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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!

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'

Hey, Podcasters! Podcast subscriptions aren’t just for massive shows or full-time creators. With Buzzsprout Subscriptions, every podcaster can earn money from their show!

In this episode of Buzzcast, the team breaks down each subscription type, when to use them, and how to start earning. Listen ​wherever you get your podcasts​, and ​text us​ what you think!

Industry Insights

• YouTube Podcast Charts
• Spotify Public Play Counts

Ask Megan

"How do I use Auphonic to remove breathing sounds?"

Check out our blog post: ​The Complete Guide to Auphonic for Podcasters​!

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! Today, we're looking at how you can best prepare for podcast guests.

​In this episode of Buzzcast​, the team shares how they research guests, build trust before recording, and find that balance between structure and spontaneity.

Industry Insights

• Join us​ for a Buzzsprout Orientation hosted by our Podcaster Success Team on May 21st at 3:30 pm EST.
• Check out our latest YouTube short to see why now is a great time to be a podcaster!

Ask Megan

"Hi, Megan, do you have any tips for recording in an open space like an expo hall?"

We recommend using a dynamic microphone if you can, like the Samson Q2U or Shure MV7, and get nice and close to the mic.

If the final audio needs a little polishing, ​Magic Mastering​ can help smooth it out and give it that finished sound without a ton of editing.

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!

Buzzsprout Subscriptions now makes running a premium podcast effortless. Upload your podcast, select your listener perk, and we'll take care of everything else. Offer the premium podcast your listeners want, including:

• Bonus episodes listeners won’t find anywhere else
• Ad-free listening without interruptions
• Subscriber-only shows created just for them
• Full archive access to your entire catalog
• Early access to your latest episode

Industry Insights

• Golden Globes are adding a Best Podcast of the Year
• Spotify introduces "plays", which shows podcast engagement

Ask Megan

"Hey there, can I use Buzzsprout Ads to promote a specific episode instead of my whole podcast?"

Yes, with ​Buzzsprout Ads​, you can choose to promote a specific episode, but it works best if your ad gives listeners a reason to check out your overall podcast!

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! Great content deserves great audio, even if you don’t have time to edit!

​Magic Mastering​ helps by automatically balancing levels, improving clarity, and making your episodes sound great across every platform. We recently hosted a live event covering how it works, why it matters, and how to get the best results for your podcast. Watch Video

Learn and Grow

• ​For when your podcast needs music that won’t get you flagged
• ​For when you’re ready to monetize without selling out

Ask Megan

"Hey Megan! What’s the best way to share announcements with my podcast audience without editing every episode?"

Buzzsprout’s ​Dynamic Content​ feature is a great way to share announcements! You can record a short message and add it to the beginning or end of your episodes, all from your Buzzsprout account.

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 podcast cover art is the first thing new listeners see—and it plays a big role in whether or not they hit play!

In our latest YouTube video, we’re breaking down everything you need to know to create clear, compelling artwork that stands out.

Watch Video

Creative Control vs. $100 Million:
Steven Bartlett, host of The Diary of a CEO, just turned down a $100 million deal. In this episode of Buzzcast, we’re breaking down what indie podcasters can learn from his decision!

Learn and Grow:

• ​For when a good outline is your best co-host
• ​For when making money isn’t just for the top 1% of podcasters

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

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