Episodes

  • 208 | Libsyn Says You Can Make Money Now – But Should You?

    208 | Libsyn Says You Can Make Money Now – But Should You?
    Jun 30 2025
    So, Libsyn just flipped the script on podcast monetization. No more minimum download requirements. That’s right — whether your show gets 5 downloads or 5,000, you can now run programmatic ads and make some money just for publishing your podcast. But here's the real question: just because you can… should you? In this episode of Podtastic Audio, we dig into what this change really means for indie podcasters. Is this the golden ticket to finally “getting paid,” or does it risk turning your passion project into a string of ads your listeners skip in 30 seconds flat? We’re talking: 🎯 What Libsyn’s new ad rules actually are (and what types of content still don’t qualify) 💵 How much money you realistically can expect to make as a small show 🤖 The pros and cons of running automatic ads vs. host-read spots 🎙️ Better ways to monetize — like affiliate links, listener tips, and actually selling something ❤️ Why podcasting for the love of it still matters more than CPMs or download stats If you’ve ever been asked “How much money do you make from your podcast?” — or wondered if you should be monetizing at all — this episode was made for you. And hey, if you’re already running Libsyn ads, I’d love to hear how it’s working out. Spoiler alert: it might only cover your hosting… but maybe that’s enough. The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast Amazon Kindle Apple Books Barnes and NobleOther Bookstores Over 25,000 podcasters use Podpage! Create your own podcast website that looks great, runs smoothly, and is optimized for search engines. Get started today! Podpage Link Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast! Podgagement Link Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter Podtastic AudioTwitter XInstagramLInkedInThreadsBlue Sky 00:00 - Libsyn Opens Ads to All Podcasters 00:24 - Welcome to Podtastic Audio 01:04 - Why Audio Podcasting Still Wins 01:40 - Apple Podcasts and Simplicity 03:07 - What is “Podcasting Classic”? 03:35 - Choosing a Podcast Media Host 04:43 - How Podcast Hosting Works 06:23 - Libsyn’s New Ad Policy: No More Minimums 07:29 - Can Any Show Really Make Money Now? 08:43 - My First Experience with Paid Ads 10:10 - Host-Read Ads vs. Programmatic Ads 11:11 - Why the 2,000 Download Rule is Gone 12:09 - Content That Still Doesn’t Qualify 13:38 - Realistic Earnings from Libsyn Ads 14:30 - Breaking Down CPM and Payout Math 15:46 - Monetizing Your Back Catalog 17:07 - Why Did Libsyn Change Their Policy? 18:29 - Advertisers and Micro Shows 19:13 - Libsyn’s Business Strategy 20:10 - Do Indie Podcasters *Need* to Monetize? 20:48 - The “How Much Do You Make?” Question 21:45 - Success Without Money or Downloads 22:14 - Why Fun Comes First in Podcasting 24:04 - Pros of Running Ads on Libsyn 26:17 - The Downsides of Programmatic Ads 28:17 - Losing Control of Your Content 28:37 - When Ads Ruin the Listener Experience 29:42 - Skipping Ads is Easy (and Common) 31:07 - Better Monetization: Host-Read Ads & Affiliates 32:20 - Patreon, Tips & Listener Support 33:28 - Selling Services or Coaching 34:41 - Don’t Turn Your Show into a Commercial 35:07 - Podcasting for Love, Not Just Money 36:02 - Audio Podcasting = Personal Connection 37:14 - Thinking About Running Libsyn Ads? 37:25 - Final Thanks & Outro 3 38:25 - “Podtastic Audio” Theme Song #Podcasting #IndiePodcast #PodcastCreator #PodcastTips #PodcastLife #PodcastMonetization #PodcastAds #PodcastRevenue #CPM #MakeMoneyPodcasting #Libsyn #PodcastHosting #PodcastTools #ProgrammaticAds #PodcastPlatforms #GrowYourPodcast #PodcastStrategy #PodcastMarketing #HostReadAds #PodcastSuccess
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    42 mins
  • 207 | The Vegas Sphere Blew My Mind—Here’s What It Taught Me About Podcasting

