What’s Next for Podcasting in 2025? (Hint: It’s Not Just About Video)

Podcasting is growing up fast, but are you keeping up? From political candidates hitting the mic to the rise of video podcasts, 2024 was wild—and 2025 is shaping up to be the same. Are you staying ahead of the curve?

I found a great article on Cohost's website about what 2025 has in store for podcasters. I'll link to those 25 trend predictions in the show notes if you want a more in-depth look into the future. But here are mt top 3 from the list.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

1. Creative Monetization Tactics: Discover new ways to make your podcast work harder for your business. Dynamic ads, private podcasts, and more!

2. The Rise of Video Podcasting: Why video matters more than ever—but why you shouldn’t jump on the bandwagon without a plan.

3. The Power of Authenticity: In a world flooded with AI, your unique voice is more valuable than ever.

4. The Case for Micro Podcasts (Bonus Trend): Why shorter, snackable episodes might be the next big thing.

Why this matters for you:

If you're an entrepreneur using your podcast to generate leads, establish authority, or boost sales, these trends are worth paying attention to. But here's the kicker: trends come and go, and not every trend is right for your show. I'll share how to stay listener-focused and make the right decisions for your podcast and business.

Mentioned in this episode:

1. Want to align your podcast with your business goals? Check out the Podcast Tune-Up Program for a step-by-step guide to realigning your show and boosting your ROI.

2. Link to the full 2025 podcast trend predictions from Cohost (in the show notes).

Stay ahead of the curve, stay true to your audience, and make 2025 your podcast’s best year yet.

Learn more about the Podcast Tune-Up Program → PodcastPerformanceCoach.com

Make Your Mic Matter: My Top Podcast Microphone Picks

Your microphone is the most critical piece of podcasting equipment, yet too many podcasters are using the wrong one—or using it the wrong way. In this episode, I’ll help you choose the best microphone for your podcast, no matter your budget.

We’re talking about:

1. Why your microphone can make or break your podcast.

2. The truth about the Blue Yeti and Joe Rogan’s Shure SM7B. - If it's too late and you already bought the Yeti - WATCH THIS video on how to use the YETI properly - https://youtu.be/0W7B7kxQdmc

3. My top 3 microphone recommendations for beginners, intermediate podcasters, and pros.

Plus, I’ll share tips on how to optimize your sound with simple tweaks to your recording environment and technique. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade, this episode will help you sound like a pro.

Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

1. My Recommended Microphones

2. Free Coaching Call

Invest in your podcast’s success and discover how the right microphone can elevate your sound, your authority, and your impact.

Let’s make your mic matter!

Ready to upgrade your podcast mic setup?

Check out my recommendations and get started sounding better today.

Feeling podcast burnout?

You’re not alone. Learn how to take a break from podcasting without losing momentum or disappointing your listeners.

Taking a vacation or enjoying family time shouldn’t mean letting your podcast audience down. In this episode, I share two powerful strategies for repurposing content, so you can keep your show running even when you need a breather. Whether it’s for the holidays, a summer break, or just a hectic week, these tips will save you time and keep your listeners engaged.

Here’s what I cover:

1. Republishing Old Episodes (with a Fresh Spin): How to bring back fan favorites with a new intro and outro that make them feel relevant and fresh.
2. Creating Patchwork Episodes: Collect past golden nuggets and turn them into “best of” content with curated themes, saving you time while delivering tons of value.
3. Batching “Break” Episodes: Plan ahead so you’ve got content ready for those busy weeks or much-needed vacations.

Plus, I explain why repurposing content isn’t just about saving time—it’s about showcasing the best of your podcast while staying consistent for your audience.

If your back catalog feels more like a pile of “meh” than “must-listen,” I’ve got you covered. Check out the Podcast Tune-Up Program to realign your podcast with your business goals and create episodes that are always worth revisiting.

Ready to learn how to keep your podcast alive while taking a break? Hit play now!

Resources & Links Mentioned:

1. Podcast Tune-Up Program
2. Episode 122: Learn about podcast content themes.

Wondering how to get more quality leads from your podcast?

The classic lead magnet is just one way to capture interest, but there are other, less conventional ways that can yield high-quality leads. In this episode, I share four powerful strategies that go beyond the usual funnel approach, so you can start generating leads that truly align with your business and convert with ease.

Here’s a quick look at these lead-gen ideas:

1. Invite Ideal Clients as Guests

   Bring potential high-ticket clients onto your show as guests—if done right, this can build trust and lead to conversions. I share how one client is winning with this approach and how you can too.

