Healing Our Marriage

I'm diving deep into the pros and cons of doing a live podcast, inspired by a question from Ralph over at askralph.com. If you’ve ever considered going live with your show—whether with video or audio—you’ll want to hear my honest take after years of experience.I break down what it’s really like to start live streaming, especially if you’re new to podcasting or just thinking about expanding into video. From gear recommendations, background setups, and green screens to my latest waste-of-money purchase (ouch!), I share what works, what doesn’t, and what you should really consider before investing.You’ll hear why consistency in scheduling is key and how I built a loyal live audience for Ask the Podcast Coach, which now feels like the new Saturday morning cartoons for my regulars. I talk candidly about realistic audience expectations—don’t be shocked when only a handful show up at first!—and why you shouldn’t start live if you're overwhelmed by tech.I run through my favorite live streaming platforms, like Restrea

Welcome back! In this episode, I tackle this month’s big question: "How long did it take you to bring your podcast from an idea in your head to execution—and how long to find your audience?"I share stories from guest contributors and reflect on my own process after launching nearly 40 different shows over the years. Todd the Gator kicks things off describing how his gaming show “Guardian Downcast” was born, with community members pulling him into hosting after another podcast called it quits. He recalls the whirlwind of learning what a podcast actually is, how to publish it, and how long it took their show to fully find its identity—hint: half their existence!Steve Stewart joins in, sharing that his first podcast took a full year to go from idea to launch. Facing the usual fears and uncertainty, Steve found accountability and guidance with a coach, which made all the difference. He also talks about the slow climb to finding an audience and how connecting with similar podcasts really helped boost those early n

In today's episode, we're going to pull back that curtain on podcasting best practices. And some of these conventions are grounded in logic and proven results, and others might just be myths that we're just blindly following. I explain why I think these are legit, and explain why some of these are not accurate. As always your audience may be different than mine, but based on 20 years in podcasting, these are the just some of the best practices I teach at the School of Podcasting.Why is Recording a Test Episode before launch a Podcast Best Practice?Authors have rough draftsAthletes have pre-seasonActors have dress rehearsalWhen you publish the first thing you record, you are essentially publishing a "rough draft." Anytime you do something for the first time, it's not as good as the second.Why is Defining a Clear Topic or Niche a Podcast Best Practice?It makes it easy to create content. If I'm making dinner for a bunch of vegans, I know what I can make and what I couldn't.This makes it easier to market. Now ins

Podcasting is a wild ride, and who better to ride along with us than Cassian Bellino? She's got this killer attitude that turns failures into stepping stones. Seriously, if you think you need a perfect setup to start podcasting, think again! Cassian talks about how she built her Instagram following to over 113,000 by just being herself and sharing her journey. It's not about how many people listen or follow; it’s about the fact that you’re doing what you love. We dive into the nitty-gritty of social media strategies, like how she engages her audience and drives them from Instagram to her podcast. And let’s be real, if you’re not experimenting and embracing the cringe, are you even trying? So, whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your podcast game, this episode is packed with gems that remind us it’s all about attitude, authenticity, and that sweet, sweet journey of learning.Takeaways: Cass's secret weapon for success isn't her tools, but her killer attitude that keeps her going. In podcast

The past year we've lost some great people in the podcasting family. Neil Guilarte and Todd Cochrane both died suddenly with no warning. If you're not prepared, you leave your family in a lurch adding to the stress of your passing. I bring on The Podcast Lawyer Gordon Firemark to explain some of the ins and outs (Gordon doesn't do wills and such, but can explain the process). As law change based on location you may want to hire someone locally, or use an online tool that adjusts to your location.Takeaways: If you don't have a will, your podcast may not end up where you want it to. Dying without instructions for your podcast can lead to chaos for your family. Setting up a will or a plan for your podcast is just plain smart business. Don't wait until it's too late; get your podcast plans in order now. Having a podcast prenup can save your loved ones from a lot of headaches later. Make sure your family knows how to access your podcast info if you suddenly vanish. Mentioned in this EpisodeSchool of Podcastin

