554. Podcast News: AI Ad Blockers, Video Strategy & Discovery

554. Podcast News: AI Ad Blockers, Video Strategy & Discovery

The podcasting world never stands still, and neither do the challenges creators face. The morning show cast and crew discuss AI ad blockers, video strategy & discovery, and the real cost of video production as platforms continue to evolve. From monetization and sponsorships to smarter growth strategies, the conversation looks at what today's headlines mean for podcasters trying to build a sustainable show. Whether you're launching a new show or growing an existing one, these stories reveal where podcasting is headed next. Episode Highlights: [03:28] Active Podcast Stats [07:57] Watch vs. Listen Trends [12:23] Podcast Ad Blockers Explained [13:57] The Ad Blocking Debate [22:00] How Creators and Sponsors Are Responding [27:35] Finding Better-Fit Sponsors [33:14] Riverside Editor Changes [36:28] Netflix and Video Podcasts [40:03] The Press Releases Debate [49:44] The Real Cost of Video Podcasting Links & Resources: Community Meet-up for Women, Trans, and NonBinary Podcast Experts: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-meet-up-for-women-trans-and-non-binary-podcast-experts-tickets-1993847710174 [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-meet-up-for-women-trans-and-non-binary-podcast-experts-tickets-1993847710174]Empowered Podcasting 3 Tickets (Use coupon code EPCMARC20): https://empoweredpodcasting.com [https://w] Riverside's New Editor Walkthru (Free): https://riverside.com/webinars/the-new-riverside-editor-live-walkthrough [https://riverside.com/webinars/the-new-riverside-editor-live-walkthrough] Podcast Ad Blocker: https://www.adblockpodcast.com/ [https://www.adblockpodcast.com/] Nielsen’s Podcast Listen & Watch Report: https://www.nielsen.com/insights/2026/nielsens-podcast-listen-watch-report/ [https://www.nielsen.com/insights/2026/nielsens-podcast-listen-watch-report/] Feature Your Podcast on the Podcasting Morning Show: https://PodcastingMorningShow.com/spotlight [https://podcastingmorningshow.com/spotlight] The Podcasting Morning Show: ⁠⁠www.podcastingmorningshow.com⁠⁠ [https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com] Ways to Watch or Listen:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/joinus/ [https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/joinus/] Meet the PMS Cast and Crew: ⁠⁠https://podcastingmorningshow.com/people⁠⁠ [https://podcastingmorningshow.com/people] Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: ⁠⁠www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] Book A Free Call With Marc: https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall [https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall] Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcastingmorningshow.com/eval⁠⁠ [https://podcastingmorningshow.com/eval] Powered by⁠⁠⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠⁠ [http://ironickmedia.com/]⁠ and⁠ ⁠ContentCreatorsAccountant.com⁠⁠ [http://contentcreatorsaccountant.com] Send in your mailbag questions:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/contact/⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠ [https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/contact] Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Show? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b [https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b]

553. The Hardest Podcasting Decisions Explained

The hardest podcasting decisions rarely have a perfect answer, and that's exactly what makes them so valuable. The morning show cast and crew tackle common creator dilemmas, from audience growth and guest selection to monetization, consistency, and creative freedom, without hiding behind "it depends." Every choice comes with a trade-off, and this conversation helps you think through what matters most for your show. By the end, you'll have a clearer way to approach the podcasting decisions that shape your success over time. Episode Highlights: [03:21] Social Media Manager Search [07:26] In-Person vs. Remote Recording [14:23] Big Audience vs. High Engagement [22:54] Discovery vs. Retention [28:56] Discovery vs. Promotion [29:44] The Warm Leads Strategy [31:17] The Dream Guest Debate [34:10] Celebrity Guest Pitfalls [42:17] Money vs. Creative Control [47:05] Viral Hit vs. Slow, Sustainable Growth Links & Resources:Classic Conversations with Jeff Dwoskin: https://jeffisfunny.com/ [https://jeffisfunny.com/] Feature Your Podcast on the Podcasting Morning Show: https://PodcastingMorningShow.com/spotlight [https://podcastingmorningshow.com/spotlight] The Podcasting Morning Show: ⁠⁠www.podcastingmorningshow.com⁠⁠ [https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com] Ways to Watch or Listen:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/joinus/ [https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/joinus/] Meet the PMS Cast and Crew: ⁠⁠https://podcastingmorningshow.com/people⁠⁠ [https://podcastingmorningshow.com/people] Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: ⁠⁠www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] Book A Free Call With Marc: https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall [https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall] Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcastingmorningshow.com/eval⁠⁠ [https://podcastingmorningshow.com/eval] Powered by⁠⁠⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠⁠ [http://ironickmedia.com/]⁠ and⁠ ⁠ContentCreatorsAccountant.com⁠⁠ [http://contentcreatorsaccountant.com] Send in your mailbag questions:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/contact/⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠ [https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/contact] Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Show? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b [https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b]

