Podcast Pontifications

Is intimacy overhyped in podcasting? Probably. Advertisers don’t buy podcasts because podcasts are intimate. They buy podcasts because podcasts perform and provide results. Making a more intimate experience hasn’t really impacted average ad CPMs which feel rather stagnant at between $20–$30 CPM for what… the last decade or so?

And do we even measure intimacy in podcasting? Spoiler: we can’t...

The degree of autonomy and self-determination we have as podcasters is staggering. But we can get caught up in “the rest” of podcasting & overlook others struggling to find the freedom we enjoy.

I sometimes forget how empowering the act of podcasting can be. Intellectually, I understand it. But I tend to forget that, for many podcasters, empowerment is the entire reason why they podcast...

No rational podcaster likes spending money needlessly. But every day, podcasters make choices on and around their shows without understanding the underlying costs to their podcast or themselves.

Mentioning products or services on your podcast has value. But each mention also has a cost. A cost you pay with your reputation.

With advertising or sponsorships, there’s a risk listeners will react negatively...

Unfortunately, the confidence one gains with podcasting bestows neither invulnerability nor immortality. When you’re taken down—or perhaps out—do you have a good plan to inform your audience? 

On a long enough timescale, one day, our audience will no longer be able to hear our voice for an extended period of time. Perhaps forever. Or, less dramatically, perhaps for an extended period of time...

What’s great about podcasting is that not everyone has to get you or your podcast. That was one of the great things about Norm MacDonald, a comedian from whom podcasters can learn a thing or three.

It’s been said that when people want to laugh, they watch a comedian. But when comedians want to laugh, they watch Norm MacDonald. Norm was, by all accounts, a comedian’s comedian.

I rather like the idea of being known as a podcaster’s podcaster...

As interest in podcasting heats up, networks new and old are reaching out to podcasters to make it a group effort. Joining a network may be right for your podcast, but consider these five must-haves before you sign.

A quick caveat before I start: Podcasters join networks for lots of reasons. Podcast networks exist for lots of reasons...

Who better to inspire fledgling podcasters than a podcaster at the top of their game! But for seasoned podcasters who want to get better, the value of playing follow the leader can quickly fade.

Many podcasters want to get better at podcasting. The fact that you're reading this article or have listened to the accompanying audio episode is a strong indicator that you want to get better at podcasting...

Where does the serious podcaster go when seeking to up their game? The web is lousy with “how to get started in podcasting” resources. Fortunately, there are also some great next-level resources. Here are five:

1. Podnews - The aim of the publication is not to make you a better podcaster. Instead, it’s designed to update you on the latest podcast news. Which, I’d argue, is an important thing for serious podcasters to do...

Starting a podcast is easy. But becoming better by following self-serve, learn-at-your-own-pace materials will only get you so far. Sometimes, you need a specialized curriculum to make you a better podcaster.

Writing Podcasting for Dummies back in 2005 taught me to love podcasting. Writing Expert Podcasting Practices for Dummies a few years later almost made me hate it...

It’s true that it’s cheap to start a podcast. It’s also true that the best podcasters don’t often podcast on the cheap. Getting serious about podcasting means selecting serious podcasting tools and services.

As is the case with most other creative pursuits; podcasters have options to use a better suite of tools and services that allow them to save time and—in the long run—money by letting them focus more on mastering the craft of podcasting...