Podcasting Morning Chat

444. Four Listener Questions Every Podcaster Can Relate To

There’s a familiar kind of stress that comes from caring about your podcast and not knowing if you’re doing it “right.” Today, we’re opening up the mailbag and addressing the kinds of questions that quietly weigh on podcasters. We explore how timing, platforms, and audience habits really intersect. We also discuss writer’s block and how better systems can help you move forward without waiting for inspiration to strike. Finally, we dig into a question from a camping podcast about gaining listener support when audiences are living their busy and active lives. We focus on meeting listeners where they already are and making support feel natural, not awkward. Episode Highlights:  [05:51] Mailbag discussion on when to release episodes  [15:10] Mailbag discussion on overcoming writer’s block [24:02] Reworking and reusing past content [24:50] Special ticket offer for the Empowered Podcasting Conference [26:01] Listener feedback from Vanessa [37:48] Encouraging listener support and engagement [44:12] Preview of our upcoming episode on pre-interviews Links & Resources:  The Podcasting Morning Chat:  www.podpage.com/pmc [https://www.podpage.com/pmc/?utm_source=clubhouse] Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] Empowered Podcasting Conference 3: Use discount code ‘Podfest26’ to get your ticket for under $200:  https://empoweredpodcasting.com [https://empoweredpodcasting.com] Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=header [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=header] 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 [https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] 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]

443. TikTok’s New Terms May Cost Creators Everything

TikTok just updated its terms, and it’s one of those changes that’s easy to scroll past but hard to ignore once you slow down and read it. Recent platform updates raise important questions about ownership, precise location data, and what creators are actually agreeing to when they publish their work. Today, we take a look at what changed and why it matters if you’re building anything that lasts. We also zoom out to see where podcasting fits into the bigger picture. Recent studies show podcast ads outperform YouTube when it comes to driving real results. If you’re a Mac user, we break down Apple’s new Creator Studio bundle and the value it offers with tools like Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro. Apps that once required separate purchases are now bundled together, raising an important question: Is this a response to creators looking for alternatives to the increasingly expensive Adobe suite? Listen in to learn what changes are coming and how you can best prepare. Episode Highlights:  [02:27] Podcast evaluations explained [04:33] Statistics and industry trends [05:29] Top shows on Spotify and Apple [11:15] Empowered Podcasting Conference updates [17:32] Odyssey and Fountain platform updates [21:24] Apple’s new Creator Studio subscription bundle [27:26] Debating the price hike and whether it’s justified [31:07] Sean Bean joins Get Birding as a new podcast host [37:07] Charmed stars launch a new club inspired by P3 [40:28] TikTok’s new terms and what they mean for users [48:07] Podcast ads versus YouTube ads: which performs better Links & Resources:  The Podcasting Morning Chat:  www.podpage.com/pmc [https://www.podpage.com/pmc/?utm_source=clubhouse] Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] Podcaster Directory Event Use Discount Code ‘PMC for free admission:  http://podcastersdirectory.com [http://podcastersdirectory.com] Empowered Podcasting Conference 3: Use discount code ‘Podfest26’ to get your ticket for under $200:  https://empoweredpodcasting.com [https://empoweredpodcasting.com] World’s most followed TikToker closes nearly $900 Million Deal:  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us-streamers/worlds-most-followed-tiktoker-khaby-lame-closes-nearly-900m-business-deal/articleshow/127328336.cms [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us-streamers/worlds-most-followed-tiktoker-khaby-lame-closes-nearly-900m-business-deal/articleshow/127328336.cms] PodNews:  www.podnews.net [http://www.podnews.net] Podcast News Daily:  www.podcastnewsdaily.com [http://www.podcastnewsdaily.com] Sean Bean announced as new host of award winning get birding podcast:  https://podnews.net/press-release/sean-bean-get-birding [https://podnews.net/press-release/sean-bean-get-birding] Late Bloomer Living:  https://www.latebloomerliving.com/blog/episode-257 [https://www.latebloomerliving.com/blog/episode-257] Podcast ads beat YouTube where it hurts:  www.podcastnewsdaily.com/news/audio-is-the-performance-unlock-for-digital-campaigns/article_565b0a8e-96ea-445e-b616-91ede8d9d28e.html [https://www.podcastnewsdaily.com/news/audio-is-the-performance-unlock-for-digital-campaigns/article_565b0a8e-96ea-445e-b616-91ede8d9d28e.html] Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=header [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=header] 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 [https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] 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]

