Podcasting Morning Chat

481. Podcasting Shake-Up: Ads, Burnout & Competition

In this week’s news and commentary episode, we break down a major podcasting shake-up, from rising ad spend and why creators still struggle to prove ROI, to Spotify layoffs and Apple’s evolving video push. We explore a recent report on longtime podcasters stepping away, unpacking burnout, shifting priorities, and the number who are pivoting beyond podcasting. We also challenge the idea that the space is too competitive, even with more celebrity shows entering the scene, and discuss why podcasting continues to grow. Plus, we dive into the shift from the attention economy to the intention economy, where authentic, meaningful content matters more than ever. We wrap with a feel-good story that reminds us of the real impact podcasting can have at any level. Episode Highlights: [06:30] Keyword strategy success (ranking boost) [21:30] Podcast ad spend & why creators must prove ROI [24:30] Spotify layoffs & industry shifts [27:00] Apple Podcasts video update [32:00] Attention → intention economy shift [42:30] Podcasters stepping away (burnout + changes) [50:00] Feel-good story: student podcast impact Links & Resources:  The Podcasting Morning Chat:  ⁠⁠www.podcastingmorningchat.com⁠⁠ [https://www.podcastingmorningchat.com] Meet the PMC Cast and Crew: ⁠⁠https://podcastingmorningchat.com/people⁠⁠ [https://podcastingmorningchat.com/people] Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: ⁠⁠www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] Book A Free Call With Me:  ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall⁠⁠ [https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall] Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:  ⁠⁠https://podcastingmorningchat.com/eval⁠⁠ [https://podcastingmorningchat.com/eval] Join us Mondays at 7 AM ET for the Obsession Worthy Podcasts:⁠⁠http://podcastingmorningchat.com/owp/⁠⁠ [http://podcastingmorningchat.com/owp/] Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community. Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ [https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0]⁠⁠https://podcastingmorningchat.com/clubhouse⁠⁠ [https://podcastingmorningchat.com/clubhouse] EPC3 Speaker Application:⁠ ⁠https://empoweredpodcasting.com/speakers⁠⁠ [https://empoweredpodcasting.com/speakers] Podcasters Happy Hour (March 26, 5:30 pm EDT, North Bethesda, Maryland): ⁠⁠https://podnews.net/event/podcaster-visibility-meetup-in-the-dmv⁠⁠ [https://podnews.net/event/podcaster-visibility-meetup-in-the-dmv] Marketing Podcast Network / MPN Awards info: marketingpodcasts.net [http://marketingpodcasts.net] Military Creator Con (Arlington, TX): ⁠⁠www.militarycreatorcon.com⁠⁠ [about:blank] Marc's Stepson Matthew (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/matthewbcooks/ [https://www.instagram.com/matthewbcooks/] Marc's Stepson Matthew (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@matthewbcooks [https://www.tiktok.com/@matthewbcooks] New York Times Student Podcast Contest (via Learning Network): ⁠⁠https://www.nytimes.com/section/learning⁠⁠ [https://www.nytimes.com/section/learning%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] Live on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://youtube.com/@marcronick%E2%81%A0]⁠⁠http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus⁠⁠ [http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus] Powered by⁠⁠⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠⁠ [http://ironickmedia.com/]⁠ and⁠ ⁠ContentCreatorsAccountant.com⁠⁠ [http://contentcreatorsaccountant.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.podcastingmorningchat.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]

