Podcasting Morning Chat

5 Simple Fixes That Instantly Upgrade Your Podcast

Today, we break down an indie podcaster’s episode structure, branding clarity, pacing, and storytelling opportunities as we evaluate Wander World School. This episode is packed with great discussion from the team about how creators can simplify, strengthen, and improve the listener experience. We talk pacing, cover art, segment transitions, call-to-action overload, monetization strategies, and where Suzy May (the host) shines with expertise and audience connection. Episode Highlights: [00:05] Introduction and what today’s evaluation is about [01:21] Spotify for Creators Wrapped and how to access yours [05:17] First impressions of Wander World School and who the show serves [10:00] Pacing, scripting, and delivery challenges [17:18] Cover art, title clarity, and branding recommendations [22:35] Show notes, cold open, and intro structure [30:21] Balancing personal updates with storytelling [35:16] Where the episode delivers strong value and how to move it earlier [38:38] Listener engagement elements that work well [43:37] Monetization opportunities for this niche [47:06] Audio leveling and production adjustments [48:49] Final takeaways for strengthening the show Links & Resources: 📍Wander World School Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2504669/ [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2504669/] 📍Wander World School EP 24: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2504669/episodes/18099719 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2504669/episodes/18099719] 📍 https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/zabnhq3ceqvvb5q61lgcn/WanderWorldSchool_V1.jpg?rlkey=uh1i5f4e1f18hova7y4rkifwc&st=k0cc03ny&dl=0 [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/zabnhq3ceqvvb5q61lgcn/WanderWorldSchool_V1.jpg?rlkey=uh1i5f4e1f18hova7y4rkifwc&st=k0cc03ny&dl=0]  📍Spotify for Creators https://creators.spotify.com [https://creators.spotify.com] 📍SpeakPipe (for listener voice messages) https://www.speakpipe.com [https://www.speakpipe.com] 📍Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting [http://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] 📍Want your podcast evaluated? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U] 📍Join us LIVE every weekday at 7 am ET:📍Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w [https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w]📍Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d [https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d] 📍YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick [https://youtube.com/@marcronick] 📍Brought to you by https://www.ironickmedia.com [https://www.ironickmedia.com] Some links may be affiliate links, which help support the show. Thank you!

3 New Platform Changes Every Podcaster Must Know - News & Comment

It's News & Comment day! We take a look at some surprising podcast industry stats that paint a very different picture of how many shows are truly active, along with a breakdown of YouTube’s new deepfake detection tool and the privacy concerns that come with it. We also introduce a new segment called the Random Podcast Clip of the Week, talk through what’s going on with the YouTube Shorts algorithm, share a strange Apple Podcasts autoplay glitch happening for some listeners, and chat with community member, BC Babbles [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bcbabbles/] about The Hashies, a new award recognizing indie creators doing great work on social media. Episode Highlights: [03:34] Introducing the Random Podcast Clip of the Week [06:56] Reactions to the LOL Podcast clip [12:59] Transition into News and Comment [14:39] Active podcast numbers and Buzzsprout global stats [17:10] What your download numbers really mean [18:09] YouTube vs podcasting comparisons [19:57] Listener loyalty and audio-first advantages [21:05] Spotify's Top 5 [21:38] Spotify Random Chart of the Week: Physics [23:57] Women’s Podcast Awards and community events [27:43] Speaker networking events and the EPC Holiday Party [30:28] Patreon launches RSS-based podcast hosting [32:06] Podcasting meets “slow TV” [39:18] Content Business News: YouTube’s deepfake detection tool[45:55] Apple Podcasts autoplay glitch explained[48:32] “Everything is Television” discussion Links & Resources: Tomorrow's Podcast Evaluation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2504669/episodes/18099719 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2504669/episodes/18099719] LOL Podcast (Random Clip of the Week): https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRuo8wPEYx-/ [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRuo8wPEYx-/]  The Hashies Social Media Awards https://hashieawards.com [https://hashieawards.com] Buzzsprout Global Stats https://www.buzzsprout.com/global_stats Women’s Podcast Awards https://www.womenspodcastawards.com Empowered Podcasting Conference Holiday Party: Email marc@ironickmedia.com to RSVP Podcaster Directory Meetup (use code PMC for free ticket) https://luma.com/y9cp8zna [https://luma.com/y9cp8zna] Send in your mailbag question: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ [https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/] or email: marc@ironickmedia.com Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Connect on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b [https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b] Join us LIVE every weekday at 7 am ET: Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w [https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w] Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d [https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d] YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick [https://youtube.com/@marcronick] Brought to you by: https://www.ironickmedia.com [https://www.ironickmedia.com] Some links may be affiliate links which help support the show. Thank you!

