Episodes

Should you put the word podcast in your podcast title…or does it just make you sound outdated? In this milestone episode of Podcasting Morning Chat (number 365, meaning you could binge us every day for a full year!), the crew digs into two classic branding dilemmas. First up: the long-running debate over whether adding “podcast” to your show’s name is helpful for clarity or just plain cringey. Then we turn our attention to cover art. Does featuring a microphone make your brand instantly recogniz...

Is your podcast too boring? It’s a question that makes even seasoned hosts squirm, but for beginner and intermediate podcasters, it’s the elephant in the recording studio. Today, we dive headfirst into the uncomfortable truth: most podcasts lose listeners not because of bad audio or lack of guests, but because they’re just plain dull. We break down the subtle signs your show might be putting people to sleep, as well as the reasons why even passionate creators fall into the “boring” trap. Midway ...

Imagine a Netflix-style platform where you don’t just watch shows, you create new episodes, alternate endings, and even step into the story yourself. That’s the vision behind Fable, an AI company pushing the idea of “playable shows,” and it could change how we think about entertainment. It's podcast news day, so we also dig into YouTube’s new collaboration tools for creators, LinkedIn’s pivot toward video, and our thoughts on this move. As creators, we’re standing at the intersection of opportun...

If you could only choose one social media platform to promote your podcast, which would it be and why? We debate cases for using Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, Substack, and more because each choice sparks stories about reach and helps form closer connections with our communities. Midway, we flip the script: if you could only monetize your podcast in one way, which path would you choose? Would you take the membership route, ads, or another strategy entirely? Our conversation goes beyond s...

Is it ethical to charge podcast guests to “jump the line,” or is it simply a clever way to bring in extra income? That’s the question of the day. The crew weighs in on long release queues, pay-to-play options, and whether this practice feels fair…or a little questionable. Midway through, we pause for a heartfelt moment to celebrate Chris and Amanda, two longtime members of our community. After five years of co-hosting Song Swap Showdown, Amanda is stepping away on good terms, while Chris looks ...

Taylor Swift just broke the internet again, and this time joining her fiancé, Travis Kelce, and his brother, Jason, on their New Heights podcast. At its peak on August 13th, over 1.3 million people tuned in live on YouTube, making it the most-watched podcast episode ever on the platform. The demand was so intense it briefly crashed at the 1:44 mark, and today the episode sits at more than 21 million views. Spotify also reported a 3000% surge in new listeners and millions of extra streams, provin...

Would you trust a digital twin to produce all your content for you? Because that is now possible with Hey Gen's new "digital twin" feature. That’s just one of the hot headlines on today’s news day. We also break down Podcast Movement 2025’s headline-making merger with Sounds Profitable and what it means for creators, as well as the latest podcast charts, Google Gemini’s updates, and new AI video tools. We also tease Taylor Swift’s first-ever podcast appearance (more on this tomorrow) and communi...

Have you ever had an experience that changed the way you show up in the world? One that reignited your passion and reminded you why you care so deeply? Today I return from a 19-day summer break after volunteering at Camp Footprint, a sleepaway camp for kids living with CMT (Charcot Marie Tooth Disease). I served on the programming staff and rediscovered “Little Marc,” the playful, present version of myself who still believes in the power of community. This experience reminded me that podcasting ...

What’s something about your current podcast that you would like to change? Would you adjust the format, switch up the frequency, or try something completely different? That’s the question that kicks off today’s episode. While Marc is away at Camp Footprint, Sid and the rest of the crew take the lead, steering a lively conversation about private podcasting and why creators are exploring it, and some creative ideas we’d love to try. We share insights on how it can add value for your audience and o...

Taylor Swift just shook up the podcasting world…again. While Marc is away at Camp Footprint serving as a counselor, DR and the crew take the wheel to unpack Swift’s surprise reveal of The Life of a Showgirl on Travis Kelce’s New Heights podcast, the surge in engagement it sparked, and what it means for the Kelce brand. We also look at a new study showing most listeners only make time for three podcasts each week and how creators can earn a place in that lineup. Then, we break down AUSHA’s newly ...

Google may be forced to give up Chrome, and that’s just the start of today’s headlines. While Marc is away at Camp Footprint DR and the community lead the conversation on podcasting’s most profound news. We cover the $34 billion Chrome bid from Perplexity AI, what users are saying about Chat-GPT5, and the unusual lawsuit pitting Mattel against a podcaster named Ken. Add in Shondaland’s podcast division closing, Patreon’s $10 billion payout milestone, and YouTube’s latest updates, and we've got a...

Are you using Spotify for Creators to its full potential? If not, you’re in for a treat. While Marc is away at camp, podcast producer Chris Stone of The New Statesman joins us to share powerful, lesser-known tools hidden inside the Spotify for Creators platform. Spoiler: you don’t need to host with Spotify to unlock them. Chris reveals his favorite features for boosting engagement, including interactive polls and customizable episode previews, as well as the SEO tactics that can help your show g...

