071: Podcast Basics: How to Choose the Right Podcast Hosting Platform

075: Podcast Basics: The Editing Software I Actually Use for My Podcast

Editing your podcast doesn't have to mean choosing between free and fancy, you can actually use both. Kim Parkinson breaks down the two editing platforms she relies on at KP Creative Media, Audacity and Descript. Audacity is free, open source, and waveform-based, great for simple audio-only editing, noise reduction, and crafting intros and outros with music. Descript is the paid, transcription-based platform she uses for the bulk of her editing, especially when video is involved, offering AI features like automatic filler word removal, a built-in screen recorder, and repurposing tools, though she cautions listeners to watch their AI credit usage and dial back Studio Sound so they don't sound underwater. Both tools have a learning curve, but neither is difficult to pick up if you want to edit in-house. Kim's bottom line: audio-only podcasters can get by on Audacity, while anyone doing video will want Descript or a similar platform. Podcast Production Course: https://go.kpcreativemedia.com/production-course Join the newsletter: https://kpcreativemedia.com/podnews/ Mentioned in this episode: Creative Permission Slip: https://pod.link/1845331984

074: Podcast Reviews and Why They Matter

You just found out someone left you a five-star review, so now where do you actually go to see it? Kim breaks down everything about podcast reviews after a client asked why she was the only one who'd left one. Turns out Apple Podcasts reviews are country-specific, so listeners in different countries can't see each other's reviews, which explains a lot. Kim walks through where reviews live across Apple, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Podchaser, and lesser-known apps like Goodpods, Castbox, and Podyssey, plus how each one handles ratings versus written comments. She also covers how a burst of reviews within about 72 hours can push a show up the category rankings, and why asking listeners directly is still the most reliable way to get reviews at all. Reviews aren't just ego boosts; they're social proof for new listeners and a real lever for podcast discoverability. Kim's biggest takeaway is simple: ask for reviews, make it easy, and don't be afraid to sweeten the deal with a small freebie. Have you left a review for us on Apple? Stop by and do that today! Mentioned in this episode: Your Productivity Pulse: https://pod.link/1867957851

073: Podcast Basics: Real Rules for Cover Art Size, Fonts and Keywords

Your podcast cover art might be the reason someone scrolls right past your show, even when the content inside is incredible. Kim Parkinson breaks down everything you need to know about podcast cover art, from Apple's exact size and file requirements to the fonts and colors that actually get read on a tiny phone screen. She shares why the words people search for need to be the biggest thing on that image, why scrolly fonts belong on Instagram and not your hosting platform, and how she redesigned her own cover art around her keywords. She also walks through the AI and design tools worth trying, including Canva, ChatGPT, Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, and Ideogram, plus her honest take on which ones are worth your time. Whether you're launching your first show or thinking about a refresh, this gives you a clear, practical checklist for cover art that actually gets found. A little intention here goes a long way toward turning browsers into listeners. Check out Emerald Temple: https://www.emeraldtemple.com/Kim Find out more tips weekly with my newsletter: https://kpcreativemedia.com/news Mentioned in this episode: The Resilient Kid - https://pod.link/1572235687

072: Podcasting and the Priestess Path with Bertena

What does it actually mean to be a priestess, and can anyone walk that path? I'm joined by Bertena, a priestess, Reiki master, somatic yoga teacher, and spirit guide communicator who helps women reconnect with their intuition and sacred purpose. Bertena opens up about her winding path through Reiki, tarot, oracle work, and priestess teaching, and how she built a business around honoring the many directions her gifts have taken her. We talk about the guilt so many spiritual practitioners feel around charging for their work, why energy exchange (yes, including money) matters, and how staying true to yourself is what actually grows a sustainable business. Bertena also shares the story behind her podcast, The Spiritual Sanctuary, her nonfiction workbooks on Reiki and tea leaf reading, and why she believes AI can never replace the authentic, imperfect, human voice behind a podcast. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that being a priestess isn't about perfection; it's about trusting yourself and living intentionally. Bertena's story shows what's possible when you stop hiding your gifts and start sharing them fully. Start listening to The Spiritual Sanctuary - Episode 73: https://pod.link/1576106673/episode/M2EyZTE0YjItY2NhNi00YjU5LTkxNDMtNzBhZjUzZTllZTZm Visit Bertena: https://www.bertena.org/en Substack: https://substack.com/@bertena11 Special Thanks to Cosmic Connections for their generous offerings. Email Kim at Kim@kpcreativemedia.com to see if you are one of the first five to get your offer. Visit Cosmic Connections here: https://yourcosmicconnections.com/

071: Podcast Basics: How to Choose the Right Podcast Hosting Platform

Choosing where to host your podcast is the one decision that quietly controls everything else, from your RSS feed to your stats to whether your voice actually reaches the world. I'm walking you through the hosting platforms I know best after six years in the industry, breaking down Libsyn, Buzzsprout, and Captivate by their pricing structures, stats, dynamic ad options, and monetization features so you can see the real tradeoffs behind each one. I share honorable mentions like Spotify for Creators, Podbean, Spreaker, and Transistor, too, because there truly is something for every budget and every brain. Along the way, I cover how distribution works, why YouTube still needs its own setup, and the spot checks I recommend to make sure your content keeps flowing everywhere it should. Here's the thing to remember: there is no right or wrong choice, and you are never locked in. Pick one, get your trailer up, and if it doesn't fit, you can always move. Captivate Course: https://kpcreativemedia.com/host-with-captivate Mentioned in this episode: Inspirations with Pastor Wanda B: https://pod.link/1863992925