480. Hard Lessons From Real Podcasting Mistakes

In this Mailbag episode of Podcasting Morning Chat, the PMC cast and crew walk through hard lessons from real podcasting mistakes as they answer questions about growth, guest relationships, and audience building, sharing how shows evolve over time and why experimenting often leads to better direction and stronger results, while also unpacking a challenging situation with an unhappy guest requesting content removal that underscores the importance of communication, consent, and having the right systems in place, before closing with practical ways to build real momentum by focusing on relationships, being intentional with your message, and earning your first loyal listeners. Episode Highlights:  [03:32] What’s changed in our podcast over the last 90 days  [04:52] Why experimenting helps us grow  [06:23] Improving our format, structure, and visuals  [09:26] Getting clear on who our show is for  [10:00] Becoming more intentional with our content  [13:22] Handling an unhappy guest situation  [17:16] Why guest agreements matter  [22:27] Balancing goodwill and protecting our brand  [30:00] Using systems to avoid future issues  [36:48] Why sharing our podcast feels difficult  [38:55] Engagement vs. self-promotion  [45:00] Knowing our audience  [50:41] How can we get our first 10 listeners  [53:00] Growing through collaboration Links & Resources:  The Podcasting Morning Chat:  ⁠⁠www.podcastingmorningchat.com⁠⁠ [https://www.podcastingmorningchat.com] Meet the PMC Cast and Crew: ⁠⁠https://podcastingmorningchat.com/people⁠⁠ [https://podcastingmorningchat.com/people] Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: ⁠⁠www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] Book A Free Call With Me:  ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall⁠⁠ [https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall] Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:  ⁠⁠https://podcastingmorningchat.com/eval⁠⁠ [https://podcastingmorningchat.com/eval] Join us Mondays at 7 AM ET for the Obsession Worthy Podcasts:⁠⁠http://podcastingmorningchat.com/owp/⁠⁠ [http://podcastingmorningchat.com/owp/] Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community. Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ [https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0]⁠⁠https://podcastingmorningchat.com/clubhouse⁠⁠ [https://podcastingmorningchat.com/clubhouse] EPC3 Speaker Application:⁠ ⁠https://empoweredpodcasting.com/speakers⁠⁠ [https://empoweredpodcasting.com/speakers] Podcasters Happy Hour (March 26, 5:30 pm EDT, North Bethesda, Maryland): ⁠⁠https://podnews.net/event/podcaster-visibility-meetup-in-the-dmv⁠⁠ [https://podnews.net/event/podcaster-visibility-meetup-in-the-dmv] Live on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://youtube.com/@marcronick%E2%81%A0]⁠⁠http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus⁠⁠ [http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus] Powered by⁠⁠⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠⁠ [http://ironickmedia.com/]⁠ and⁠ ⁠ContentCreatorsAccountant.com⁠⁠ [http://contentcreatorsaccountant.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.podcastingmorningchat.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]

479. The Biggest Money Mistake Podcasters Make

In our first Money Mondays episode, led by Ralph Estep Jr., we take a closer look at one of the most common financial habits creators fall into without even realizing it. We explore why it matters, why so many podcasters and content creators put it off, and how a few simple shifts can change the way you think about the business side of your work... Episode Highlights: [01:09] The simple shift that can help separate personal and creator finances using accounts and cards already in place [04:39] The question from Ralph that reveals how easily personal and creator money can get mixed without realizing it [07:26] Why waiting to separate finances “until real money comes in” often creates bigger problems later [08:42] What a 1099 really means for creators and why surprise forms in January can lead to costly mistakes [15:01] The hidden audit risk in Amazon purchases and a smarter way to handle buying gear [18:57] How the IRS evaluates consistency, activity, and even calendar records to determine business vs. hobby status [26:45] The three major issues commingling creates: lost deductions, unclear financial data, and increased legal exposure [31:03] The “tax vault” concept and a practical way to think about paying yourself as a creator [34:33] What to understand about LLCs, including real benefits, real costs, and why forming one isn’t a complete solution [49:25] How to plan for taxes when creator income is inconsistent and constantly changing Links & Resources:  The Podcasting Morning Chat:  ⁠⁠www.podcastingmorningchat.com⁠⁠ [https://www.podcastingmorningchat.com/] Meet the PMC Cast and Crew: ⁠⁠https://podcastingmorningchat.com/people⁠⁠ [https://podcastingmorningchat.com/people] Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: ⁠⁠www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] Book A Free Call With Me:  ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall⁠⁠ [https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall] Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:  ⁠⁠https://podcastingmorningchat.com/eval⁠⁠ [https://podcastingmorningchat.com/eval] Join us Mondays at 7 AM ET for the Obsession Worthy Podcasts:⁠⁠http://podcastingmorningchat.com/owp/⁠⁠ [http://podcastingmorningchat.com/owp/] Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community. Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ [https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0]⁠⁠https://podcastingmorningchat.com/clubhouse⁠⁠ [https://podcastingmorningchat.com/clubhouse] EPC3 Speaker Application:⁠ ⁠https://empoweredpodcasting.com/speakers⁠⁠ [https://empoweredpodcasting.com/speakers] Podcasters Happy Hour (March 26, 5:30 pm EDT, North Bethesda, Maryland): ⁠⁠https://podnews.net/event/podcaster-visibility-meetup-in-the-dmv⁠⁠ [https://podnews.net/event/podcaster-visibility-meetup-in-the-dmv] Ralph’s Money & Tax help link: Free 15‑minute discovery call/help page: https://contentcreatorsaccountant.com/helpme [https://contentcreatorsaccountant.com/helpme] Live on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://youtube.com/@marcronick%E2%81%A0]⁠⁠http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus⁠⁠ [http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus] Powered by⁠⁠⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠⁠ [http://ironickmedia.com/]⁠ and⁠ ⁠ContentCreatorsAccountant.com⁠⁠ [http://contentcreatorsaccountant.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]