442. Why Song Exploder’s Fleetwood Mac Episode Is Gold for Indie Podcasters

What makes a podcast worth coming back to again and again? What turns a single episode into something listeners want to sit with, revisit, and recommend? Today, we continue with another installment of Jonathan Howard’s Obsession-Worthy Podcast series, using Song Exploder as a case study to explore what makes a podcast truly re-listenable. We take a closer look at an episode, breaking down Fleetwood Mac’s Go Your Own Way, focusing less on the song itself and more on how the story is told. We explore how clear structure, intentional editing, and listener-first decisions build trust. We talk about why strong questions don’t need to be heard to be felt, and how letting listeners experience uncertainty, decision-making, and emotional stakes keeps them engaged. If you interview guests or tell stories on your show, this episode offers a lasting reminder: obsession-worthy podcasts are designed with the listener in mind. Where could you let your listeners hear the moment something clicked? This episode includes brief music excerpts used for educational and commentary purposes. We do not own the rights to the music featured. Episode Highlights:  [07:41] What makes this episode obsession-worthy?  [11:31] Breaking down Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way” [22:12] An emotional opening and the songwriting process [28:00] Applying creative processes beyond music [30:09] Exploring song lyrics and personal storytelling [35:16] Storytelling elements in podcasting [41:01] Asking better questions and interview techniques [43:04] Podcast evaluations and community building [46:02] What’s coming next Links & Resources:  The Podcasting Morning Chat:  www.podpage.com/pmc [https://www.podpage.com/pmc/?utm_source=clubhouse] Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] Empowered Podcasting Conference Course with Recordings:  https://ironickmedia.com/courses/epc2025/ [https://ironickmedia.com/courses/epc2025/] Empowered Podcasting Conference 3: Use discount code ‘Podfest26’ to get your ticket for under $200:  https://empoweredpodcasting.com [https://empoweredpodcasting.com] Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=header [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=header] Song Exploder “Go Your Own Way”  https://songexploder.net/fleetwood-mac [https://songexploder.net/fleetwood-mac] 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 [https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] 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]

