Episodes

Do you dream of seeing your listeners sporting your podcast's merch? Whether it's t-shirts, mugs, or stickers, creating merchandise is a fantastic way to spread your brand and foster a deeper connection with your audience. However, the path to merch success is paved with pitfalls that make many podcasters stumble. Today we’ll guide you through the dos and don'ts of selling podcast merchandise. We are uncovering insights on design, production, marketing, and sales. You'll learn how to create swag...

Join us on today's special episode of PMC, where Dominic Lawson and Nick Nalbach step in to host, bringing a fresh and engaging twist to our regular programming. Dive into discussions on podcasting techniques, character studies from old sitcoms, and marketing & advertising strategies. Episode Highlights: [4:31] Ice-breaker: If you had the chance to interview somebody a TV or movie character from a podcast, who would that be? [6:08] TV shows and characters for podcast interviews. [14:11] Podcas...

In this episode, we discuss podcast awards with moderator Dominic Lawson, a master of the craft with 23 awards to his name. Together, we explore what sets an award-winning podcast apart—think top-notch production, riveting stories, and real engagement with listeners. Dominic dishes out invaluable advice, from picking the perfect award categories to mastering the application process, and even how to campaign effectively if you’re nominated. Plus, one of our own community members discovers they wo...

In this episode, we discuss podcasting tools as well as podcast sponsorships to help you navigate the logistics of podcasting. We’ll explore when it’s time to upgrade your podcast's video and audio quality, along with insightful advice on securing sponsorships that fit your brand. Episode Highlights: [2:47] Ice-breaker: Do you acknowledge May the Fourth as Star Wars Day? And did you celebrate it in some way? [6:51] Podcasting, including upgrades for recording equipment. [13:03] When to upgrade...

Today, we’re digging into some important updates and practical advice for all you podcasters out there. We'll chat about the upcoming Empowered Podcasting Conference—remember, early bird tickets are ending soon—and we've got a great question from Serena who’s curious about avoiding common newbie mistakes in podcasting. Plus, I’ll sprinkle in some of the latest podcasting news, including the top charts and a reminder about the Signal Awards application deadline. Episode Highlights: [5:58] Mailba...

Today’s episode kicks off with an ice-breaker where we ask our community members to describe their podcast’s style. Then we move into an interview of sorts with one of our community members, Jonathan Howard. Jonathan shares with us how he curated his own signature style in podcasting, valuable tips for content creation on social media, and the impact of how storytelling led to significant changes in his industry and beyond. Episode Highlights: [7:15] Ice-breaker: If you had to describe your pod...

In today’s episode, we cover a wide range of topics as we go through the mailbag and hit some great questions from the community. First, we ask a simple but in-depth ice-breaker to find out some motivations behind why we podcast. We’ll also share various tools and suggestions to optimize your podcasting processes such as equipment, software, and documentation tips. Then the community provides some advice for navigating transitions within their show and how to continue to grow by learning and fin...

In today’s episode, we answer a question from the community mailbag regarding podcast recording schedules and share our thoughts about batch recording episodes. Nick and I will recap our time at Stacy Sherman’s ‘PodXperience’ event from 4/25 and our takeaways. And, of course, the community will share their podcasting wins from the week such as landing awesome guests to interview and hitting download milestones. Episode Highlights: [1:22] Podcasting, travel experiences, and gatherings. [8:03] A...

In today’s episode, we’re taking our own advice from yesterday’s show and doing something different with our intro music, making it shorter and getting straight into our chat faster than ever. Nick and I will share our thoughts on why this might be the key to a more engaged audience. Then we’ll share insights and innovations for podcast events. After just attending one, I have some strategies to share that could be game-changers for those planning their own. Stacy Sherman covers some great tips ...

In today’s episode I initially planned to pull questions from our listener mailbag. However, as it often happens, our pre-mailbag conversation took center stage, which turned into an awesome discussion that we just couldn't cut short. The community shared their opinions about podcast intros and why we should or shouldn’t have one and what the intro should include. Episode Highlights: [9:06] Podcast intros, including length and content. [12:48] Preferences and storytelling in podcast intros. [...

In this morning’s chat, we start off with an icebreaker question to our community members asking them to share their podcast listening habits. Such as how many episodes they’re listening to each week and how they decide which one is next. Then, we’ll shift gears to moving from audio only to video podcasting and share some equipment tips that could help you with that change. Episode Highlights: [5:21] Ice-breaker: How many podcasts do you listen to or watch in any given week AND how do you deter...

This morning, we shared this question, “What are 1-3 milestones or indicators that would signify success for your podcast?” It set the stage for an engaging discussion on the milestones that define our success in podcasting. In this episode, our community shares how they gauge their podcast's impact and how they have celebrated small victories along their podcasting journey. Episode Highlights: [4:25] Ice-breaker: “What are 1-3 milestones or indicators that would signify success for your podcas...