2. Create an Exclusive Community

   Extend your podcast’s reach by creating a fan club or private community. One of my clients uses Skool to bring listeners together for more value, which nurtures leads and strengthens loyalty.

3. Run a Strategic Contest

   Everyone loves a contest, but it only works if the prize is aligned with your ideal client’s interests. A client of ours offers program scholarships, driving engaged leads and growing her list.

4. Use Audience Engagement as Lead Gen

   Encourage listeners to submit questions, share stories, or attend a virtual meet-up. Not only does this generate content ideas, but it also builds a list of qualified leads.

Remember: These lead-gen strategies only work if your show is attracting the right audience. To make sure your podcast is aligned with your business goals, download my free Podcast Audit—the link is below. It’s a quick diagnostic tool to help you confirm if your podcast is set up for success.

Get your FREE Podcast Audit here

Are you wasting your first 30 seconds?

Is your podcast intro turning people away?

Too many podcasters kick off with random chit-chat, life updates, or awkward mic adjustments. Don’t let that be you!

You’ve got just half a minute to hook a new listener, and if you don’t, they’re moving on. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how to craft an intro that grabs attention and keeps your listeners around for the full episode.

We’re talking about creating a powerful Podcast Promise—an intro that lets listeners know exactly what they’re going to get by hitting play. Here’s how to set it up for maximum impact:

1. Your Show’s Name & Your Name

   Let listeners know who you are and what show they’re tuning into. Skip the laundry list of credentials; just get to the point.

2. Who Your Show Is For

   Call out your audience directly. Don’t try to appeal to everyone—be specific. You want listeners to feel like this show is for them.

3. What You Deliver Every Episode

   Tell them what they can expect from your show. Be clear about what you bring to the table, but keep it tight. Is it actionable tips? Case studies? Inspiring conversations? Make it clear and avoid a catch-all list.

4. The Outcome or Long-Term Benefit

   Give them a reason to keep coming back. What problem are you solving for your listeners? What’s the long-term benefit they’ll gain if they stick around? This is where your podcast promise seals the deal.

The right intro doesn’t just attract the right listeners—it repels the wrong ones. If your content isn’t a match for someone, you want them to know right away so they don’t waste their time (or yours!). A strong podcast promise attracts those who are primed for what you offer, making it easier to turn listeners into loyal fans and even clients.

Want to hear an example? I share a powerful podcast promise from one of my clients that perfectly illustrates how a clear intro not only brings in the right audience but also pushes away the wrong one.

So, is your podcast intro doing the heavy lifting it should? Use this checklist to put yours to the test:

1. Show Name & Host Name

2. Target Listener

3. What You Consistently Deliver

4. Long-Term Benefit for Regular Listeners

Put your podcast intro to the test and make sure it’s as strong as it can be. With the right intro, you’ll hook listeners early, build authority, and set your podcast up to serve you, your audience, and your business.

Now that you've analyzed your intro, let's have a look at your whole podcast (and find out how to improve your podcast ROI). Grab my free Podcast Audit.

Want more tips on perfecting each part of your podcast? Check out related episodes on show intros, topic intros, and guest intros right here: 

185: Why Your Guest Intro Sucks 

148: Nail Your Podcast Guest Intro Every time

40: How to Properly Introduce Your Podcast Guest 

34: Hook Listeners with an Effective Podcast Intro

23: Is Your Professional Intro a Turn-Off?

04: Creating Great a Podcast Intro

92: Why Niche Podcasts are Killing It

93: How to Niche Down Like a Pro

216: Overcome the Fear of Niching Down Your Podcast 

201: 5 Ways to Pivot Your Podcast for a Better Return on Your Investment

Are your podcast listeners taking action or just tuning in?

If your Call-to-Action (CTA) isn’t driving results, it’s time to rethink your strategy.

In this episode, I’m breaking down how to create a CTA that actually works. Whether your goal is to increase engagement, drive traffic, or generate leads, your CTA needs to be aligned with your business goals—and that’s where a solid strategy comes in.

First things first: you need one CTA per episode. Just one clear, specific action for your listeners to take. If you throw out multiple CTAs, they’ll do nothing. Let’s keep it simple and strategic.

Now, let’s talk about how to make sure your CTA serves your business. Are you asking listeners to do what you really need them to do, or just what you think you should be asking for? If your business needs more engagement, more traffic to your website, or a push in a specific part of your marketing funnel, your CTA should support that step in your customer journey.

And here’s the key: make sure your CTA is relevant to the content of your episode. For example, in this episode, we’re talking about CTAs, so it only makes sense to point you toward a tool that helps you refine yours. That’s why I mention the Podcast Tune-Up Program in this episode—it’s designed to help podcasters like you align your show with your business goals, refine your CTA, and improve your podcast’s performance.