478. Why Your Podcast Script Sounds Stiff (and How to Fix It)

Why do podcast scripts feel stiff, even when you know exactly what you want to say? In this episode, we talk about the difference between writing for the page and speaking for the ear, and why that matters for how you sound. I share simple tips with the PMC cast and crew to help you loosen up, like reading your script out loud, adding pauses and inflection, keeping your wording simple, and using outlines instead of sticking to a word-for-word script. We also get into tools like teleprompters and AI, plus a few easy ways to practice so you can feel more confident and connect better with your audience, and we wrap things up with community wins, celebrating progress, personal milestones, and the reminder to keep showing up and give yourself grace as you grow. Episode Highlights: [00:04] Why podcast scripts sound stiff and what we’ll cover [06:11] Writing for the page vs writing for the ear [08:13] Knowing your message instead of just reading words [11:51] Reading scripts out loud to improve delivery [13:33] Rewriting scripts to match how you actually speak [16:49] Using pauses, pacing, and inflection to sound human [19:11] Marking up scripts for emphasis and natural flow [24:00] Using outlines instead of full scripts for flexibility [32:42] Using AI to turn scripts into conversational delivery [39:30] Weekly wins: celebrating progress, growth, and community [42:18] Giving yourself grace and learning through mistakes [50:42] Personal wins and meaningful moments to close the week Links & Resources:  The Podcasting Morning Chat:  ⁠⁠www.podcastingmorningchat.com⁠⁠ [https://www.podcastingmorningchat.com] Meet the PMC Cast and Crew: ⁠⁠https://podcastingmorningchat.com/people⁠⁠ [https://podcastingmorningchat.com/people] Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: ⁠⁠www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] Book A Free Call With Me:  ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall⁠⁠ [https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall] Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:  ⁠⁠https://podcastingmorningchat.com/eval⁠⁠ [https://podcastingmorningchat.com/eval] Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community. Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ [https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0]⁠⁠https://podcastingmorningchat.com/clubhouse⁠⁠ [https://podcastingmorningchat.com/clubhouse] EPC3 Speaker Application:⁠ ⁠https://empoweredpodcasting.com/speakers⁠⁠ [https://empoweredpodcasting.com/speakers] Podcasters Happy Hour (March 26, 5:30pm EDT, North Bethesda Maryland): ⁠⁠https://podnews.net/event/podcaster-visibility-meetup-in-the-dmv⁠⁠ [https://podnews.net/event/podcaster-visibility-meetup-in-the-dmv] Marc's Stepson Matthew (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/matthewbcooks/ [https://www.instagram.com/matthewbcooks/] Marc's Stepson Matthew (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@matthewbcooks [https://www.tiktok.com/@matthewbcooks] Live on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://youtube.com/@marcronick%E2%81%A0]⁠⁠http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus⁠⁠ [http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus] Powered by⁠⁠⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠⁠ [http://ironickmedia.com/]⁠ and⁠ ⁠ContentCreatorsAccountant.com⁠⁠ [http://contentcreatorsaccountant.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.podcastingmorningchat.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]