In today’s episode, we’re covering a topic that every podcaster struggles with: how to balance the spotlight between the host and the guest. We’ll share insights from our community and discuss three key areas: improving guest engagement, the host’s role in leading the conversation, and the ins-and-outs of sharing topic knowledge between host and guest. Episode Highlights: [7:17] Enhancing audio quality using Auphonic [13:01] Opening Question: “In interview-style podcasts, should the host focus...

In today’s episode we cover a few different topics starting with a great discussion on podcast naming. Amanda Yoa asked in the Facebook group for advice on rebranding her podcast and making the name capture the essence of her and her show. Then we dive into the podcast news discussing new podcast tools and equipment, including recommendations from the community. Plus, ‘Mick’ from The AI Briefing podcast joins the show! Episode Highlights: [9:39] Podcast titles, target audience, and SEO strategi...

In this episode, we talk about YouTube and podcasting with a focus on the growing success of Nick’s new show, "The AI Briefing." We also compare YouTube and Apple Podcasts, weighing up audience reach, content management, and monetization. Is YouTube on its way to being a preference for podcasters? Plus, we hash out the age-old debate: laptops or desktops for podcast production; based on a question brought to us by one of our Facebook group members. Episode Highlights: [7:40] Ice-breaker: Which ...

In this episode, we dive into the unique challenges faced by podcasters of color, underscoring the importance of community support and the nuances of inclusivity in podcasting. Sparked by last Friday's conversation, today's discussion offers deeper insights into representation and equity within the podcasting sphere. Episode Highlights: [7:28] Podcasting and representation, with a focus on marginalized voices. [15:49] Race, culture, and support in the workplace. [24:42] Empowering podcast lea...

This morning we focused on an important question, “How has your journey as a podcaster helped you grow personally or understand yourself better?”, and the room members got right into the personal changes they’ve experienced through podcasting. Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, today's reflections will offer valuable insights into the rejuvenating power of remembering where we came from and how we’ve grown. Episode Highlights: [3:45] Ice-Breaker: "How has your journey as ...

Many podcasters can often hit that wall when trying to infuse your episodes with that storytelling magic that just hooks your audience. Today, we're tackling that head-on with the storytelling maestro, Cary Munk.We’re also diving into the nuts and bolts of what makes a podcast truly resonate—things like the essence of a compelling story, the power of starting with the end in mind, and yes, the art of selling without selling. You're definitely going to want to stick around for this one. Episode ...

Today, in addition to covering the latest podcast news, we explore those certain things other podcasts and podcasters do that cause us to press stop and move on to the next show. Episode Highlights: [3:39] Ice-breaker: Continuing the discussion from yesterday, What’s an instant turnoff when you listen to a new podcast or watch a new YouTube channel? [4:20] Audio quality as an instant turnoff for podcast listeners. [6:36] Too much small talk and poor interview techniques. [14:02] Podcast forma...

In today’s episode, we turn to our members for insights on Nick Nalbach’s new AI-created podcast, ‘The AI Brief’. He's asking for the different assets we produce in conjunction with our podcasts. In our next segment, we ask our community members to put on their 'listener/viewer hats' as we discuss when, where and why we consume podcasts, what apps we use to play podcasts, and podcasts that are ad-supported vs subscription models. We’ll share several awesome resources to help bring your podcast ...

In today’s episode, our 'question of the morning' brought on a lot of great insights about relying on social media for growing a podcast- from skepticism about abandoning social media to enthusiastic endorsements of alternative strategies. Some themes that stood out were, the role of social media in podcast growth, personal outreach vs public platforms, and the importance of content variety and strategy. Episode Highlights: [5:26] Ice-breaker: “Is social media a necessary evil for growing a pod...

In today's episode, we're discussing our goals for the second quarter of 2024 - from optimizing recording and batching methodologies to strengthening their resolve around goal-setting and maintaining professional boundaries. Plus, YouTube monetization, navigating copyright claims, and the spirit of community as we continue to support fellow creators across diverse platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Episode Highlights: [4:51] Ice-breaker: "Share one goal (preferably related to your podcast) that...

In this AMA episode, we dive straight into the heart of podcasting, addressing a crucial challenge many of us face: striking the right balance between drawing inspiration from admired creators and creating unique content that stands out. Episode Highlights: [5:33] If you could change one thing about your podcast right now what would it be and why? [5:56] Podcast potential and self-sabotage. [11:18] Communication and self-sabotage in podcasting. [13:52] Personal branding and authenticity in po...

In today’s episode, we discuss the latest in podcasting, social media, and more that keeps us on our toes. From a brand new feature on LinkedIn that's catching every content creator's eye, to a special workshop by YouTube dedicated for podcasters, and the icebreaker that got us all thinking: would you choose only podcasts or TV for a month? Episode Highlights: [4:05] Ice-breaker: If you had to choose between only podcasts or TV for a month, which one would you pick? And why? [8:16] Podcasting a...