219: Five Things I Wish More Podcasters Knew in 2026

219: Five Things I Wish More Podcasters Knew in 2026

I'm a little late to celebrating 5 years of Clocking In, so in honor of 5 years, I’m sharing 5 things I wish more podcasters knew in 2026. These are the lessons I find myself repeating over and over again in client calls, podcast audits, strategy sessions, and other conversations with podcasters. And they might make a difference for your podcasting in 2026! Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative [https://gaffincreative.com/podcast-production/], a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com [https://gaffincreative.com/], plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast. Find It Quickly:  Stop building your podcast like someone else’s (1:36) There are very few universal rules in podcasting (5:00) Your guest interviews are only as good as your preparation (7:16) Nobody cares about your download numbers as much as you do (10:43) Stop stepping on your guest’s words (12:36) Mentioned in this Episode: Custom GPT: http://gaffincreative.com/guestresearch [http://gaffincreative.com/guestresearch] Connect with Haylee: Soundboard Society: gaffincreative.com/soundboard [https://gaffincreative.com/soundboard/] Instagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffin [https://www.instagram.com/hayleegaffin/] Website: gaffincreative.com [https://gaffincreative.com/] Podcasting for Business Program is now taking applications! If you're looking to generate more money from your podcast in your business this year, I'm here to help. This program teaches you how to better leverage your podcast for your business through strategic alignment, authorioty building, and client conversion. Come join us for this 8 week program starting in just a few weeks. Don't forget: applications close on June 10th! Apply now at gaffincreative.com/coaching [https://gaffincreative.com/coaching/] >> ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

218: Is Video Necessary for Podcasting?

Is video actually necessary for podcasting in 2026? In today’s episode, I’m sharing my answer to that question, and it might surprise you. Because simply turning on a camera isn’t a growth strategy.  Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative [https://gaffincreative.com/podcast-production/], a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com [https://gaffincreative.com/], plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast. Find It Quickly:  Video isn’t the strategy, it’s the format (1:11) Podcasting and YouTubing are not the same thing (2:15) The rise of video podcasting (4:22) The real cost of video (5:10) If you’re going to do YouTube, consider Shorts (8:38) You don’t need full video production to benefit from video (9:33) Is video necessary for podcasting in 2026? (11:42) Defining a podcast (12:37) Permission to podcast your way (14:47) Mentioned in this Episode: What Is a Podcast? Podcast Industry Taskforce Forms to Determine Definition and More: hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/podcast-industry-taskforce-forms [https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/podcast-industry-taskforce-forms-1236606033/] Connect with Haylee: Soundboard Society: gaffincreative.com/soundboard [https://gaffincreative.com/soundboard/] Instagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffin [https://www.instagram.com/hayleegaffin/] Website: gaffincreative.com [https://gaffincreative.com/] Podcasting for Business Program is now taking applications! If you're looking to generate more money from your podcast in your business this year, I'm here to help. This program teaches you how to better leverage your podcast for your business through strategic alignment, authorioty building, and client conversion. Come join us for this 8 week program starting in just a few weeks. Don't forget: applications close on June 10th! Apply now at gaffincreative.com/coaching [https://gaffincreative.com/coaching/] >> ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

217: Your Podcast Is Not Just Content—It’s Part of Your Business Ecosystem

Is your podcast aligned with your business goals? In today’s episode, I’m giving you a preview of my Podcasting For Business Private Podcast. Listen in on the first episode of this private series and learn why it is so important to intentionally integrate your podcast into your business ecosystem.  Download the Private Podcast: gaffincreative.com/privatepod [https://gaffincreative.com/privatepod/] Join the Waitlist for Podcasting for Business Program: gaffincreative.com/coaching [https://gaffincreative.com/coaching] Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative [https://gaffincreative.com/podcast-production/], a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com [https://gaffincreative.com/], plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast. Find It Quickly:  Your podcast should live within your business ecosystem (3:00) Podcasts create trust and connection differently (4:01) Your podcast and business should have the same goals (5:43) Mentioned in this Episode: Podcasting for Business Private Podcast: gaffincreative.com/privatepod [https://gaffincreative.com/privatepod/] Podcasting for Business: gaffincreative.com/coaching [https://gaffincreative.com/coaching/] Connect with Haylee: Soundboard Society: gaffincreative.com/soundboard [https://gaffincreative.com/soundboard/] Instagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffin [https://www.instagram.com/hayleegaffin/] Website: gaffincreative.com [https://gaffincreative.com/] Review the Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/F5UNmoVA8QK [https://share.descript.com/view/F5UNmoVA8QK] Podcasting for Business Program is now taking applications! If you're looking to generate more money from your podcast in your business this year, I'm here to help. This program teaches you how to better leverage your podcast for your business through strategic alignment, authorioty building, and client conversion. Come join us for this 8 week program starting in just a few weeks. Don't forget: applications close on June 10th! Apply now at gaffincreative.com/coaching [https://gaffincreative.com/coaching/] >> ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