When trailblazing AI news drops, we talk about it. Today, Sid Meadows takes the host chair while Marc travels, and we open with the launch of ChatGPT-5. We look at what’s changed, how the update works, and the creative ways people might use its app-building features. The conversation flows into the real highs and lows of content creation. We share our experiences bringing ideas to life and the challenges of staying centered and avoiding burnout. We also unpack what authenticity could mean in an ...

What should you look for when renting a podcast studio? With more studios popping up in big cities, it’s an exciting step, but how do you know what’s worth the money? Today, we break down what to ask before you book, red flags to watch for, and how to tell if a studio offers real value or just fancy lights. We also discuss pricing, gear, camera setups, and what studios often don’t tell you upfront. So if you’re considering recording outside your home, this conversation will help you show up prep...

Amazon just laid off 110 people at Wondery and is folding parts of it into Audible and Amazon Music. That’s one of the big stories we’re talking about on today’s podcast news day. We also share that Descript dropped new tools that could make your workflow easier, ElevenLabs is getting into AI music with licensing options, and Buzzsprout’s latest numbers give you a better idea of where your show stacks up. We also discuss Edison’s new top podcast badges and why your thumbnail and title might matt...

Do you assign numbers to your podcast episodes? Why or why not? Today we’re answering mailbag questions that go deeper than they seem. We unpack why some podcasters swear by numbering and others skip it entirely. Then, we share our deciding factors for using custom artwork in each episode and how that choice can affect branding and discoverability. We wrap up with a conversation that always gets people fired up… what matters more: great content or clean audio? These behind-the-scenes choices can...

What if your podcast could reach listeners in their native language with your own voice? With Marc traveling today, co-host Sid Meadows takes the lead as we unpack YouTube’s new AI dubbing tool and what it could mean for creators. Nick explains how it works, and the rest of us weigh the pros and cons, asking the big question: Will any of us actually use it? We then explore Riverside’s move into podcast hosting and whether an all-in-one platform is truly beneficial for podcasters. As always, we e...

If you’re new to podcasting, you might be thinking…How do I get people to actually engage with my show? Today, we answer a listener’s question about audience interaction and explore creative ways to bring your listeners into the conversation. We cover free tools like SpeakPipe, which lets listeners leave voice messages you can feature in future episodes, and introduce RodeCaster’s new “Call Me” feature that opens the door to real-time connection regardless if you go live or not. You’ll also hear...

Did you know Baby Boomers are tuning in more than ever, and new Edison data shows a 19% jump in weekly podcast listening among adults 55 and up? It's news day, and this is one of the stories we are digging into. We also give you the scoop on YouTube’s profanity rule change, RSS.com’s monetization update for small shows, and Netflix’s move into video podcasts. We reveal Time Magazine’s podcast list and why it left off some of the biggest names. Later, we explore new research on reading books vs l...

What tools are you using to get the job done in your podcasting workflows? Today, we answer a listener’s question about the best tools for recording podcasts and producing both long and short-form video clips. We share our honest opinions on tools we use, ones we regret buying, and offer practical tips and workarounds to improve your process. If you’re looking for ideas to add or possibly avoid in your podcast toolbox, you’ll find plenty of real-world recommendations, and we hope our insights wi...

Earlier this week, we swapped stories about “guests from hell,” so today we’re flipping the script. What makes someone the ideal podcast guest? We break down the traits that set great guests apart, like being prepared, respecting the host’s time, promoting the episode, and knowing how to tell compelling stories. We also talk about why podcast interviews aren’t always just casual chats. Even the most relaxed shows still need to keep the listener front and center. Later in the episode, we shift ge...

What would you do if your podcast’s Instagram account were banned for no good reason? That’s what happened to the host of Dopey, a podcast about addiction and recovery. Today, we discuss what led to the ban, how he’s responding, and what creators can do when platforms get it wrong. Later, community member Paula shares the emotional toll and what it feels like to be recognized for your work but still feel like a fraud. We explore imposter syndrome, accepting success, and figuring out what paths a...

Is listening to podcasts at double speed harming your cognitive function? A new study says it might be. Today, one of our news stories highlights recent research on cognitive overload and its implications for the way we consume content. We also take a moment to honor the life and legacy of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who recently passed away in a tragic accident. His final podcast episodes and a heartfelt video message remind us of the power of showing up for others. Later in the show, we explore how ...

You're at the start of recording a podcast episode. You ask your guest a question, and they go on a 10-minute tangent; you can't get a word in! What do you do? Today's question is inspired by our virtual mailbag, and we’re giving our takes on how to manage conversations with guests and also know when to make edits to clean up the message for our audience. We cover how to redirect a rambling guest and what we've done in our personal experience when this happens. We also touch on the crutch words ...