    207 | The Vegas Sphere Blew My Mind—Here’s What It Taught Me About Podcasting
    Jun 23 2025
    Elevate your podcasting game with Riverside.fm's studio-quality recordings, lightning-fast editing, and enhanced streaming capabilities—try it today! Get 15% off with discount code Podtastic Riverside.Fm So I took a trip to Vegas with my kids to see Kenny Chesney at the brand-new Sphere… and let me tell you, this place is insane. Think 16K visuals wrapped around you, 20,000 speakers, and a seat that literally vibrates with the bass. Wild. But while I was sitting there, totally immersed in this billion-dollar light show, something clicked—and it has everything to do with your podcast. In this episode, I’m sharing the wild Vegas story (yes, there’s a flower-themed hotel room involved), but more importantly, I’m breaking down a key lesson: your content has to stand on its own. If your podcast can’t hold up without flashy video or AI-enhanced effects, then what are we really doing? We’ll talk: What the Sphere experience taught me about real, effective contentWhy audio-only still matters (and honestly might be better)How video can help—but also hurt—your show if it’s distractingThe pressure podcasters feel to go “full video” and why you don’t have to This one’s packed with a story, a little inspiration, and a reminder to keep things real. Because if Kenny Chesney can crush it with just his guitar and a mic—so can you. 🎧 Listen in and ask yourself: Would your podcast still work if it were audio-only? The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast Amazon Kindle Apple Books Barnes and NobleOther Bookstores Over 25,000 podcasters use Podpage! Create your own podcast website that looks great, runs smoothly, and is optimized for search engines. Get started today! Podpage Link Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast! Podgagement Link Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter Podtastic AudioTwitter XInstagramLInkedInThreadsBlue Sky 00:00 – Inside the Vegas Sphere with Kenny Chesney 00:48 – Welcome to Podtastic Audio 01:06 – Why I Love Podcasting 01:21 – Sponsor Message: Recording Like a Pro 02:54 – Road Trip to Vegas with My Kids 05:13 – The Flower-Themed Hotel Suite Surprise 07:13 – Poolside Vibes and Irish Accents 07:57 – Who is Kenny Chesney? (Artist Overview) 10:10 – What Is the Sphere? (Venue Breakdown) 13:22 – Immersive Visuals You Have to See to Believe 14:10 – But What Does This Have to Do with Podcasting? 15:26 – Good Audio > Video Fluff 17:03 – My Take on Video Podcasts 18:35 – How Video Can Distract You (and Your Guest) 19:26 – Audio-Only = Better Listening 20:13 – Build Your Show on Substance, Not Just Style 21:04 – If It’s Not Audio-First, It’s Not a Podcast 22:01 – How I’d Do a YouTube Channel Differently 23:46 – Final Thoughts: Your Audio Should Stand Alone #PodcastTips #PodcastingLife #AudioFirst #PodcastCreator #ContentCreation #PodcastStrategy #PodcasterLife #KennyChesney #VegasSphere #LasVegasTrip #ContentMatters #PodcastAdvice #PodcastGrowth #VideoVsAudio #PodcastMarketing #AudioMatters #IndiePodcaster #PodcastEducation #SphereVegas #CreativeContent #PodcastingJourney #BehindTheMic #PodcastingTools #NoFluffContent #StorytellingMatters
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    25 mins
  • 206 | This One Click Trick Boosts Podcast Downloads (Ethically!)

