Podcasting Morning Show | Podcast Growth, Launch and Strategy for Indie Podcasters

549. Why Podcast Conferences Leave Podcasters Overwhelmed

Feeling overwhelmed by podcasting advice, creator conferences, and too many decisions? This conversation shows how EPC3 is being built to give independent podcasters more simplicity, stronger connections, and a real sense of community. I hand the conversation over to the Podcasting Morning Show team for a behind-the-scenes look at Empowered Podcasting Conference 3. Myself, Jason Cercone, Rich Perry, Ralph Estep, and members of the community talk about the origin of EPC, the lessons learned from the first two years, the pressure of planning an intimate conference, and why independent podcasters need spaces where they feel supported 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] Volunteer Call to Action 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 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]

548. Podcast Discovery, YouTube Growth & Podcast Movement Updates | Podcast 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]

547. Podcast Discovery, Metrics, and Monetization in 2026

Podcasting is changing fast, and keeping up can feel overwhelming when the numbers and tools keep shifting. In this episode, the morning show cast and crew discuss podcast discovery, metrics, and what they really mean for creators trying to grow their audience and build a sustainable show. From play counts and listener engagement to premium content, fan support, and monetization, the conversation shares practical ideas that help podcasters make better decisions without getting distracted by vanity metrics. Here's the thing, the numbers only matter when they help you better understand the people listening. Episode Highlights: [01:48] Meet Sam Sethi [06:18] Why Plays Matter More Than Downloads [08:03] Listen Time and Completion Metrics [20:09] HLS and First-Party Data Explained [25:05] Making Podcast Discovery Simpler [29:25] Gamified Rewards for Podcast Listeners [30:41] Discovery Without Video [36:37] Superfeeds Explained [44:32] Premium Content Made Simple [48:32] Micropayments and OpenUSD [52:01] Go Ugly Early: Launch Before It's Perfect Links & Resources: Sam Sethi on TrueFans: https://truefans.fm/fans/sam [https://truefans.fm/fans/sam] Listen to Podnews Weekly Review Co-hosted by Sam Sethi: https://open.spotify.com/show/1c5Vr6LiR2THR2j0QQkP3U?si=27b677e518e1454f [https://open.spotify.com/show/1c5Vr6LiR2THR2j0QQkP3U?si=27b677e518e1454f] 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]

546. How to Build Better Podcast Sponsorship Packages

Growing a podcast takes more than publishing new episodes. In this conversation, the morning show cast and crew discuss how to build better podcast sponsorships by looking beyond traditional ad reads and making the most of the audience, platforms, and content you already have. From newsletters and social media to community engagement and sponsorship packages, the discussion shares practical ideas for creating partnerships that bring value to both creators and sponsors. Here's the thing, the strongest opportunities often come from the trust you've already built with your audience. Episode Highlights: [03:34] Trailer: I Shake My Head [09:44] Producer Backstory and Growth [14:03] Defining Podcast Real Estate [18:08] Overlooked Assets That Build Trust [22:18] Monetizing Platforms and Video [27:25] Know Your Audience to Monetize [35:23] Newsletter Engagement Tactics [42:21] How to Create Sponsor Packages [45:44] Small vs. Long-Term Sponsorship Deals [51:39] Proving Sponsor Value Links & Resources: Content Creator’s Accountant Blog Post:Audio vs. Video: Where Is Your Audience?  https://www.contentcreatorsaccountant.com/blog/audio-vs-video-audience/ [https://www.contentcreatorsaccountant.com/blog/audio-vs-video-audience/] I Shake My Head Podcast: https://www.ishakemyheadpod.com/ [https://www.ishakemyheadpod.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]

545. Riverside 2.0 and The Future of Podcast Creation | Podcast News

Podcasting keeps changing, and creators are constantly deciding which tools, platforms, and formats are worth their time. In this episode, the morning show cast and crew discuss the future of podcast creation, including Riverside and other AI-powered production tools, all-in-one workflows, video, newsletters, audience behavior, and why listeners often follow creators instead of platforms. The conversation looks at what these changes mean for independent podcasters without losing sight of what keeps people coming back. Here's the thing: new technology, including platforms like Riverside, can make creating easier, but strong relationships with your audience still matter most. Episode Highlights: [05:50] Podcast Stats and the Summer Slump [13:59] Midyear Money Checkup [20:09] News Bites: Mel Robbins Goes Audio-First [21:57] The Audio vs. Video Editing Debate [27:18] Why Audio Still Comes First [31:23] Car Brands, Radio, and Listening Habits [34:32] CarPlay, Radio, and Earbuds [39:23] Tech Updates: Substack and Captivate [48:15] The Risks of All-in-One Platforms [53:30] Why Fans Follow Creators Links & Resources: Mid-Year Money Check by Ralph Estep: contentcreatorsaccountant.com/blog/mid-year-money-check [https://www.contentcreatorsaccountant.com/blog/mid-year-money-check/] Riverside's Big Announcement: riverside.com/blog/riverside-2-0 [https://riverside.com/blog/riverside-2-0] Podcast SEO Workshop (Arielle Nissenblatt): luma.com/p9u6idp5 [https://luma.com/p9u6idp5] People Follow Creators, Not Platforms: podnews.net/press-release/podcast-atlas [https://podnews.net/press-release/podcast-atlas] Substack Recording Studio: https://on.substack.com/p/introducing-the-substack-recording [https://on.substack.com/p/introducing-the-substack-recording]  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]