552. Which Podcasting Best Practices Still Work?

Some podcasting habits have been around for years, but are they still helping your show today? In this episode, the morning show cast and crew debate which podcasting best practices still work, putting common habits like podcast intros, guest bios, ratings and reviews, and calls to action on trial. Instead of assuming the old rules still apply, the conversation looks at what actually connects with listeners and what may be worth rethinking. By the end, you may find yourself questioning a few of your own podcast routines and deciding what's worth keeping, changing, or leaving behind. Episode Highlights: [03:08] Game Rules Explained [06:13] The Traditional Intro Debate [12:21] Intro Length and Testing [18:30] Ratings and Reviews: Do They Still Matter? [31:51] Multiple CTAs Explained [35:48] Mentions vs. True Calls to Action [37:29] Research That Improves Conversion [38:38] CTA Delivery and Building Trust [45:09] Should You Read Guest Bios? [46:48] Better Guest Introductions [54:20] Why You Should Kill the "Tell Us About Yourself" Prompt Links & Resources: Feature Your Podcast on the Podcasting Morning Show: https://PodcastingMorningShow.com/spotlight [https://podcastingmorningshow.com/spotlight] The Podcasting Morning Show: ⁠⁠www.podcastingmorningshow.com⁠⁠ [https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com] Ways to Watch or Listen:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/joinus/ [https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/joinus/] Meet the PMS Cast and Crew: ⁠⁠https://podcastingmorningshow.com/people⁠⁠ [https://podcastingmorningshow.com/people] Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: ⁠⁠www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] Book A Free Call With Marc: https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall [https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall] Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcastingmorningshow.com/eval⁠⁠ [https://podcastingmorningshow.com/eval] Powered by⁠⁠⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠⁠ [http://ironickmedia.com/]⁠ and⁠ ⁠ContentCreatorsAccountant.com⁠⁠ [http://contentcreatorsaccountant.com] Send in your mailbag questions:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/contact/⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠ [https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/contact] Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Show? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b [https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b]

