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Inside the NZ Podcast Awards Judging Panel: The Mistakes, The Standouts & How to Prepare for 2026

In this episode, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what it was like to be a judge on the New Zealand Podcast Awards panel. With submissions now closed and winners about to be announced, this is the perfect time to start thinking ahead to next year’s awards, and what you can be doing right now to give yourself the best possible shot. While the official judging criteria is confidential, I’m sharing the general trends I noticed: what made certain entries stand out, where others slipped up, and the small details that make a surprisingly big difference. From editing and flow, to audience clarity, to crafting a strong showreel, this episode is packed with practical advice you can start applying today. Whether you want to win a podcast award next year, or you simply want to improve the quality and impact of your show, you’ll take away clear, implementable tips to elevate your storytelling, production, and overall listener experience. In this episode: * The most common mistakes podcasters make when submitting to awards * Simple things judges look for that instantly improve your score * Why editing matters just as much as the content itself * How to choose and present clips in your showreel * Why clarity of audience and purpose is one of the strongest predictors of high scores * The problem with overusing music in a short submission * How to track your best episodes throughout the year, so submission time is easier * What makes a podcast feel polished, intentional, and impactful More Resources: * Book a Podcast Power Hour Strategy Session: https://www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nz/book-podcast-power-hou [https://www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nz/book-podcast-power-hou]r Wanna go deeper? 🎙️ For resources: https://www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nz/blog [https://www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nz/blog] 🙋‍♀️ To work with me: https://www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nz/podcasting-services [https://www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nz/podcasting-services] 📱 To get connected: @wannapodcast [https://www.instagram.com/wannapodcast/] & @maxenelondoncreative [https://www.instagram.com/maxenelondoncreative/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Why You Hate the Sound of Your Voice (and How to Fall in Love With It Again) | Sally Prosser

Ever cringed at the sound of your own voice? You’re not alone. And this episode will help you change that. In this "best of" episode, I chat with Sally Prosser, voice and public speaking coach, podcaster, and author of Voiceprint, about why so many of us dislike how we sound, and how to start rebuilding a healthy relationship with our voice. 💡 In this episode: * Why hearing your recorded voice feels so confronting (and how to get used to it) * The psychology behind “voice confrontation” and tall poppy syndrome * How childhood experiences and social conditioning shape the way we speak * The difference between confidence and arrogance, and how to walk that fine line * Practical exercises to start embracing your voice and speaking with purpose * Why learning to love your voice is deeply tied to self-acceptance Whether you’re a podcaster, coach, or simply someone who struggles to speak up, this episode will help you reconnect with your authentic sound and rediscover the confidence that’s already within you. This clip is from the full episode, Sally Prosser on unlocking your voice potential and overcoming insecurities: https://youtu.be/ICJg9GX8Jfo Watch it on YT or listen now wherever you get your podcasts. To purchase Sally's upcoming book, 'Voiceprint', which aims to inspire individuals to embrace their unique vocal identity. Pre-order your copy here: https://www.sallyprosser.com.au/book [https://www.sallyprosser.com.au/book] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Let’s Talk About Ethical Podcasting: Misinformation, Free Speech, and the Podcaster’s Responsibility

In this episode, I delve into one of the biggest conversations shaping the podcast industry right now: ethics. From misinformation and defamation to the role of the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) and Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in New Zealand, this episode explores what it really means to be a responsible podcaster in 2025. Using real-world examples like Belle Gibson’s health hoax and recent debates around Winston Peters’ comments about the BSA, I explore how podcasters can balance freedom of speech with public responsibility. In this episode: * How the media we consume shapes our beliefs and behaviour * What defamation is and how to avoid it in your podcast * What the BSA and ASA are, and how their standards apply to podcasters * Why regulation doesn’t have to mean restriction, and how ethical podcasting builds trust * Practical steps for building an ethical show: fact-checking, transparency, and content warnings More Resources: * BSA: https://www.bsa.govt.nz/ [https://www.bsa.govt.nz/] * ASA: https://asa.co.nz/ [https://asa.co.nz/] * RNZ's article "Winston Peters accuses Broadcasting Standards Authority of 'Soviet era stasi' censorship": https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/576015/winston-peters-accuses-broadcasting-standards-authority-of-soviet-era-stasi-censorship [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/576015/winston-peters-accuses-broadcasting-standards-authority-of-soviet-era-stasi-censorship] Wanna go deeper? 🎙️ For resources: https://www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nz/blog [https://www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nz/blog] 🙋‍♀️ To work with me: https://www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nz/podcasting-services [https://www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nz/podcasting-services] 📱 To get connected: @wannapodcast [https://www.instagram.com/wannapodcast/] & @maxenelondoncreative [https://www.instagram.com/maxenelondoncreative/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

How to Pitch, Price, and Partner with the Right Sponsors | Frances Cook

In this “best of” episode, Making Cents host Frances Cook shares her refreshingly honest approach to podcast monetisation: from building sponsor relationships to knowing your worth (and not being afraid to ask for the moon). Frances reveals how she’s structured her podcast income through title sponsorships, branded segments, and social media extensions, and why staying true to your audience is the ultimate key to long-term success. 💡 In this episode: * How Frances Cook built a sustainable income from her podcast * The power of title and section sponsors (and how to structure them) * Why brand alignment matters more than quick cash * How to pitch sponsors and set your rates with confidence * Why knowing your point of difference is your biggest monetisation advantage Frances also shares her best advice for independent podcasters: do your research, talk to other creators, and start by asking for what you’re worth. Because no one’s going to negotiate you up. This clip is from the full episode, Frances Cook on making money, gaining trust and retaining IP: https://youtu.be/_vUL0C0RE7M Watch it on YT or listen now wherever you get your podcasts. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

From Flightcast to Unwell Agency The New Era of Podcasting Explained

Podcasting is changing... fast. In this episode, I unpack the biggest shifts shaping the industry in 2025, from Steven Bartlett’s launch of Flightcast, a new video-first podcasting platform, to Alex Cooper’s bold move into brand partnerships with her Unwell Creative Agency. We’ll look at what these moves say about the future of podcasting, how the lines between creator and media company are blurring, and what it all means for independent podcasters trying to grow sustainably. Whether you’re building your first show or running a thriving indie podcast, this episode breaks down the tools, trends and opportunities to keep you future-ready. In this episode: * The rise of video-first podcasting and unified analytics * Flightcast: the new “upload once, distribute everywhere” model * Alex Cooper’s Unwell Agency and why creators are becoming media brands * What consolidation and platform lock-in mean for independents * How to protect your creative control while adapting to change More Resources: * How Alex Cooper made millions, leveraging early virality into a multimedia empire: https://open.spotify.com/episode/51sSYWhsvIlHRftYRjMvjg?si=DF4oYiZoSyCX46Hd0dtNNw [https://open.spotify.com/episode/51sSYWhsvIlHRftYRjMvjg?si=DF4oYiZoSyCX46Hd0dtNNw] Wanna go deeper? 🎙️ For resources: https://www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nz/blog [https://www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nz/blog] 🙋‍♀️ To work with me: https://www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nz/podcasting-services [https://www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nz/podcasting-services] 📱 To get connected: @wannapodcast [https://www.instagram.com/wannapodcast/] & @maxenelondoncreative [https://www.instagram.com/maxenelondoncreative/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.