441. The Hidden Time Drains in Podcasting

Podcasting can feel lonely when you’re stuck making decisions no one prepared you for. The technical choices, the workflow questions, the moments where you can’t help but wonder if you’re overthinking everything or missing something obvious. We get it. We’ve been there. Today, we open the mailbag and respond to real questions submitted by podcasters navigating both the technical and non-technical sides of the craft. From platform frustrations to workflow doubts, the team slows the conversation down and thinks things through together, offering perspective without panic or pressure. You may hear your own challenges reflected in these questions. If you have podcast-related questions of your own, you’re always welcome to submit them through the Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group using the link below. We’re always happy to help. Toward the end of the show, we shift gears and share our wins from the week, celebrating the progress, milestones, and accomplishments happening across the community. Episode Highlights:  [02:00] Diving into the listener mailbag [02:51] Jeff’s Riverside recording issues [05:08] Advice and troubleshooting for Jeff’s setup [07:28] Exploring alternative recording and workflow tools [18:01] Question on guest management [31:03] Taking ownership of podcast promotion [31:28] Building an effective guest workflow [32:06] Collaborating with guests to promote episodes [36:35] Concerns about podcast hosting platforms [44:19] Wins from the week Links & Resources:  The Podcasting Morning Chat:  www.podpage.com/pmc [https://www.podpage.com/pmc/?utm_source=clubhouse] Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] Empowered Podcasting Conference Course with Recordings:  https://ironickmedia.com/courses/epc2025/ [https://ironickmedia.com/courses/epc2025/] Empowered Podcasting Conference 3: Use discount code ‘Podfest26’ to get your ticket for under $200:  https://empoweredpodcasting.com [https://empoweredpodcasting.com] Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=header [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=header] Podpage:  https://www.podpage.com/?via=ironickmedia&u=515146796&ch=Mzrg46Op [https://www.podpage.com/?via=ironickmedia&u=515146796&ch=Mzrg46Op] Late Bloomer  Living:  https://www.latebloomerliving.com/blog/episode-257 [https://www.latebloomerliving.com/blog/episode-257] Riverside:  https://www.riverside.fm/?via=0676da [https://www.riverside.fm/?via=0676da] PodMatch:  https://podmatch.com/?ref=1646144442692x331135044042346200 [https://podmatch.com/?ref=1646144442692x331135044042346200] Libsyn:  www.lybsyn.com [http://www.lybsyn.com]  Capcut:  www.capcut.com [http://www.capcut.com]  Captivate:  https://www.captivate.fm [https://www.captivate.fm] Notion: www.notion.com [http://www.notion.com] Trello:  https://trello.com [https://trello.com] Clickups:  https://clickup.com/download [https://clickup.com/download] Ralph Estep’s Guest Appearance with Rob Greenlee on The New Media Show:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-creator-2026-money-playbook-ralph-estep-jr/id392545649?i=1000746403885 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-creator-2026-money-playbook-ralph-estep-jr/id392545649?i=1000746403885] Katie Brinkley:  https://katiebrinkley.com [https://katiebrinkley.com] 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 [https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] 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]

440. This Evaluation Shows How Small Changes Create Better Episodes

Small performance and production choices can subtly affect how a podcast is experienced. Today, we’re taking a close look at Life Fulfilled, a solo podcast hosted by Bernie Borges. We want to be clear that we aren’t aiming to tear podcasters down. We are listening carefully and noticing how structure, pacing, delivery, and production decisions shape trust with an audience, and we hope to pass along these insights to benefit you. We walk through the episode calling out what’s working, where delivery could be stronger, and how subtle adjustments can improve the listening experience. Submitting your podcast for evaluation takes intention. It’s a sign you care about your craft and want to grow. Our conversation reflects that mindset, offering practical insights you can apply to your own show as you continue to refine how it sounds, feels, and lands with your budding community. Episode Highlights:  [02:06] Purpose and approach of podcast evaluations [08:07] Branding and positioning feedback [10:02] Website experience and user journey [18:47] Episode titles and keyword strategy [28:05] Introducing themes of fulfillment and clarity [28:41] Audio and video track considerations [31:08] Empowered Podcasting Conference announcement [33:25] Feedback on presentation and delivery [44:26] Midroll ad placement and transition flow [53:06] Audio quality and technical improvement tips Links & Resources:  The Podcasting Morning Chat:  www.podpage.com/pmc [https://www.podpage.com/pmc/?utm_source=clubhouse] Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] Empowered Podcasting Conference Course with Recordings:  https://ironickmedia.com/courses/epc2025/ [https://ironickmedia.com/courses/epc2025/] Empowered Podcasting Conference 3: Use discount code ‘Podfest26’ to get your ticket for under $200:  https://empoweredpodcasting.com [https://empoweredpodcasting.com] Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=header [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=header] Life Fulfilled:  https://fulfilledatworkacademy.com/podcast/stop-chasing-fulfillment-build-it-through-self-discovery/ [https://fulfilledatworkacademy.com/podcast/stop-chasing-fulfillment-build-it-through-self-discovery/] Auphonic:  www.auphonic.com [http://www.auphonic.com]  Adobe Podcast:  https://podcast.adobe.com/en/enhance [https://podcast.adobe.com/en/enhance] 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 [https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] 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]