551. Jay Shetty’s $100M deal: What Can Podcasters Learn?

A $100M podcast deal is something most creators can only imagine, but the real value isn't just the number. In this episode, the morning show cast and crew break down what Jay Shetty’s $100M deal means for the future of podcasting and ask the bigger question: what can independent creators actually learn from it? We talk about platform exclusivity, ownership, discoverability, sponsorship trust, and why building a loyal audience gives you options long before a massive deal comes along. Whether you're just starting or growing your show, you'll walk away with practical lessons that go far beyond the headline. Episode Highlights: [01:49] AI Narration Blind Test [04:41] Results and Listener Reactions [07:19] What Makes Voices Feel Human [10:20] Active Podcast Stats Explained [15:21] Business Bite: The Reality of Ad Revenue [25:04] News Bites: New Podcast Rankings [26:22] Credibility Beyond Downloads [30:06] Why Video Podcasts Are Still a Small Minority [31:59] Podpage SEO Boost [35:58] Riverside Multi-Cam Update [40:31] Jay Shetty Deal Links & Resources: Marc's Podpage Affiliate Link: https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/podpage [https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/podpage] Ralph Estep Jr.'s take on why the podcast ad boom won't pay most podcasters:  https://www.contentcreatorsaccountant.com/blog/good-news-for-podcasting/ [https://www.contentcreatorsaccountant.com/blog/good-news-for-podcasting/] Riverside's In-Person Recording: https://riverside.com/use-cases/in-person [https://riverside.com/use-cases/in-person] Inquire to be an Empowered Podcasting Volunteer: https://empoweredpodcasting.com/contact-us [https://empoweredpodcasting.com/contact-us] See the EPC3 Schedule: https://empoweredpodcasting.com/schedule [https://empoweredpodcasting.com/schedule] AI vs. Human Study: https://www.spoken.press/edisonsurvey [https://www.spoken.press/edisonsurvey] Feature Your Podcast on the Podcasting Morning Show: https://PodcastingMorningShow.com/spotlight [https://podcastingmorningshow.com/spotlight] The Podcasting Morning Show: ⁠⁠www.podcastingmorningshow.com⁠⁠ [https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com] Ways to Watch or Listen:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/joinus/ [https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/joinus/] Meet the PMS Cast and Crew: ⁠⁠https://podcastingmorningshow.com/people⁠⁠ [https://podcastingmorningshow.com/people] Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: ⁠⁠www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] Book A Free Call With Marc: https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall [https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall] Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcastingmorningshow.com/eval⁠⁠ [https://podcastingmorningshow.com/eval] Powered by⁠⁠⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠⁠ [http://ironickmedia.com/]⁠ and⁠ ⁠ContentCreatorsAccountant.com⁠⁠ [http://contentcreatorsaccountant.com] Send in your mailbag questions:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/contact/⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠ [https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/contact] Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Show? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b [https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b]

550. Podcast Sponsorship - A Practical Guide

Finding podcast sponsorships can feel impossible when everyone tells you to chase bigger download numbers first. The morning show cast and crew sit down with sponsorship strategist Losh Moodaley to discuss why audience trust, engagement, and genuine relationships matter more than raw reach when building brand partnerships. The conversation covers how to identify the right sponsors, use AI to research potential companies, build meaningful connections before making a pitch, and create opportunities that go beyond traditional CPM advertising. By the end, you'll have a practical roadmap for securing podcast sponsorships, even if you're running a smaller niche podcast. Episode Highlights: [01:20] Meet Losh Moodaley [04:15] Why CPM Is a Trap [08:14] A Local Sponsorship Strategy That Works [10:47] Partnerships Start with Trust [13:46] Sponsor Fit and Outreach Volume [20:02] How to Prove Your Audience's Value [23:29] Metrics That Matter Beyond Downloads [26:40] Warm Outreach and Building a Media Kit [31:12] Using AI to Research Companies [34:23] Red Flags and Sponsor Fit Signals [38:51] Warm Engagement Before the Pitch [45:37] Follow-Ups That Close Sponsorship Deals Links & Resources: Connect with Losh Moodaley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loshm13/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/loshm13/] Losh's Article on Podcast Sponsorship: https://www.thepodcasthost.com/monetisation/how-to-find-and-contact-podcast-sponsors/ [https://www.thepodcasthost.com/monetisation/how-to-find-and-contact-podcast-sponsors/] Feature Your Podcast on the Podcasting Morning Show: https://PodcastingMorningShow.com/spotlight [https://podcastingmorningshow.com/spotlight] The Podcasting Morning Show: ⁠⁠www.podcastingmorningshow.com⁠⁠ [https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com] Ways to Watch or Listen:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/joinus/ [https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/joinus/] Meet the PMS Cast and Crew: ⁠⁠https://podcastingmorningshow.com/people⁠⁠ [https://podcastingmorningshow.com/people] Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: ⁠⁠www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] Book A Free Call With Marc: https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall [https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall] Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcastingmorningshow.com/eval⁠⁠ [https://podcastingmorningshow.com/eval] Powered by⁠⁠⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠⁠ [http://ironickmedia.com/]⁠ and⁠ ⁠ContentCreatorsAccountant.com⁠⁠ [http://contentcreatorsaccountant.com] Send in your mailbag questions:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/contact/⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠ [https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/contact] Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Show? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b [https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b]