Podcasting Morning Chat

471. Amazon Shuts Down Wondery App. Bad Sign for Podcasts?

Why would Amazon shut down the standalone Wondery app after investing so heavily in podcasting? Today, we look at that headline and what it might signal about how major platforms are rethinking their podcast strategy. If a company like Amazon is shifting direction, it raises important questions about where podcast distribution and monetization may be headed next. Today is news day, and we also discuss growing concerns around Libsyn after reports of technical issues and a declining share of new podcast episodes, which has many podcasters wondering what may be happening behind the scenes at one of the industry’s oldest hosting platforms. Plus, we explore a new AI-powered tool designed to help podcast networks manage analytics, advertising campaigns, and operations, signaling how artificial intelligence is starting to move deeper into the business side of podcasting. Episode Highlights:  [03:42] Buzzsprout download benchmarks and what “top 1%” really means [07:43] Completion rate data and first-minute drop-off [10:30] Apple and Spotify top five charts [12:19] Podcasting events roundup [20:18] Business bite: side hustles for creators [27:36] News bites: Netflix viewing patterns and RØDE updates [32:35] Libsyn publishing friction and workflow concerns [36:07] Creator contingency planning [39:19] Jay Shetty leaving iHeart [42:31] Amazon shuts down the Wondery app [46:31] The podcast boom matures: fewer launches, more active shows [52:15] The tiny SEO tagline hack that boosts discovery 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] Book A Free Call With Me:  https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall [https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall] Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] 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] Buzzsprout Global Podcast Stats: https://www.buzzsprout.com/stats [https://www.buzzsprout.com/stats] Bumper: https://www.wearebumper.com/blog [https://www.wearebumper.com/blog] Podcasting Made Simple Live: https://www.podmatch.com/event [https://www.podmatch.com/event] Empowered Podcasting Conference: [https://empoweredpodcasting.com] https://empoweredpodcasting.com [https://empoweredpodcasting.com] Podnews: [https://podnews.net] www.podnews.net [www.podnews.net] 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%E2%81%A0]http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus [http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus] 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]

470. Why Your Podcast Needs a Pre-Interview

You finally book a guest you’re excited about. You press the record button, you’re off… and suddenly the answers drift into promotion, your guest goes on irrelevant tangents, and the episode never seems to find its legs. Many podcasters learn this lesson the hard way. Today, we talk about one of the simplest ways to protect the listener experience before the recording ever starts. Today, our conversation is about the role of the pre-interview and why it can make the difference between a scattered interview and a focused, engaging episode. We look at how a short conversation ahead of time can help shape the story, set expectations, and make sure both host and guest are ready to serve the audience. Then we take it a step further. Instead of just talking about the idea, we demonstrate it. We improvise a couple of mock pre-interviews so you can hear what the process actually sounds like and how it helps set up a stronger episode. Episode Highlights:  [02:46] Why pre-interviews matter [05:56] Vetting guests and protecting audience fit [15:20] Tech checks, links, and logistics before recording [17:35] The anti pre-interview perspective [26:38] Matt and Sid roleplay session [34:23] Setting interview guardrails [36:39] Improv scenario with audio issues [39:53] Handling unprepared or promotional guests [41:15] Debrief on coaching language and jargon [52:07] Name pronunciation and final prep 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] Book A Free Call With Me:  https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall [https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall] Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] 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] Riverside Connectivity Tester:  https://test-connectivity.riverside.fm [https://test-connectivity.riverside.fm/] 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%E2%81%A0]http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus [http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus] 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]

469. How ‘Swindled’ Turns Outrage Into Addictive Listening

Have you ever listened to a podcast and wondered why some episode openings pull you in right away while others take too long to get going? While Marc is out, Ralph Estep Jr. and Jonathan Howard lead us through an appreciation of Swindled and the storytelling choices that make it so effective. What starts as a close look at one show becomes a practical conversation about stronger intros, emotional hooks, and the storytelling devices that make listeners lean in. As the panel studies how the episode opens, the bigger lesson becomes clear: a strong beginning does more than introduce the topic. It sets the tone, creates emotion, sparks curiosity, and shapes the full listener journey. Along the way, this episode becomes a mini masterclass in how to open stronger, create emotional pull, and use storytelling devices with more intention. Episode Highlights:  [01:38] Why Swindled works as an obsession-worthy format [05:20] Breaking down the long prologue and pattern priming [07:24] The host’s deadpan delivery style [10:16] Audience reactions and emotional response [24:43] Setting up the receipts [29:48] Evidence-first storytelling and show notes depth [35:44] Why the episode structure works [41:57] Hooks, curiosity gaps, and belief flips 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] Book A Free Call With Me:  https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall [https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall] Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] 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] Swindled:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-formula-nestl%C3%A9-boycott-of-1977/id1308717668?i=1000428016046 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-formula-nestl%C3%A9-boycott-of-1977/id1308717668?i=1000428016046] 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%E2%81%A0]http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus [http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus] 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]

468. The Most Underrated Skill Every Podcaster Needs

What really makes a great podcaster stand out? It is not always the flashy stuff like gear, editing tricks, or knowing every tool. Today, we ask a bigger question: what is the most underrated skill a podcaster can have? The answers go deeper than the usual advice as we talk about vocal technique, active listening, and the kinds of skills that help you keep a conversation alive. Then the discussion shifts into another big question: which matters more, technical or creative editing skills? That opens the door to a thoughtful conversation about craft, instinct, and why strong podcasting often asks for both. Regardless if you are brand new to podcasting or have been doing this a while, we invite you to think beyond the basics and look at what really helps a show land with your audience. To wrap up the show, we close out the week with a quick nod to wins worth celebrating. Episode Highlights: [02:15] Preview of next week’s episodes [11:16] Framing the underrated skills conversation [13:56] Vocal technique and delivery awareness [16:09] Active listening and conversational presence [20:31] Asking better questions and building trust [24:36] Improvisation, flexibility, and punctual courtesy [34:34] Journey stories that motivate listeners [36:39] Creativity versus technical editing skills [40:52] Imposter syndrome, play, and continued learning [51:42] Community milestones and growth updates 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] Book A Free Call With Me:  https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall [https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall] Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] 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] Obsession Worthy Podcast Preview:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-formula-nestl%C3%A9-boycott-of-1977/id1308717668?i=1000428016046 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-formula-nestl%C3%A9-boycott-of-1977/id1308717668?i=1000428016046] 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%E2%81%A0]http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus [http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus] 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]

467. Stop Guests From Turning Your Podcast Into an Infomercial

Have you ever been in the host seat, excited to interview your guest, but internally you cringe because nearly all their replies drift too heavily into promotion? Today’s listener question goes right at that awkward moment, and we share our own experiences with guests who can’t help but slide back into pitch mode. Toward the end of the show, we hit podcast news and talk about a big AI caution flag: we know that some AI tools out there can turn source material into a “podcast-style” show, but tests show they can miss key details, shift meaning, and even generate made-up quotes... Episode Highlights:  [01:43] Tech glitches and maintaining the right mindset [09:58] Mailbag: handling over-promotional guests [20:52] Calling it out mid-interview when needed [33:16] Pre-interviews without killing the magic [37:29] Tech checks and guest preparation [38:25] Podcast News: AI-generated podcasts and accuracy risks [42:33] Ethics and monetizing low-quality AI content [46:26] Human review, prompt design, and quality control [51:30] AI as a tool and the host’s responsibility 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] Book A Free Call With Me:  https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall [https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall] Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] 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%E2%81%A0]http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus [http://podcastingmorningchat.com/joinus] 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]