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Hey, Podcasters!

How do you help listeners find their next favorite podcast without relying on an algorithm?

Pocket Casts just rolled out support for Podroll, giving podcasters a direct way to recommend shows inside the app.

Last week on ​Buzzcast​, the team talks about how this is a powerful shift in podcast discovery and how you can add recommendations in Buzzsprout.

Listen ​wherever you get your podcasts​, and ​text us​ what you think!

Industry Insight:

• ​For when indie creators quietly start leading the way:​ For the first time ever, user-generated content like videos, podcasts, and social media posts from indie creators will eclipse the ad revenue of traditional media produced by TV networks, movies, and news companies. This is a huge cultural shift for the media world, and can help podcasters attract more ad opportunities!

Ask Megan:

"I'm already using Fan Mail, any tips on how to make the most of it?"

Definitely! Once you have ​Fan Mail​ turned on, the next step is making it part of your show’s rhythm.

One of the best things you can do is actively invite feedback in your episodes. A quick mention like “Tell us what you think using the Fan Mail link in the show notes” makes a big difference.

It also helps to respond to Fan Mail on your show. That kind of acknowledgment encourages more listeners to reach out!

Some podcasters even use Fan Mail as a content tool, shaping future episodes around listener questions or suggestions. If you're not using Fan Mail yet, you can turn it on by going to your Home page and clicking on the Fan Mail tab in your Buzzsprout account!

And if you haven't received any Fan Mail, reply to this email and let us know! We want to send you your first message!

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'

Hey, Podcasters!

Getting started with podcast gear can feel overwhelming, especially when every search turns up expensive recommendations and affiliate links.

So our Head of Marketing put together a no-nonsense guide he wishes he had when he started podcasting over a decade ago. After 500+ recordings, he breaks down exactly what equipment he recommends, from a $70 beginner setup to the pro gear he uses today.

You’ll also learn what actually matters when choosing gear and how to avoid common mistakes that derail great recordings.

Whether you're just starting out or upgrading your studio, this guide keeps things practical, affordable, and focused on what works!

Read Blog

Episode of the Week:

​How to Succeed in Digital Marketing: Lessons from 20 Years​: After 20 years in marketing, Buzzsprout podcaster Krystal Proffitt is sharing exactly what she would do differently if she were starting over today in 2025. These three fundamental strategies will help you stand out in the digital marketing landscape and achieve sustainable success without burning out.

Question About Buzzsprout? Ask Megan!

"What podcast analytics should I actually care about?"

Podcast stats can feel overwhelming at first, but you really only need to focus on a few key numbers!

• Downloads in the first 7 days
• Podcasting apps people are using to listen
• Listener location

Those three together are usually the most helpful for independent podcasters.

We recently talked about this on​ Buzzcast​, where Tom Rossi broke down which stats matter and which you can probably ignore. Give it a listen if you want a deeper dive!

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'

Hey, Podcasters! Your best podcast ideas don’t always come when you’re sitting at your computer. They tend to show up during a walk, in line for coffee, or mid-scroll on your phone.

But with the Buzzsprout app, you can keep up with your creative mind, no matter where you are!

Whether you're revamping episode descriptions, uploading new artwork, or sharing your latest episode to Instagram Stories, the Buzzsprout app lets you quickly make changes on the go.

Download the app today and let us know what you think!

Download iPhone App

Download Android App

Industry Insights:

• For when you struggle with remote recording​: The Buzzcast team is digging into why remote recording software sometimes struggles to deliver. In this episode, they share what’s going wrong and what podcasters need from remote tools.
• ​For when you're ready to stand out on YouTube:​ Podcast Packaging is a specialized team helping podcasters attract their ideal audience through expert thumbnail design and compelling title copy. They take the guesswork out of packaging so your show gets maximum visibility and engagement. Get 50% off your first title + thumbnail with code FIRST50 at checkout!

Ask Megan:

"Hey, I have been podcasting for a few years now, and I'm trying to keep my show engaging. What can I do to keep my show feeling fresh over time?"

Great question! A fresh format usually comes down to structure with flexibility. That means having a consistent core, like a recognizable intro, segment flow, or recurring theme, but giving yourself room to experiment within that framework.

Try mixing things up with new segment ideas, guest types, or episode lengths. Even small changes like asking a different opening question or switching where you place a story in the episode can make things feel new without losing what listeners love about your show.

Also, pay attention to your own curiosity. If you’re feeling energized by a new topic or format twist, your audience probably will too.

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!