Finally, take a close look at the data. What’s working? What’s not? If you notice one type of CTA consistently gets responses, lean into that. But if something isn’t pulling its weight, it might be time for a change.

Here’s your action step for today: review your current CTA strategy.

Is it working for your business? Does it align with your content and your customer journey? If you’re feeling stuck, that’s where the Podcast Tune-Up Program comes in. Together, we’ll get your podcast (and your CTA) on track to deliver real results.

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/podcast-tune-up/

Want to grow your podcast audience using Other People's Podcasts (OPP)? It's a great strategy, but we need to discuss one crucial piece of the puzzle: how to be a fantastic guest.

In this episode, I’m diving into what it takes to be the kind of podcast guest hosts want back—and more importantly, the kind that audiences remember. Because let’s face it, if you’re a guest who shows up unprepared, sounds awful, or doesn't promote your appearance, you’re not going to see the results you’re hoping for. And you can kiss those future invitations goodbye!

Here’s how to be a great podcast guest every time:

1. Show Up Prepared: It’s not rocket science. Listen to a few episodes, know the host's name (and how to pronounce it!), and understand their audience. Bring value by aligning your points with their audience’s needs, and don’t forget to have a memorable story ready to back up your message.

2. Sound Great: You wouldn’t show up to a job interview in sweatpants, so why show up to a podcast sounding like you’re recording in a tunnel? Use your podcast mic, find a quiet space, and make sure your sound quality reflects your brand. Need mic tips? Check out episodes 163, 157, 134, and even my very first episode!

3. Be Gracious and Promote the Episode: Once the episode is live, thank the host publicly and share it across your socials. This isn’t just about being polite—it’s about leveraging social proof. Promoting your guest appearance builds your credibility (and makes hosts more likely to invite you back).

4. Build Long-Run Relationships: Podcasting is about creating connections. When you’re a great guest, you open doors for future collaborations. Maybe the host will refer you to other podcasters or shout you out in future episodes. It’s all about creating a positive ripple effect.

The Bottom Line: Being a great guest is about positioning yourself as a trusted expert, building relationships, and leveraging your appearances to grow your audience. When you do this right, guesting on podcasts becomes a winning strategy.

Ready to level up your podcast guesting game? Hit play and let’s make sure you’re the kind of guest everyone wants on their show!

And if you’re using podcasting as a marketing tool for your business, subscribe for more 5-minute actionable tips. Want to make sure your podcast is set up for success?

Grab your FREE Podcast Audit at PodcastPerformanceCoach.com.

How do you grow your podcast audience in a crowded space?

In this episode, I’m sharing one of the most effective strategies I’ve seen: Other People’s Podcasts—or as I like to call it, OPP (yeah, you know me).

Being a guest on other podcasts is one of the best ways to get your message in front of new listeners who could become loyal fans (and customers!). I’ve seen my clients grow their downloads, generate leads, and even land high-ticket clients using this exact strategy.

But here's the thing—you have to do it right. It’s not just about saying yes to any podcast that invites you. It’s about getting your message on shows that actually attract your ideal audience.

In this episode, I cover my top 3 tips for successfully growing your audience through podcast guesting:

1. Quality over Quantity – Don't focus on booking tons of appearances. Focus on booking the right shows, ones that have listeners who are your ideal clients.

2. Have 3 Powerful Topics Ready – Know the most valuable ideas and stories that you can deliver on any show. The more prepared you are, the more impactful your appearance will be.

3. Pitch with Integrity – Do your research, make your pitch relevant to the podcast, and be authentic. Don’t waste anyone’s time, including your own.

Following these tips will help you land podcast appearances that can seriously expand your reach.

And, if you want to make sure your own show is ready for the new listeners you're about to attract, I’ve got a free 7-step podcast audit you can grab. It’s a diagnostic check to make sure your podcast is share-worthy and set up to convert listeners into fans.

Grab it at: PodcastPerformanceCoach.com/free-podcast-audit

Let’s make sure your podcast is working as hard as you are!

In this episode I reference a podcast guesting service.

Check out INTERNET CONNECTIONS.

Additional Episodes on Guesting:

In this episode, we’re talking about something that every podcaster needs but most are too scared to do—a podcast audit.

GET YOUR FREE PODCAST AUDIT NOW (Instant Access)

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/free-podcast-audit/

An audit sounds scary, right?

Like there’s a bunch of red tape, forms, government officials, and a quest for long-lost receipts involved. But I promise you, this is nothing like that. Think of it more like a health check-up for your podcast. Just like you go to the doctor to make sure everything’s running smoothly, your podcast needs a regular check-up too.