Growing a podcast isn’t just about hitting record and hoping for the best. If you’ve been tuning in, you know we’re all about making remarkable content that actually resonates with listeners. Last week, we dug deep into what successful shows are doing differently, and trust me, it’s not rocket science. It’s about conversation, not just broadcasting. Today, I’m sharing free tools and insights to help connect with your audience better and some juicy news from Spotify that might just change the way you think about your podcast. Spoiler alert: it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. I looked at some of the big names in the biz and guess what? Most of them have one thing in common — they interact with their listeners. They don’t just talk at you; they want to talk with you. We’re talking newsletters, voicemails, and even knowing the eye color of your audience. Because if you can relate to your listeners on that level, you’re doing something right. I even had a hilarious blunder with my email list that turned into a g

I am still in shock about the loss of Todd Cochrane. I just saw him a few weeks ago 30 lbs lighter and looking great. I've known Todd for 20+ years. The man who wrote the very first book on podcasting. In looking for pictures, I only have this one in a group. Why? Because you always think a person will be there to do it next time. Todd was a character. Unique. There will never be another one. At every event I would end up at a table with Todd, "The Robs" (Greenlee and Walch) and other OGs. Always great to catch up and share insights with the goal of making sure the podcast space was doing OK.I will remember Todd as the courageous advocate of the independent podcaster. At one point he would get deals by grouping shows together. This was a HUGE nightmare of paperwork, but he wanted to see the "indies" make some money. I was one of those indies, and it was one of the first times I made money with a podcast. That wouldn't have happened without Todd.On a recent show he talked about he wouldn't do a deal where the

Over the 20 years there are certain questions that get asked over and over, and today I share my thoughts on How Do I Grow My Podcast Audience? The part that will get me in hot water, is I'm pointing my finger at your content (and delivery). Get the Remarkable Episode ChecklistWho and WhyWhen it comes to growing your podcast, there are two things that drive the content and the first one is who is your audience. It can’t be “everybody” and it can’t be “men 25 to 50” as there is a big difference between those two men. There is one situation that I’ll talk about in a minute that is an exception. The Three R’sRelative Content: Shows the audience, ““I understand where you are, and here’s something useful for you today.”Remarkable Content: Create episodes worth talking about or sharing.  A good podcast reliably informs or entertains with quality, while a remarkable podcast emotionally connects, inspires, and leaves a lasting impression through exceptional storytelling, unique content, or innovative presentatio

Outsourcing for your podcast is a bit like dating—you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince (or princess). This episode gets into the nitty-gritty of hiring help for your podcast, featuring stories from our listeners who’ve been there, done that, and got the t-shirt (or the horror story).Kim Newlove shares her success with hiring a coach and how that investment paid off in spades. On the flip side, York's experience is a cautionary tale about the perils of hiring without doing proper research. It’s a mixed bag of outcomes, and we’re here for all of it. We also explore the broader theme of investing in your podcast and the balance between saving money and getting quality help. After all, sometimes you gotta spend a little to save a lot—like time, sanity, and the integrity of your podcast. Tune in for laughs, lessons learned, and a whole lot of real talk on the do’s and don’ts of podcast hiring.Need Help Finding an Editor?If you need help finding an editor use THIS LINK which will go to Steve

Coming back from Podcast Movement, I've got a story that really drives home the point that nothing beats face-to-face networking. I mean, sure, we can all hop on Zoom and pretend we're connecting, but when you're actually sharing a meal with someone or just hanging out, that's where the magic happens. It's like the difference between texting your buddy and grabbing a beer – one is okay, but the other is where real connections are made. And let's be honest, who doesn't want to make meaningful connections while stuffing their face with overpriced convention center food?Takeaways: Networking in person is way better than any online stuff, seriously, just trust me. Most podcasters are totally wasting their listeners' time with a simple fix in editing. Chapters are a cool tool to help listeners skip to what they actually want to hear. If you want your podcast to grow, you might need to jump into the Podcast Hot Seat. Cutting out unnecessary parts of interviews can save time and keep listeners happy, who knew?