    206 | This One Click Trick Boosts Podcast Downloads (Ethically!)
    Jun 16 2025
    🎙️ What if I told you a single click could count as a podcast download—even if no one actually listens? Wild, right? In this episode of Podtastic Audio, I uncover a powerful (and often misused) feature hidden inside major podcast hosting platforms like Buzzsprout, Libsyn, and Captivate — a direct MP3 link that auto-downloads and plays your episode. No app. No login. Just one click. But here’s the deal: while shady marketers use this trick to fake their numbers with bots and browser hacks, I’m showing you how to flip the script and use it the right way — with full transparency and 100% real audience growth. As an indie podcaster, you're already wearing all the hats: recording, editing, promoting — and you're doing it with passion. That’s why this episode is all about giving you a smart, ethical way to increase real podcast downloads, reduce friction for your listeners, and simplify your marketing flow. 💡 Whether you're podcasting for fun, business, or both — this little-known trick can help more people actually hear what you’ve worked so hard to create. 🔍 In This Episode, You'll Learn: 🎯 What actually counts as a podcast download (and what doesn’t)⚠️ How shady promoters game the system with fake stats🤖 Why bots and hidden click tricks are flooding download numbers✅ The ethical way to use direct MP3 links to grow your show📈 How to make it super easy for real people to click, listen, and enjoy💬 Tips for testing download traffic across social media, email, and more 🔗 Your Action Steps: Grab your direct MP3 link from your media hostShare it with a clear call-to-action like “Play now — no app needed!”Test it on different platforms (social, email, link in bio, etc.)Watch your stats — and focus on the numbers that actually matter If you’ve been wondering how certain shows with only a few followers seem to rack up thousands of downloads… this is the behind-the-scenes scoop they won’t tell you. And if you give this strategy a shot — let me know! I’d love to hear if it helps boost your reach in a real and meaningful way. 💻 Connect with me at PodtasticAudio.com If this episode brought you value, feel free to share it with a fellow podcaster — because we’re all in this together. Until next time… 🎧 Happy Podcasting! The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast Amazon Kindle Apple Books Barnes and NobleOther Bookstores Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast! Podgagement Link Over 25,000 podcasters use Podpage! Create your own podcast website that looks great, runs smoothly, and is optimized for search engines. Get started today! Podpage Link 00:00 - The surprising truth about podcast downloads 00:24 - Welcome to Podtastic Audio 00:39 - Indie podcasting vs. celebrity shows 01:54 - Why indie podcasters struggle with growth 03:45 - The real reason many shows podfade 04:09 - The ethical disclaimer before we dive in 05:01 - How a download is counted (the tech side) 07:18 - The problem with "downloads over plays" 08:10 - The secret sharing feature on podcast hosts 09:03 - Direct MP3 link: what it is and how it works 10:49 - How shady promoters fake downloads 13:11 - Why fake stats are misleading (and common) 13:53 - How YOU can use this trick ethically 15:04 - One-click = better listener experience 16:36 - Using this method in email and social media 17:14 - Step-by-step: how to promote ethically 18:41 - Testing what works for real listener growth 19:27 - Don't obsess over stats—focus on quality 20:02 - Try it out and let me know! 20:44 - Final thoughts and happy podcasting #PodcastGrowth #PodcastMarketing #IndiePodcaster #PodcastTips #PodcastingForBeginners #GrowYourPodcast #PodcastDownloadTips #PodcastSEO #PodcastPromotion #PodcastLife #BuzzsproutTips #LibsynPodcasting #CaptivatePodcasting #PodcastStrategy #EthicalMarketing #PodcastSuccess #DirectMP3Link #OneClickPlay #PodcastHacks #RealPodcastGrowth #PodcastDownloads #PodcastStats #PodcastPromotionTips #NoAppNeeded #PodtasticAudio
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    24 mins
  • 205 | Why Your Podcast Isn’t Growing (And It’s Not What You Think)

    205 | Why Your Podcast Isn’t Growing (And It’s Not What You Think)
    Jun 9 2025

    Elevate your podcasting game with Riverside.fm's studio-quality recordings, lightning-fast editing, and enhanced streaming capabilities—try it today! Get 15% off with discount code Podtastic

    Riverside.Fm

    What if the real reason your podcast isn’t growing has nothing to do with your marketing?