216: The Secret to Building Trust Through Your Podcast

What makes someone keep listening to a podcast? In today’s episode, I’m talking about how podcasters can create deeper connections with their listeners. Because if you’re using your podcast to grow your business, gaining the trust of your listeners truly matters.  Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative [https://gaffincreative.com/podcast-production/], a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com [https://gaffincreative.com/], plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast. Find It Quickly:  Trust is built in small moments (1:48) The podcasts that people keep listening to feel clear (5:07) Information alone is not enough anymore (7:00) The best podcasts create momentum (9:29) Why this matters for business owners (11:56) Mentioned in this Episode: Podcasting for Business: gaffincreative.com/coaching [https://gaffincreative.com/coaching/] Connect with Haylee: Soundboard Society: gaffincreative.com/soundboard [https://gaffincreative.com/soundboard/] Instagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffin [https://www.instagram.com/hayleegaffin/] Website: gaffincreative.com [https://gaffincreative.com/] Podcasting for Business Program is now taking applications! If you're looking to generate more money from your podcast in your business this year, I'm here to help. This program teaches you how to better leverage your podcast for your business through strategic alignment, authorioty building, and client conversion. Come join us for this 8 week program starting in just a few weeks. Don't forget: applications close on June 10th! Apply now at gaffincreative.com/coaching [https://gaffincreative.com/coaching/] >> ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

215: Why Your Podcast Isn’t Growing Your Business Yet

What if your podcast doesn’t actually need more episodes — it needs more intentionality? In today’s episode, I’m talking about one of the biggest mistakes I see podcasters making when it comes to business growth. So many creators are publishing incredible content consistently, yet they’re still struggling to generate clients, visibility, authority, or revenue from their show. And honestly, I think it’s because most podcast advice is still far too focused on downloads alone. I’m sharing why intentional strategy matters so much more than simply creating more content and how podcasters can start treating their show like a true business asset instead of another marketing task. I’m also pulling back the curtain on my new eight-week coaching program, Podcasting for Business, and exactly how we help podcasters connect the dots between their content and their business goals. In this episode, I cover: * Why consistency alone is not enough for podcast growth * The role intentionality plays in business-focused podcasting * How strategic positioning can increase discoverability and authority If your podcast feels disconnected from your business growth, this episode will help you rethink the way you approach your show entirely. Find It Quickly:  The secret to achieving real business growth from your podcast (2:02) What we focus on in Podcasting for Business (3:53) The first run of Podcasting for Business (6:21) Growth does not come from more episodes (8:21) Mentioned in this Episode: Podcasting for Business: gaffincreative.com/coaching [https://gaffincreative.com/coaching/] Private podcast series: gaffincreative.com/privatepod [https://gaffincreative.com/privatepod] Ali Haney’s Brand and Market Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-brand-market-podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-brand-market-podcast-turning-airbnb-listings-into/id1722329421] Connect with Haylee: Podcasting for Business: gaffincreative.com/coaching [https://gaffincreative.com/coaching/] Instagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffin [https://www.instagram.com/hayleegaffin/] Website: gaffincreative.com [https://gaffincreative.com/] Review the Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/GobXjmY4Gfz [https://share.descript.com/view/GobXjmY4Gfz] Podcasting for Business Program is now taking applications! If you're looking to generate more money from your podcast in your business this year, I'm here to help. This program teaches you how to better leverage your podcast for your business through strategic alignment, authorioty building, and client conversion. Come join us for this 8 week program starting in just a few weeks. Don't forget: applications close on June 10th! Apply now at gaffincreative.com/coaching [https://gaffincreative.com/coaching/] >> ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.