So why is this important?

First, your podcast is a direct reflection of your brand. If your audio quality is fuzzy, your content is meandering, or your messaging is as clear as mud, then guess what? Your listeners are seeing that mess too. An audit will help you identify if your podcast is reflecting your brand the way you want it to.

Second, if you're an entrepreneur or business owner, podcasting isn’t a hobby—it’s a serious marketing tool. You’re investing time, money, and a whole lot of love into your show, but if you’re not seeing real results—whether that’s more leads, more authority, or more sales—then something’s off. A podcast audit helps you figure out where your efforts are falling flat and what you can do to start getting the ROI you deserve.

Third, you don’t know what you don’t know. Maybe you started your podcast because someone said you should, or you saw other people using podcasting to increase their visibility. And that’s great! But there’s more to podcasting than just publishing regularly. If you want to get more out of your podcast than just 'having a podcast', you need to dig a little deeper. A podcast audit shows you what you’re missing so you can take your show from good to great.

Now you're wondering how to actually do a podcast audit...here’s the best part—I’ve got a free 7-step podcast audit process that I’m sharing with you. It’s a comprehensive, step-by-step guide that’ll help you diagnose what’s really going on with your podcast so you can make informed decisions about how to improve it (and boost that ROI).

So what are you waiting for?

Head over to PodcastPerformanceCoach.com/free-podcast-audit and grab your free podcast audit. Let’s turn your podcast into the marketing tool it was always meant to be.

GET YOUR FREE PODCAST AUDIT NOW (Instant Access)

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/free-podcast-audit/

Are you afraid that niching down will shrink your podcast audience?

Think again! In this episode, I’ll show you why going “nice and nichey” could actually be the best move you ever make for your podcast.

Spoiler alert: It’s not about getting more listeners; it’s about getting the right listeners.

We all know the temptation to appeal to everyone—after all, who wouldn’t want a massive audience? But unless you’ve spent decades building your brand like Joe Rogan, going broad is a recipe for getting lost in the noise. Instead, I’m here to tell you that focusing on a specific, well-defined niche can sharpen your podcast’s edge, grow your authority, and lead to better conversions.

In this episode, I dive into the real-life success stories of podcasters just like you who were hesitant to niche down, but once they did, they saw massive growth—not just in their listener base, but in their business as well.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Myth of the Niche: Why trying to be the next Joe Rogan isn’t a winning strategy for most podcasters.

2. Tracy’s Transformation: How narrowing her focus to boudoir photography turned a struggling podcast into a thriving business tool.

3. Andre’s Breakthrough: By zeroing in on reputation management for gyms, Andre’s podcast became the go-to resource for gym owners looking to stand out.

4. Overcoming Niche Fear: Practical steps to stop chasing everyone and start building a loyal, engaged audience that converts.

5. The Power of Deep Connection: How Inna’s pivot to a Hashimoto’s health podcast brought her back to the top of her field.

6. Why More Downloads Aren’t the Answer: Why focusing on niche content can lead to more sales and a more loyal audience.

Don’t let the fear of narrowing your focus hold you back from podcast success. Embrace your niche, and watch your podcast not just grow, but thrive.

Ready to Niche Down?

If you’re still on the fence about niching, let’s talk. 

Book a free podcast coaching call, and I’ll help you find the perfect niche that aligns with your expertise and audience. 

 Head over to PodcastPerformanceCoach.com and let’s get your show working smarter, not harder.

Resources:

1. Podcast Tune-Up Program

2. Free Podcast Coaching Call

Is AI threatening your podcast’s visibility? Find out how to stay ahead (and findable).

Search engines are changing, with AI-generated answers often superseding website recommendations. What does this mean for your podcast’s SEO and organic reach? If your podcast has been a major contributor to your website’s SEO, this shift could impact your visibility and growth. But don’t panic – there are strategies you can implement right now to adapt and thrive.

In this episode, discover:

1. Why AI-generated responses are becoming the new norm in search engines.

2. How to leverage email marketing to build and nurture your audience.

3. Strategies to increase your visibility and become an authority in your niche.

4. The importance of doubling down on social media engagement to build loyalty.

Learn how to diversify your marketing strategy and maintain the ROI of your podcast even as AI changes the landscape. Don’t let AI take the lead – equip yourself with the tips and tactics to keep your podcast top of mind for your listeners.

Hit play to find out how you can stay ahead of the curve and ensure your podcast continues to thrive in this evolving digital landscape.

Podcast Coach,

Tim Wohlberg

THE PODCAST TUNE-UP:

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/podcast-tune-up/