Podcasting Morning Chat

The Creator Reset Every Podcaster Needs Right Now

As we close out the year, today we slow down and reflect together. This final Morning Chat of 2025 is not about tactics, growth hacks, or chasing trends. It is a community pause. We look back on the wins that reminded us why we podcast, share one word we want to carry into 2026, and talk about how we want to show up for our listeners in the year ahead. You will hear honest reflections about creative fatigue, motivation, consistency, boundaries, and the seasons that come with making content over time. We talk about reconnecting with purpose, letting go of pressure, and giving ourselves permission to rest without guilt. This is an invitation to notice what you built this year, even if it feels messy or unfinished. To name what mattered. To ask yourself what you want more of, and what you are ready to release. Episode Highlights: [02:24] Reflecting on 2025 and looking ahead to 2026 [04:02] Choosing guiding words for 2026 [04:46] Sharing personal words and intentions [12:21] Overcoming creative slumps [22:44] Focusing on goals for 2026 [30:24] A thoughtful discussion on the overuse of authenticity [35:42] Promises to listeners for 2026 [41:21] Podcasting wins and end-of-year reflections Links & Resources:  Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] 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] Or Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d [https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d] 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]

How to Turn Simple Stories Into Addictive Short Podcasts

Does every podcast need a lesson, or can a good story be enough? In today’s evaluation, we examine Shared Delights, a short-form storytelling podcast designed to offer warmth, humor, and a brief escape. Instead of aiming for transformation or instruction, the show focuses on how a story feels in the moment and what it gives the listener emotionally. Using Shared Delights as a case study, we take a close look at how pacing, pauses, and delivery shape clarity and attention. We explore sound design choices and how music and effects can either support the story or pull focus away from it. We also talk about the balance between structure and spontaneity, and why alignment between intention, sound, and presentation matters more than polish alone. Just a reminder: entertainment and escapism are valid podcast goals. This episode invites podcasters to listen to their work the way their audience does and consider how each choice shapes the experience Episode Highlights: [02:18] Empowered Podcasting Conference announcement [04:38] Evaluation of the Shared Delights podcast [06:32] Listener feedback and early suggestions [14:00] Cover art and branding discussion [30:42] Crafting an enticing show title [32:47] The importance of pacing and clarity [36:58] Enhancing the experience with sound design [49:31] Discoverability and growth strategies Links & Resources:  Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] Shared Delights (Wedding Crasher): https://open.spotify.com/episode/1pfvQbyTC2J4j7f07RlgTb?si=DAciGVe4TRqSeyq5Glnb3w [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1pfvQbyTC2J4j7f07RlgTb?si=DAciGVe4TRqSeyq5Glnb3w] Shared Delights Naked Eureka:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/2gIMkfSyZDCZb07Jzzlx5p [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2gIMkfSyZDCZb07Jzzlx5p] Podpage:  https://www.podpage.com/?via=ironickmedia [https://www.podpage.com/?via=ironickmedia] Matthew Bliss’ Cover Art Revision #1:  https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wwqru8i9ovo0dzc69pba8/SharedDelights_CoverArt.jpg?rlkey=q0da5tpxr6sufk9fhqp3lu14j&st=xniphsrv&dl=0 [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wwqru8i9ovo0dzc69pba8/SharedDelights_CoverArt.jpg?rlkey=q0da5tpxr6sufk9fhqp3lu14j&st=xniphsrv&dl=0] Cover Art Revision #2:  https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/djp3p40uzi6bl1xm8sxlc/SharedDelights_CoverArt2.jpg?rlkey=3kjin994w8ci4qckkulql4ewb&st=ez35nof5&dl=0 [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/djp3p40uzi6bl1xm8sxlc/SharedDelights_CoverArt2.jpg?rlkey=3kjin994w8ci4qckkulql4ewb&st=ez35nof5&dl=0] To Have Your Podcast Considered For Evaluation, Please Complete This Form:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform] 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] Or Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d [https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d] 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]