I've known Dave Hooper (host of Build a Big Podcast and Author of Big Podcast) since he put on the radio for the first time on Music Business Radio. When I heard that Dave had scored a job at Sirius I wanted the inside scoop on what it's like to work there, and what the heck is a "Producer."Dave explains that he got the job while being in "a funk" and he used that situation to introduce more "real" topics to channel 146 at 7 AM and Road Dog Trucking. I also share one sentence that jumped out at me from the Taylor Swift appearance on the new heights show. Takeaways: Ever wondered what it’s like at Sirius Satellite Radio? Well, buckle up, buddy, because David Hooper is here to spill the tea on some wild stories, including a hilarious instance of dead air that’ll make you cringe. Seriously, it’s gold. So, David’s job is basically a mix of five different roles. I mean, booking guests, prepping shows, running the board, cutting promos—what's next, making coffee? It’s a circus behind the scenes, folks! We all kno

Justin Moore is here to tell us how to snag sponsors like a pro. We chat about his book, Sponsor Magnet. Seriously, if you’re trying to get sponsors for your podcast, this is the book you need—like, yesterday. He dives into the absurdities of podcast monetization and how it’s not just about your download numbers but about your influence. Justin shares some gold nuggets on pitching strategies and why sending out a basic media kit is basically waving a white flag in the sponsorship battle. So, grab a snack, sit back, and let’s unravel the crazy world of podcast sponsorships together!This show is brought to you buy the School of PodcastingTakeaways: In the world of podcasting, having a solid media kit is apparently as useful as a chocolate teapot, so maybe just don’t bother with it. Justin Moore's book 'Sponsor Magnet' is the secret sauce for podcasters looking to snag sponsors without losing their minds. Podcasters are taught to monetize their audience, not just their podcast, which is a revelation that could

Filler words. We all know them, we all use them, and let’s be real, they’re annoying. You might think it’s just you fumbling through a sentence with a bunch of ‘uhs’ and ‘ums’, but guess what? We’re all in the same boat, paddling away from clarity and straight into the sea of confusion.In this episode, I dig into the strategies to kick those pesky crutch words to the curb. We chat about how you can sound smarter (yes, you heard that right) by practicing your communication skills and being more aware of what’s coming out of your mouth. With tips ranging from joining a Toastmasters club to simply taking a pause instead of filling the space with ‘you knows,’ we’re here to help you become the smooth-talking superstar you were meant to be. So let’s ditch the filler words together and find out how to express ourselves without sounding like we’re stuck in a loop of hesitation!What Stays and What Goes?For me, any time I can make myself or a guest sound smarter I will do it. For me, I go for the low hanging fruit. Thi

Ozzy Osbourne's recent passing has got me feeling all sorts of ways. I mean, who didn’t grow up jamming to ‘Crazy Train’ or wishing we could be half as cool as him? This isn’t just about mourning a rock legend; it’s about learning from the antics of a guy who built an empire on being unapologetically himself. So today, I’m diving deep into 15 lessons that podcasters can snag from Ozzy’s playbook. From being true to yourself (and not giving a hoot about the haters) to surrounding yourself with good people (looking at you, Sharon), I’m spilling the tea on how to keep your podcast alive and vibrant. Plus, I’ll share some wild stories about Ozzy’s crazy life that’ll make you laugh and cringe at the same time. Buckle up, because we’re about to rock this podcast world with some serious, Ozzy-inspired vibes!Mentioned In This EpisodeWDW Radio PodcastLou Monegello's TourBattery Organizer (aff)School of PodcastingTakeaways: Ozzy Osbourne may have died, but his legacy of being unapologetically himself lives on forever.

Traci DeForge is here to her knowledge about podcasting for your business without feeling like a total salesy weirdo. She’s busting the myth that you need 10,000 downloads to make a buck—seriously, you can start monetizing with just 1,500 listeners. We talk about how to weave your podcast into your business strategy without sounding like a used car salesman. If you’ve ever felt awkward about asking for sales, Traci’s got the lowdown on how to do it without the cringe. So, grab your earbuds and get ready to learn how to turn your podcast into a money-making machine while keeping it real and relatable!Takeaways: Most podcasters wrongly believe they need to drop $10k to start monetizing. Traci DeForge busted the myth that you need 10,000 listeners; 1,500 can do it too! Podcasting is all about strategy; it’s not just talking into a mic, folks! You've got to view your podcast as part of your whole business model, not just a side gig. Feeling salesy? Get over it! Your mindset can really change how you sell. If