    That’s right. No funnels, no hacks, no algorithms—just some real talk about why your show might not be taking off yet… and why that’s totally okay.

    In this episode of Podtastic Audio, I’m breaking down the 4 core things every podcaster needs to focus on before expecting real growth. From dialing in your audio quality, getting clear on your audience, showing up consistently, and—this is a big one—finding and using your real voice, this is the stuff that actually moves the needle.

    Because great marketing can only take you so far. If your show isn’t worth sharing, it’s not going to grow. But the good news? You can fix that—and I’ll show you how.

    🚀 Let’s stop chasing numbers and start making something people want to share.

    💥 This episode might just change the way you think about podcasting forever.

    The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast

    • Amazon Kindle
    • Apple Books
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    • Other Bookstores

    Over 25,000 podcasters use Podpage! Create your own podcast website that looks great, runs smoothly, and is optimized for search engines. Get started today! Podpage Link

    Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

    Podgagement Link

    Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter

    • Podtastic Audio
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    00:00 – Intro: What’s Really Holding Back Your Podcast Growth

    01:04 – Riverside.fm Sponsorship & Tools for Easy Editing

    02:50 – Why Great Marketing Can’t Fix a Bad Show

    04:09 – Your Show Might Not Be Ready to Grow (Yet)

    05:41 – The Creator Evolution: Keep Learning, Keep Going

    06:32 – Growth Isn’t the Goal—Getting Better Is

    07:22 – Think About the Listener Experience

    08:18 – Podfade: The Cost of Premature Growth

    09:04 – 4 Core Fixes You *Need* Before Growth

    09:18 – Core #1: Audio Quality That Doesn’t Need Apologizing

    13:10 – Core #2: Know Exactly Who You’re Talking To

    14:26 – Core #3: Consistency Builds Trust

    18:05 – Core #4: Be Real. Stop Copying. Use Your Own Voice

    21:27 – Real Growth Comes from Real Connection

    24:08 – Listener Shares vs. Download Counts

    26:00 – The Steak Analogy: Listeners Don’t Care About Hosts

    27:18 – Final Thoughts: Forget Funnels, Connect With People

    28:25 – Wrap-Up: Make Something Worth Listening To

    #PodcastTips #PodcastGrowth #IndiePodcaster #PodcastMarketing #GrowYourPodcast #PodcastAdvice #PodcastingStrategy #PodcastSuccess #BetterPodcasting #PodcastCoach #PodcastHelp #PodcastLife #PodcastCreators #PodcastJourney #PodcastTipsForBeginners #AudioQualityMatters #AuthenticPodcasting #PodcastEngagement #PodcastBranding #PodcasterSupport #PodcastClarity #PodcastConsistency #VoiceOfThePodcaster #ContentThatConnects #PodtasticAudio
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    29 mins
  • 204 | Podcasting Without Funnels: Why Great Content Beats Marketing Gimmicks

    204 | Podcasting Without Funnels: Why Great Content Beats Marketing Gimmicks
    Jun 2 2025

    Are you tired of being told your podcast needs a $997 funnel, a slick course, or some guru’s step-by-step plan to succeed? In this episode of Podtastic Audio, we’re breaking down what really matters in podcasting — and it’s not building a sales machine.

    I’m here to speak directly to indie podcasters who care more about creating meaningful content than chasing dollars. You started your show to share something real — and that’s exactly what will set you apart.

    🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

    • Why your podcast isn’t just a sales funnel — it’s your voice
    • The myth of marketing-first podcast strategies
    • How to grow without gimmicks, ads, or expensive coaching
    • Why great content and sound design matter more than scaling fast
    • Real talk for creators who just want to make something they love

    💡 Key Takeaway:

    You don’t need to buy into guru hype. What you need is a show you believe in, solid audio, and content that connects. That’s how you grow a podcast worth sharing.