Instagram’s New Algorithm Change Podcasters Can’t Ignore

What if we told you Instagram is rolling out a way for users to control their own algorithm and decide what they see? That experiment alone has big implications for podcast discovery and creator visibility. For today’s news day, we’re walking through several updates, such as Apple Podcasts adding automatic chapters and timed links. We also dig into recent AI updates that are making image editing easier and opening the door for new collaborative workflows, especially for creators working in teams. We also highlight several upcoming virtual and in-person events that podcasters may want to keep on their radar. Episode Highlights: [02:04] Preview of an upcoming evaluation episode [04:16] Podcast statistics and top charts [11:13] Upcoming events for podcasters [25:51] Exploring new AI features [26:28] ChatGPT’s image generator [31:20] Group chat feature in ChatGPT [36:24] Empowered Podcasting Conference video library [39:04] Instagram’s algorithm customization tools [43:38] Instagram’s move into a TV app [45:00] Apple’s podcast interaction updates Links & Resources:  Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] Our upcoming podcast evaluation, Shared Delights (Wedding Crasher): https://open.spotify.com/episode/1pfvQbyTC2J4j7f07RlgTb?si=DAciGVe4TRqSeyq5Glnb3w [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1pfvQbyTC2J4j7f07RlgTb?si=DAciGVe4TRqSeyq5Glnb3w] Shared Delights Naked Eureka:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/2gIMkfSyZDCZb07Jzzlx5p [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2gIMkfSyZDCZb07Jzzlx5p] MeetUp & MatchUp use discount code PMC for free entry:  https://podnews.net/event/meetup-matchup-with-podcasters-speakers-and-authors-20 [https://podnews.net/event/meetup-matchup-with-podcasters-speakers-and-authors-20] Podfest Expo:  (use coupon code MARC for 10% off) https://podfestexpo.com [https://podfestexpo.com/] NYC Podcast Awards:  www.silver-nyc.com/nycpodcastawards [https://www.silver-nyc.com/nycpodcastawards] PRX Training:  https://trainingteam.cmail20.com/t/i-e-zavil-iihydjihuh-h/ [https://trainingteam.cmail20.com/t/i-e-zavil-iihydjihuh-h/] PodNews:  www.podnews.net [http://www.podnews.net/] Podcast Creator Summit:  https://confirmsubscription.com/h/i/711FAA94F8F3A173 [https://confirmsubscription.com/h/i/711FAA94F8F3A173?utm_source=podnews.net&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=podnews.net%3A2025-12-05] Apple’s Next Move for Podcast Interaction: https://bit.ly/4iZtr2t [https://bit.ly/4iZtr2t] 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] Or Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d [https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d] 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]

The Real Truth About Starting a Podcast in 2026

Starting your podcast can feel overwhelming when every choice seems expensive or technical. permanent. But don’t worry, we’ve got you! Today, we focus on the questions new podcasters are asking at the beginning. We start with real questions from co-host Sid Meadows about recording platforms like Riverside, working with editors, and choosing the right mic stand. Later, the conversation opens up into questions nearly every new podcaster wrestles with, including whether podcasting has to be expensive and what actually matters when you are just getting started. We offer grounded perspectives on tools, gear, video, audio, and budget without pushing one 'right' answer. Episode Highlights: [02:34] Upcoming podcast evaluation episode details [05:36] Discussion on recording platforms  [19:42] Choosing the right microphone stand [26:48] Announcement of the Empowered Podcasting Conference video library [29:18] Discussing financial investments in podcasting [31:18] True or false segment on financial investment in podcasting [43:08] True or false segment on YouTube’s role in podcasting Links & Resources:  Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] Riverside:  https://www.riverside.fm/?via=0676da [https://www.riverside.fm/?via=0676da] Rodecaster Pro 2:  https://amzn.to/41h9yuN [https://amzn.to/41h9yuN] Desk Stands for Microphones:  https://amzn.to/47URBoh [https://amzn.to/47URBoh] Empowered Podcasting Conference Video Recordings:  https://ironickmedia.com/courses/epc2025/ [https://ironickmedia.com/courses/epc2025/] Home Studio Mastery Gear Guide:  https://homestudiomastery.com/gear-guide [https://homestudiomastery.com/gear-guide] To Have Your Podcast Considered For Evaluation, Please Complete This Form:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform] Our upcoming podcast evaluation, Shared Delights (Wedding Crasher): https://open.spotify.com/episode/1pfvQbyTC2J4j7f07RlgTb?si=DAciGVe4TRqSeyq5Glnb3w [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1pfvQbyTC2J4j7f07RlgTb?si=DAciGVe4TRqSeyq5Glnb3w] Shared Delights (Naked Eureka):  https://open.spotify.com/episode/2gIMkfSyZDCZb07Jzzlx5p [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2gIMkfSyZDCZb07Jzzlx5p] 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] Or Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d [https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d] 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]