Are Spotify and YouTube poisoning podcasting?I keep hearing how "What used to work in the past - doesn't work anymore? Well I disagree. Making great content that resonates with your audience has been around since the early days of radio, and if it make them FEEL something, you've got something that is golden. Giant companies always put profit over people, and with the latest AI band called the Velvet Sundown which has six figure streams. Why are AI Bands better than real musicians?They don't get sickThey don't complain about not getting paidThey can provide more music, more frequentlySo if the world starts to accept AI artists, if you're Spotify, why wouldn't you introduce an AI podcaster to deliver an evergreen topic? Spotify could promote it to make it popular and then run advertising against it and not have to worry about splitting the revenue with a podcaster.Both YouTube and Spotify entice you in with free services, and then once you grow dependent on them, they can do whatever they want and you don't ha

Juggling podcasting and personal life can feel like trying to balance on a three-legged stool while juggling flaming torches. In this episode, I look into the not-so-secret ingredients for maintaining a healthy work-life balance as a podcaster. We kick things off with a hard-hitting question: what happens when your love for podcasting starts to mess with your health and relationships? It's a real thing, folks, and I’ve seen it happen. I share my personal stories, including the ups and downs of my own marriages, and throw in some sarcastic wisdom learned from the school of hard knocks. I'm not claiming to be relationship experts, but we’ve been around the block a few times. I break down a simple yet effective framework for content creators: health, attitude, and support. Yes, I know, it sounds like a motivational poster, but stick with me. If you're not healthy enough to hit record, or if your attitude sounds like you just woke up on the wrong side of the bed, guess what? Your podcast is gonna suck. And don’t

In this month's "Question of the Month," I wanted to explore the discrepancy between Spotify's perceived dominance and the actual listening habits of podcasters. Despite frequent headlines touting Spotify as the number one streaming platform, my personal statistics and community feedback tell a different story. By surveying my audience about their platform preferences, I uncovered that Apple remains the top choice for most listeners, challenging the narrative often presented in media reports about Spotify's market leadership.Thanks to everyone who chimed in!Gear Review: HollyLand Lark M2s Wireless Lavalier SystemQuick Take:I was genuinely impressed by the Holly Land Lark M2s - this tiny microphone packs a surprisingly warm sound. At around $150, it's a solid investment for podcasters and content creators.Key Features:Compact wireless lavalier microphone systemVersatile receiver with USB-C and headphone jack connectivityCompatible with phones and recorders (I used my Rodecaster Duo)Built-in noise reduction app

So, today I'm diving into the mess that can be podcast burnout. You know, that moment when your favorite hobby morphs into a job you dread? Yeah, we’ve all been there. We're chatting about big names like Marc Maron and others who decided to call it quits and how that’s not just okay, but totally legit. Spoiler alert: sometimes stepping back is the best move you can make. I’ll sprinkle in some sarcasm and laughs as we explore the absurdity of it all—because let’s face it, if we can’t laugh at our struggles, what’s the point, right? If you've been thinking about starting a podcast but feel it's too crowded, realize all those podcasters who started back in 2005 might be being pulled in new directions that have them thinking about podcast retirement.Takeaways: Creative projects can sometimes feel like an endless cycle of stress and burnout. It's totally okay to step back from podcasting if it stops being fun for you. Many successful podcasters have experienced burnout, and it's a common issue in the industry.

Ever wonder why some podcasts spread like wildfire while others wither on the vine? Well, it turns out that a whopping 60 to 80% of podcasts are discovered through good old-fashioned word of mouth. Yeah, that means if your podcast isn’t getting shared, there’s a reason. So, what’s the secret sauce that makes people hit that share button? In this episode, I research the world of shareable content — you know, the kind that makes your friends feel like they need to hear it. Spoiler alert: it’s all about that emotional connection and delivering value. Plus, I’ll throw in some advice on being a better podcaster and maybe even a better dad. We also take a listen to the Zoom Podtrak P2Mentioned In This ShowZoom Podtrak P2Microphones Compatible with the Zoom Podtrak P2Samson Q2U USB MicrophoneRode Podmic USBLean Learning: How to Achieve More by Learning Less from Pat Flynn (audible)Voice of Greece PodcastCastahead.net - Podcast Producing and MoreLibsyn Ads Removes Limits (please note this IS programatic ads check the