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

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]

How to Get Found on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Getting discovered isn't just about publishing more episodes. On today’s special, Empowered Podcasting LIVE! [https://podcastingmorningshow.com/epclive], myself, Jason Cercone and Rich Perry are joined by Julia Levine, the Podcast Teacher and break down 'podcast SEO', which helps the right listeners find your show instead of chasing them across social media... Episode Highlights: [00:00] Why Podcast SEO Matters [04:07] Julia's Podcasting Journey [06:47] Podcast SEO vs. Google SEO [11:58] Interview Shows and Keyword Strategy [14:57] Solo Episodes and Scripting Tips [19:47] The Three-Step Podcast SEO Framework [25:31] Show Notes Hooks and Common Mistakes [34:32] Show Notes SEO Basics [41:01] How Individual Episodes Rank in Search [43:36] Julia's Conference Journey Links & Resources: Join us at Empowered Podcasting August 21-23: https://empoweredpodcasting.com [https://empoweredpodcasting.com/] (20% off with code: EPCMARC20) Connect with Julia Levine: https://thepodcastteacher.com/ [https://thepodcastteacher.com/] Connect with Jason Cercone: https://www.bombtrackmedia.com/ [https://www.bombtrackmedia.com/] Connect with Rich Perry: https://richperry.com/ [https://richperry.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]

549. Why Podcast Conferences Leave Podcasters Overwhelmed

Feeling overwhelmed by podcasting advice, creator conferences, and too many decisions? This conversation shows how Empowered Podcasting Conference 3 (EPC3) is being built to help podcasters overwhelmed by information overload find more simplicity, stronger connections, and a real sense of community. In this episode, I hand the conversation over to the Podcasting Morning Show team for a behind-the-scenes look at Empowered Podcasting Conference 3. Joining me are Jason Cercone, Rich Perry, Ralph Estep, and members of the podcasting community as we discuss the origins of EPC, the lessons learned from the first two conferences, the challenges of planning an intimate event, and why independent podcasters need spaces where they can feel supported, connected, and inspired instead of overwhelmed. Episode Highlights: [10:19] Why Creators Need EPC [16:20] The EPC Origin Story [18:44] Early Risks and First Wins [21:04] Lessons from the EPC2 Stress Test [26:53] Partners and Event Roles [31:37] The Virtual Tickets Debate [35:07] Building Year-Round Sponsorships [40:30] Community and Networking Matter Most [47:36] Intimacy vs. Conference Growth [50:53] How Speakers Are Selected [55:29] Volunteers Wanted! Links & Resources: Join us at Empowered Podcasting August 21-23: https://empoweredpodcasting.com [https://empoweredpodcasting.com] (20% off with code: EPCMARC20) Connect with Jason Cercone: https://www.bombtrackmedia.com/ [https://www.bombtrackmedia.com/] Connect with Rich Perry: https://richperry.com/ [https://richperry.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 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]

548. YouTube Podcast Growth, Podcast Movement and Industry News

Finding your podcast is still harder than it should be, and this week our cast and crew dig into why discoverability remains a challenge for indie creators. We also cover podcast movement updates, including the new community voting process for conference sessions, YouTube growth tips that many podcasters overlook, and the latest platform changes affecting creators. Ralph's Business Bite breaks down why Starbucks is paying baristas to create TikTok content and what that strategy can teach creators about authentic marketing and generating new revenue. Along the way, we discuss captions on YouTube, Facebook's creator updates, new recording tools, and what these shifts could mean for growing your show. Episode Highlights: [03:28] Active Podcast Stats Explained [06:34] What the Numbers Really Mean [11:00] Billy's 100 Reels Challenge [17:54] Oversaturation vs. the Algorithm [23:11] Business Bite: Starbucks and TikTok Marketing [25:37] Trust Beats Ads Every Time [25:54] The Creator Tax Reality [32:23] How YouTube Captions Boost Discoverability [39:06] SureTake Recording Tool [42:41] Podcast Movement Voting Links & Resources:Billy Thorpe's 100 Reel Challenge: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1731930684713828 [https://www.facebook.com/reel/1731930684713828] Vote for Ralph to speak at Podcast Movement 2026: https://podcastmovement.fider.io/posts/329/your-podcast-is-a-business-now-keep-more-of-what-it-makes [https://podcastmovement.fider.io/posts/329/your-podcast-is-a-business-now-keep-more-of-what-it-makes] 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]