    🔗 Resources & Links: 🌐 PodtasticAudio.com – Access all episodes, tools, and ways to connect

    🎵 Outro song: “Podtastic Audio” (original track featured at the end)

    🙌 Support the Show If you got value from this episode, share it with another indie podcaster and leave a review on your favorite podcast app. It helps more than you know.

    The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast

    • Amazon Kindle
    • Apple Books
    • Barnes and Noble
    • Other Bookstores

    Over 25,000 podcasters use Podpage! Create your own podcast website that looks great, runs smoothly, and is optimized for search engines. Get started today! Podpage Link

    Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

    Podgagement Link

    Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter

    • Podtastic Audio
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    00:00 - You Don’t Need a Funnel to Matter

    00:23 - Welcome to Podtastic Audio

    00:38 - Why I Do This Show

    01:14 - The Problem with Podcast Gurus

    02:12 - Indie Podcasting Is a Creative Outlet

    03:09 - Learning Podcasting the Hard Way

    04:22 - Hidden Sales Funnels in Podcast Advice

    06:00 - Is Podcasting About Passion or Profit?

    07:16 - The Most Important Part: A Good Show

    09:02 - Marketing vs. Making Good Content

    11:28 - Real Talk for Indie Creators

    12:50 - What We Actually Need as Podcasters

    14:14 - You Don’t Need Fancy Tools to Start

    15:45 - Who Is Your Audience?

    16:39 - Podcast Your Way – No Rules

    17:06 - Your Message Comes First

    17:46 - Podtastic Audio Is Here for You

    18:54 - [Song] "Podtastic Audio" (Original Outro Track)

    #PodcastingTips #IndiePodcaster #PodcastMarketing #PodcastLife #ContentCreation #PodcastGrowth #PodcastStrategy #AuthenticPodcasting #PodcastHelp #PodcastCoach #StartAPodcast #PodcastingCommunity #PodcastProduction #PodcastJourney #PodcastMotivation #PodcastingTruths #CreateNotSell #PodcastAudience #PodcastSoundQuality #GrowYourPodcast #PassionOverProfit #PodcastAdvice #PodcastingWithoutFunnels #PodtasticAudio #PodcastContent
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    22 mins
  • 203 | Why Most Podcast Interviews Fail (And How to Fix Yours)