The Speaking Habits That Are Killing Your Podcas

Are filler words quietly sabotaging your podcast? In this episode, we dig into how subtle speaking habits like verbal crutches, awkward pauses, or rushed delivery can affect how confident and trustworthy you sound to your audience. I share practical tips for tightening your delivery like slowing down, using outlines or teleprompters without sounding stiff, and practicing with intention so you can show up more clearly and confidently behind the mic. Episode Highlights: [03:08] Remembering Sid’s mother and honoring our PMC community [06:55] Preview of Thursday’s Evaluation Episode: Wander, Water, School & Slow Family [09:42] AI-generated music and the surprising environmental impact of AI [14:39] The connection between filler words and confidence [18:12] Do you listen to your episodes after they’re produced? Here’s why you should [21:43] When filler words become catchphrases and when they don’t [27:21] How the strategic use of pausing makes you a stronger speaker [33:47] Why slowing down is the fastest way to sound more confident [35:52] Confidence behind the mic: scripting, outlines, and mental prep [43:02] Equipment that helps: teleprompters and visual focus tools [44:40] Final tips for warming up and embracing your natural voice Links and Resources: 📌 Check out the Elgato Prompter XL: https://www.elgato.com/us/en/p/prompter-xl [https://www.elgato.com/us/en/p/prompter-xl ] 📌 Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting [facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] 📌 Marc on YouTube:⁠ https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠ [https://youtube.com/@marcronick] 📬 Got a question for the show? Send it here:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ [https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/] or email marc@ironickmedia.com [marc@ironickmedia.com] 🎙 Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Connect on PodMatch:⁠ https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠ [https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b] 🗣 Join us live every weekday morning at 7AM ET: 🎧 Clubhouse:⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠ [https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w] 🖥 Chatter:⁠ https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d⁠ [https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d] 📺 YouTube:⁠ https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠ [https://youtube.com/@marcronick] Brought to you by⁠ iRonickMedia.com⁠ [https://www.ironickmedia.com] Please note: Some links may be affiliate links, which support the show at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

6 Lessons From the Kelce Brothers That Build Listener Loyalty

What can indie podcasters learn from one of the most talked-about podcasts of the year? Quite a lot, actually. Today, Jonathan Howard walks us through why New Heights, hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce, keeps fans coming back…and what we can apply to our own shows, even if we don’t talk about football (or engaged to Taylor Swift). From authentic emotional moments to naming your community, building recurring segments, and leveraging vulnerability, we explore what makes a podcast not just popular—but obsession-worthy. Episode Highlights: [00:15] Welcome Back: Thanksgiving recap & missing co-hosts [03:30] DR debuts a jazzy AI theme song using Suno [07:11] Ralph and Jonathan on creating AI-generated podcast music [12:10] Main Topic Intro: What makes New Heights obsession-worthy? [18:14] Clip: Brotherly bond & emotional storytelling [23:42] Clip: Jason Kelce breaks down after Super Bowl loss [27:24] Nick and Ralph share how vulnerability strengthens listener loyalty [31:26] Segment names and structure [33:06] The power of naming your audience (“92 Percenters”) [35:36] Clip: Listener shoutouts [38:50] Clip: Behind the scenes of the “92 Percenters” inside joke [44:20] Key takeaways [48:21] Can solo podcasters create the same level of connection? [53:11] Building familiarity through small, repeated moments Links & Resources: 📌 Join the Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] 📌 Submit your podcast for a future evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U] 📌 December 4th's Podcast Evaluation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2504669/episodes/18099719 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2504669/episodes/18099719] 📌 Learn more about Suno (AI music tool): https://suno.ai [https://suno.ai] 📌 Check out Ralph's New Podcast Intro (created by Suno): ⁠https://youtu.be/Gtxs4RKP--k?si=Bbooa3hXvMTDfgqY⁩⁠ [https://youtu.be/Gtxs4RKP--k?si=Bbooa3hXvMTDfgqY⁩] 📌 Auphonic Audio Processing: https://auphonic.com [https://auphonic.com] 📌 New Heights Podcast: https://www.newheightshow.com [https://www.newheightshow.com] 📌 Watch Marc’s podcaster float balloon video:https://www.instagram.com/p/DRkIJyFDoY7/ [https://www.instagram.com/p/DRkIJyFDoY7/]  📌 Marc on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick [https://youtube.com/@marcronick] 📬 Got a question for the show? Send it here: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ [https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/] or email marc@ironickmedia.com 🎙 Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Connect on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b [https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b] 🗣 Join us live every weekday morning at 7AM ET: 🎧 Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w [https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w] 🖥 Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d [https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d] 📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick [https://youtube.com/@marcronick] Brought to you by iRonickMedia.com [https://www.ironickmedia.com] Please note: Some links may be affiliate links, which support the show at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

I Forgot to Hit Record!

Recently, I had one of those gut-punch moments every creator dreads: a dream interview, a perfect conversation… and I realized afterward that I never hit record. It was embarrassing, frustrating, and, honestly, it shook me more than I expected. Instead of hiding it, I’m bringing the whole story here, the missteps, the emotions, and the lesson I learned about giving myself grace when things go wrong. And I’m not alone. In today’s episode, other creators from our community open up about their own podcasting fails. What starts as a collection of mistakes becomes something much more meaningful: a reminder that every podcaster, no matter how experienced, eventually stumbles. If you’ve ever felt the sting of a creative setback, this conversation is here to remind you you’re human… and you’re in good company. We’ll be taking Thanksgiving week off (Nov 24–28) to rest and recharge. See you on December 1st, 2025. Episode Highlights:  [02:01] Gemini 3.0 and Fun with AI Images   [06:34] Thanksgiving Week Plans  [08:12] Technical Difficulties During an Interview  [22:32] Sharing Personal Podcasting Fails   [32:05] Embracing Grace and Self-Compassion   [38:07] Celebrating Wins  [40:57] Networking and Community Building  Links & Resources:  Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] To Have Your Podcast Considered For Evaluation, Please Complete This Form:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform] Rodecaster Pro 2:  https://amzn.to/41h9yuN [https://amzn.to/41h9yuN] Riverside:  https://www.riverside.fm/?via=0676da [https://www.riverside.fm/?via=0676da] Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community. Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠ [https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] Or Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d [https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d] Live on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠ [https://youtube.com/@marcronick%E2%81%A0] Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠ [http://ironickmedia.com/]⁠  Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you! --- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ [https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/] or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠ Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here:  ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠ [https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b]