The Podcast Formula That Made “You’re Wrong About” a Hit

Do you remember when Olympic figure skater Tonya Harding was accused of having her ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, injure Nancy Kerrigan’s knee before the 1994 Olympics? If you lived through the 90s, this story dominated the news, and many of us formed strong opinions based on a narrative the media pushed at the time. That familiar story becomes the starting point for a deeper look at podcasting craft. Co-host Jonathan Howard, leads the team through a case study of You’re Wrong About, using their 'Tanya Harding, Part 1' episode to examine where the show excels. We explore how the hosts balance deep research with a conversational delivery that keeps listeners engaged. We also look at how intentional co-host roles guide audiences through complex material without losing clarity. Strong podcasting is not about presenting more facts. It is about framing stories with care and purpose, so listeners feel invited to rethink what they know and stay engaged. Episode Highlights: [03:40] Preview of the upcoming podcast evaluation series [06:18] Introduction to the You’re Wrong About podcast [07:33] First impressions, tone, and host banter [16:21] A deeper dive into the Tanya Harding story [27:29] Accessibility and discoverability issues within the episode [32:53] Empathy-driven storytelling and humanizing Tanya Harding [41:08] Media narratives and shifting public perception [49:26] Citing sources in show notes Links & Resources:  Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting] Empowered Podcasting Conference:  www.eventbrite.com/e/empowered-podcasting-conference-tickets-1976757134803 [http://www.eventbrite.com/e/empowered-podcasting-conference-tickets-1976757134803] Upcoming Podcast For Evaluation: https://open.spotify.com/episode/44Mq04supW81rcuQeAVCB8?si=I-vp9camTrK0bvw1ZX6g6g [https://open.spotify.com/episode/44Mq04supW81rcuQeAVCB8?si=I-vp9camTrK0bvw1ZX6g6g] You’re Wrong About Tanya Harding Part 1:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2CWRSZfApA [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2CWRSZfApA] The Story Lab with Jonathan Howard:  https://thestorylabpodcast.buzzsprout.com/ [https://thestorylabpodcast.buzzsprout.com/] To Have Your Podcast Considered For Evaluation, Please Complete This Form:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform] Our upcoming podcast evaluation, Shared Delights (Wedding Crasher): https://open.spotify.com/episode/1pfvQbyTC2J4j7f07RlgTb?si=DAciGVe4TRqSeyq5Glnb3w [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1pfvQbyTC2J4j7f07RlgTb?si=DAciGVe4TRqSeyq5Glnb3w] Shared Delights Podcast:  https://open.spotify.com/show/7kGzKPjX13q2r2j9G7MdDR?si=9fb17aeb1020497a [https://open.spotify.com/show/7kGzKPjX13q2r2j9G7MdDR?si=9fb17aeb1020497a] 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] Or Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d [https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d] 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]