    203 | Why Most Podcast Interviews Fail (And How to Fix Yours)
    May 26 2025
    Elevate your podcasting game with Riverside.fm's studio-quality recordings, lightning-fast editing, and enhanced streaming capabilities—try it today! Get 15% off with discount code Podtastic Riverside.Fm If your podcast relies on guest interviews, but your episodes aren't landing the way you hoped—they might be failing for all the wrong reasons. In this episode, we’re unpacking why so many podcast interviews fall flat, especially in the indie podcasting world, and how to turn them into engaging, valuable conversations your audience will actually care about. You’ll learn: Why “just booking a guest” isn’t enoughHow guest interviews can dilute your voice—and how to stay in controlThe real reason your audience isn’t growing (even when guests are well-known)What separates a dynamic, story-driven guest from a flat, forgettable oneThe #1 myth about big-name guests and download numbersSimple, actionable ways to structure better interviews—without being a professional journalist Whether you're brand new or years into podcasting, this episode will challenge how you think about interviews—and give you tools to level up your show. 🎧 Tune in and start making interviews that don't just fill airtime... they make an impact. The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast Amazon Kindle Apple Books Barnes and NobleOther Bookstores Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast! Podgagement Link Over 25,000 podcasters use Podpage! Create your own podcast website that looks great, runs smoothly, and is optimized for search engines. Get started today! Podpage Link Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter Podtastic AudioTwitter XInstagramLInkedInThreadsBlue Sky 00:00 - Why podcast interviews are usually boring 00:22 - Intro to Podtastic Audio 00:55 - Sponsor shoutout: Riverside.fm and the tools that make interviews easy 02:06 - Why everyone does interviews today 03:38 - A look back at how interviews used to work (RIP Skype!) 05:10 - The pros of doing guest interviews: networking, validation, community 06:02 - How Zoom and the pandemic made interviews explode 07:20 - The benefits of not being alone on mic 08:35 - The thrill of interviewing someone “bigger” than you 09:11 - The myth of guests sharing your episode with their audience 10:10 - How interviews help your podcast grow—if done right 11:04 - The catch: guests build *their* authority, not yours 12:22 - The problem with saying yes to every guest 13:24 - Why some interviews feel completely off-brand 14:36 - We’re not trained journalists—and that’s okay 15:28 - Mistakes indie podcasters make with interviews 16:17 - Interviews need prep, purpose, and audience focus 16:49 - What makes a *good* interview 18:13 - Why your guest must fit your niche and bring energy 19:30 - Great guests tell great stories 19:49 - What makes a *bad* interview (boring, off-topic, dry delivery) 21:14 - Why bad storytelling ruins even great content 22:25 - Prepping your guest for a smoother recording 23:11 - The biggest myth in podcast interviews 24:21 - Big guests ≠ big downloads 25:33 - The need vs. the name: value trumps fame 27:06 - Final thoughts: always serve your audience first 27:23 - Wrap-up and how to connect with me #PodcastTips #IndiePodcaster #PodcastInterviews #PodcastMistakes #PodcastGrowth #PodcastStrategy #PodcastMarketing #HowToPodcast #GrowYourPodcast #PodcastCommunity #InterviewTips #PodcastHost #PodcastAdvice #BetterPodcasts #Podcasting101 #PodcastContent #PodcastSuccess #PodcastCoach #CreativePodcaster #PodcasterLife #InterviewSkills #PodcastingForBeginners #AudioPodcasting #PodcastPlanning #PodcastEngagement
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    28 mins
  • 202 | Your Podcast Stats Don’t Define Your Worth (Here’s Why Spotify Backed Off)

    202 | Your Podcast Stats Don’t Define Your Worth (Here’s Why Spotify Backed Off)
    May 19 2025

    Spotify almost changed podcasting forever—by putting all your episode play counts on full display. Imagine every episode’s stats right out in the open, for the world to judge. But then, they backed off. In this episode of Podtastic Audio, I’m breaking down why that change almost happened, why they reversed course, and what it means for us indie podcasters.

    As someone who loves podcasting and does it because it's fun (not just for downloads), I dig into:

    • Why public play counts might hurt small shows more than help them
    • How podcast value isn’t always reflected in numbers
    • The power of private growth and real listener impact
    • Why you should keep creating even when the numbers seem small

    Whether you’re getting 25 plays or 25,000, this episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like the metrics don’t tell the whole story—because they don’t. Podcasting should be about connection, not comparison.

    👉 Join me as I share my own journey, thoughts on Spotify’s decision, and why your voice matters more than your views.

    The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast

    • Amazon Kindle
    • Apple Books
    • Barnes and Noble
    • Other Bookstores

    Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

    Podgagement Link

    Over 25,000 podcasters use Podpage! Create your own podcast website that looks great, runs smoothly, and is optimized for search engines. Get started today! Podpage Link

    Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter

    • Podtastic Audio
    • Twitter X
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    • Blue Sky

    00:00 – Spotify Almost Reveals All Podcast Stats

    00:38 – Welcome & Purpose of Podtastic Audio

    01:20 – Podcast Listening Apps: Apple vs. Spotify

    02:08 – Spotify's Push for an All-In-One Platform

    03:14 – Spotify’s Big Stat Reveal Announcement

    04:06 – Should Podcast Stats Be Public?

    05:28 – The Indie Podcaster’s Dilemma

    06:37 – When Public Stats Actually Help

    07:15 – Podcasting for Passion, Not Just Profit

    08:14 – Perception vs. Reality in Play Counts

    09:03 – Hidden Stats = Equal Opportunity

    10:00 – Final Thoughts: Do Stats Reflect Impact?

