should look.

Podpage

Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes Content

In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community

Podcasting Observations

On today’s episode, I dig into my thought process as I consider launching a new podcast—and I walk through the essential questions I ask anyone who’s thinking about starting one. If you’ve already got a podcast, these questions might help you rethink your approach.

Why am I starting this podcast?

I share my background as a teacher and my desire to fight back against spammy guest pitches. I want to educate PR agencies and help fellow podcasters feel less alone in the sea of spam.

Who is this podcast for?

This show is for two groups: PR agencies (so they can do their job better) and podcasters (so they know they’re not alone and can improve how they handle pitches).

How will I measure success?

Instead of downloads, I’ll measure success by how many people utilize resources I share, like PodMatch and PodcastGuests.com. I’ll also keep tabs on affiliate signups.

What are the hurdles?

I reflect on a previous project, Dates from Hell, which struggled because it required audience participation but didn’t yet have an audience. For this new podcast, I’ll need a steady supply of good (and bad) pitches from listeners.

Is this a passion project, hobby, or business?

This is mostly a passion project and a hobby, driven by my desire to make a difference and maybe have some fun. If I can monetize it, that’s a nice bonus.

Why will my audience listen?

Listeners will tune in to hear entertainingly bad pitches, learn how to make their own pitches better, and find solidarity in their struggles with guest booking spam. Plus, I’ll offer educational insights that no one else seems to be sharing right now.

How long will it take to make an episode?

I estimate each episode will take around half an hour to produce, keeping things doable alongside my other commitments. You measure your production time and then choose your schedule.

Do I have time and resources to make this happen?

I’ve already got hosting, gear, and a plan for the website (PitchAPodcast.com). The biggest challenge will be getting enough listener participation to keep the show going.

Key Takeaway

1. I’m considering a crowd-generated podcast to tackle the problem of bad guest pitches.
2. If you’d like to participate, send me your stories of bad (or good!) pitches, info about your podcast and website, and details on your ideal guest.
3. I run through all the big questions to ask before launching, sharing my honest answers and experiences.

Links Mentioned

Pitchapodcast.com

schoolofpodcasting.com

podcastingobservations.com

Captive Media Hosting

Buzzsprout Media Hosting

PodMatch

PodcastGuests.com.

Podpage.com

---

If you have your own pitch stories or want to get involved, head to PitchAPodcast.com and share your experiences!

Mentioned in this episode:

Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes Content

In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community

Podcasting Observations

You Have A Message That Needs to Be Heard

You have a message that needs to be shared. Discover the art of podcasting at the School of Podcasting. We teach you to shine a light on your stories, inspiring others one episode at a time. Let your voice be your legacy. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join

School of Podcasting