477. Podcasthon: When Podcasting Becomes Bigger Than Content

In this special Podcasthon episode, we join a global initiative through Podcasthon.org [http://podcasthon.org], using podcasting to support charities and nonprofits through meaningful storytelling, and I’m joined by the PMC cast and crew as we each share causes that matter deeply to us. I’m also joined by my best friend Jonah Berger, who shares his experience living with CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease) and the work being done toward a cure. From honoring loved ones to sharing personal health journeys, we highlight organizations like the Glioblastoma Foundation, Islamic Relief, CMTA, Stand Up To Cancer, and MSAA. Along the way, we also weave in podcasting insights, reminding ourselves that our shows are more than content. They’re a way to create connection, raise awareness, and make a real impact. Episode Highlights: [00:05] Opening and introduction to Podcasthon and today’s global initiative [02:21] What Podcasthon is and how podcasters are participating worldwide [04:01] How the PMC community is supporting charities through a shared page [05:00] Wheel of Jargon: Understanding IAB and why it matters [11:00] Ralph shares a personal story and supports the Glioblastoma Foundation [20:00] A reminder to honor loved ones and take meaningful action [21:03] Junaid highlights Islamic Relief and advocacy organizations [26:09] Wheel of Jargon: What ID3 tags are and why they matter [27:42] Marc introduces CMT and welcomes guest Jonah Berger [30:00] Living with CMT and how it shapes daily life [34:10] Progress toward a cure and the power of collaborative research [41:48] Camp Footprint and building community for kids with CMT [42:46] D.R. shares her husband’s cancer journey and Stand Up To Cancer [48:45] Tim shares his MS journey and support for MSAA [50:00] The impact of sharing stories and supporting causes through podcasting Links & Resources:  Learn more about Podcastthon:⁠ ⁠https://podcasthon.org⁠⁠ [https://podcasthon.org] Here are the charities the team is supporting for Podcasthon: ⁠https://www.podcastingmorningchat.com/charity/ [https://www.podcastingmorningchat.com/charity/] Jonah Berger’s book: He Walks Like a Cowboy ⁠https://www.amazon.com/He-Walks-Like-Cowboy-Disability/dp/0595471684/⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/He-Walks-Like-Cowboy-Disability/dp/0595471684/] Jonah's Presentation at his local middle school (courtesy of FOX 47): ⁠https://www.facebook.com/reel/1326849999266221⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/reel/1326849999266221] Junaid's Book: Podcast Relationship Management ⁠http://PRMbook.com⁠ [http://prmbook.com] Junaid's Podcast 'Operating System' ⁠https://www.podglue.com/⁠ [https://www.podglue.com/] Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA): ⁠https://mymsaa.org/ [https://mymsaa.org/] The Podcasting Morning Chat:  ⁠www.podcastingmorningchat.com⁠ [https://www.podcastingmorningchat.com] Meet the PMC Cast and Crew: ⁠https://podcastingmorningchat.com/people⁠ [https://podcastingmorningchat.com/people] Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: ⁠www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] Book A Free Call With Me:  ⁠https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall⁠ [https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall] Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:  ⁠https://podcastingmorningchat.com/eval⁠ [https://podcastingmorningchat.com/eval] Join us Mondays at 7 AM ET for the Obsession Worthy Podcasts:⁠http://podcastingmorningchat.com/owp/⁠ [http://podcastingmorningchat.com/owp/] Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community. Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ [https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0]⁠https://podcastingmorningchat.com/clubhouse⁠ [https://podcastingmorningchat.com/clubhouse] EPC3 Speaker Application: ⁠https://empoweredpodcasting.com/speakers⁠ [https://empoweredpodcasting.com/speakers] Podcasters Happy Hour (March 26, 5:30pm EDT, North Bethesda Maryland): ⁠https://podnews.net/event/podcaster-visibility-meetup-in-the-dmv⁠ [https://podnews.net/event/podcaster-visibility-meetup-in-the-dmv] Live on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠ [https://youtube.com/@marcronick%E2%81%A0]⁠http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus⁠ [http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus] Powered by⁠⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ [http://ironickmedia.com/]⁠ and ⁠ContentCreatorsAccountant.com⁠ [http://contentcreatorsaccountant.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.podcastingmorningchat.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]