    11:09 – Connect with Me at PodtasticAudio.com

    11:34 – Keep Creating Your Amazing Show

    #IndiePodcaster #PodcastTips #PodcastGrowth #PodcastCommunity #PodcastMarketing #PodcastStats #SpotifyPodcasts #PodcastAnalytics #PlayCounts #SpotifyForPodcasters #ContentOverClout #CreateDontCompare #ValueNotViews #PodcastConfidence #YouMatter #PodcastAdvice #PodcastSupport #PodcastTools #PodcastHelp #PodcastResources
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    12 mins
  • 201 | Don’t Quit Yet! How Indie Podcasters Can Thrive Long-Term

    201 | Don’t Quit Yet! How Indie Podcasters Can Thrive Long-Term
    May 12 2025

    Elevate your podcasting game with Riverside.fm's studio-quality recordings, lightning-fast editing, and enhanced streaming capabilities—try it today! Get 15% off with discount code Podtastic

    Riverside.Fm

    Every indie podcaster hits that moment — the one where you wonder, “Why am I even doing this?” Low download numbers, crickets for feedback, and the creeping feeling that no one’s listening can make podcast burnout feel inevitable.

    But here’s the truth:

    👉 Most podcasts don’t fail because they’re bad — they fail because the host gives up too soon.

    In this episode, we dive into:

    ✅ The 2011 doomsday prediction (remember Harold Camping?) and how it surprisingly connects to podcasting

    ✅ Why indie podcasters quietly predict their own “podcast doomsday”

    ✅ The emotional rollercoaster of hobby podcasting (yes, you’re normal)

    ✅ 6 actionable tips to stay motivated, consistent, and keep growing — even when the numbers feel discouraging

    We’ll cover:

    🎙 How to focus on one listener at a time

    🎙 Why consistency beats overnight success

    🎙 Using stats as a tool, not a self-worth scorecard

    🎙 Putting fun and creativity first

    🎙 How to build community around your show

    🎙 The power of saving positive feedback for tough days

    If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to hang up the mic, this episode is packed with podcasting motivation, real talk, and strategies to help indie podcasters stay in the game. Remember, your best episode is still ahead — don’t quit before the magic happens. ✨

    RESOURCES & LINKS: 💥 Connect & share your podcast journey → podtasticaudio.com

    The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast

    • Amazon Kindle
    • Apple Books
    • Barnes and Noble
    • Other Bookstores

    Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

    Podgagement Link

    Timestamps / Chapters

    00:00 – Intro & 2011 Doomsday Throwback

    01:21 – Sponsor Shoutout (Riverside.fm)

    02:34 – The Two Topics Podcasters Should Avoid

    03:14 – Harold Camping’s End of the World Prediction

    06:00 – Why People Believed & the Fallout

    09:25 – The Emotional & Community Impact

    11:32 – What This Has to Do with Podcasting

    13:23 – The Real Reason Indie Podcasts Fail

    17:35 – 6 Tips to Keep Your Podcast Going

    18:07 – Tip 1: Stay Consistent

    19:12 – Tip 2: Focus on Sharper Content

    20:35 – Tip 3: Speak to One Listener at a Time

    21:43 – Tip 4: Use Stats as Tools, Not Judgment

    23:21 – Tip 5: Remember Why You Started

    26:30 – Tip 6: Save Listener Feedback

    27:59 – Final Motivation & Closing Thoughts

    28:55 – How to Reach Out & Outro

    #PodcastingTips #IndiePodcaster #PodcastMotivation #PodcastBurnout #KeepPodcasting #GrowYourPodcast #PodcastAudience #PodcastGrowth #PodcastMarketing #PodcastSuccess #PodcastLife #PodcastJourney #PodcastConsistency #ContentCreator #StayConsistent #PodcastCommunity #PodcastSupport #PodcasterLife #HobbyPodcaster #PodcastInspiration
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    29 mins