The Audacity to Podcast® - tips and how to start and grow profit in podcasting

Headphones might be doing more harm than good in your podcasting. Here’s where to remove them and what to use when you still need monitoring. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/headphonesoff Introduction [00:00] What's a podcast anymore? https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/whats-a-podcast-anymore/?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap435&utm_content=chapter_1-introduction 1. Remove headphones from your artwork [02:29] 2. Avoid headphones in your videos [05:31] 3. Remove headphones from conversations [11:02] 4. Try earbuds or in-ear monitors (IEMs) instead [17:53] Send me your recommendations! https://x.com/theDanielJLewis or https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap435&utm_content=chapter_5-4_try_earbuds_or_in_ear_monitors_iems_insteaddo_you_have_some_you_like ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ Add podcast chapters that drive engagement in seconds! https://podchapters.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Learn when podcasting best practices are not rules but only guidelines, what tradeoffs matter, and how to break podcasting rules with intention instead of laziness. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/breakrules Introduction [00:00] Break "rules" with intention [01:40] Consistency: a guideline, not a law [04:05] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/how-to-continue-podcasting-when-your-life-is-unpredictable-tap294/?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap434&utm_content=chapter_3-consistency_a_guideline_not_a_law Inside jokes can build rapport [06:59] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/should-your-podcast-have-inside-jokes/?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap434&utm_content=chapter_4-inside_jokes_can_build_rapport You may not HAVE to "niche down" [08:24] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/4-types-of-podcast-niches-its-not-just-your-topic/?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap434&utm_content=chapter_5-you_may_not_have_to_niche_down "It's not hurting them" is a myth [09:06] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/debunking-the-myth-its-not-hurting-their-podcast/?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap434&utm_content=chapter_6-its_not_hurting_them_is_a_myth Some "rules" are dumb [10:13] Don't break "rules" out of laziness [20:59] ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through <a href="https://podcastfeedback.com/auda

You've probably heard the podcasting advice that you must choose a niche, or even "niche down." But your topic isn't the only kind of niche your podcast could have! Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/niches What is a "niche podcast"? [01:42] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/niche 1. Topic [03:58] 2. Audience [06:52] 3. Style/approach [08:50] 4. Voice [14:39] Office Ladies podcast: https://officeladies.com Podgagement: https://podgagement.com PodChapters: https://podchapters.com School of Podcasting: https://schoolofpodcasting.com ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Here's how to balance your podcast SEO, spark curiosity, and maintain clarity when naming podcast episodes that don’t fit neatly under one topic. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/multitopictitles Introduction [00:00] 1. Find a theme [01:44] 2. Use the most compelling topic—keep those promises! [05:05] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/remember-and-keep-your-podcasts-promises/?utm_source=tap&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap432 3. List topics concisely [08:42] 4. Be creative instead of descriptive—inside jokes are okay! [10:26] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/should-your-podcast-have-inside-jokes/?utm_source=tap&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap432 5. Combine these techniques [12:52] Do value the podcast? [16:11] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/giveback?utm_source=tap&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap432 Track your podcast SEO in Podgagement! [17:05] https://podgagement.com/?utm_source=tap&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap432 ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

I've been teasing for a while that I made some major workflow changes for The Audacity to Podcast, Here's what I change and why. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/workflow25 Introduction [00:00] 1. Chapters and transcripts with PodChapters [01:24] Try PodChapters FREE on your next episode! https://podchapters.com/ 2. Back to outlines instead of scripts [05:01] 3. Episode articles with trained AI [14:10] Use Magai as your AI toolbox! https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/magai ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Skip the mixers and mic stands. These lightweight podcasting accessories fit in a small bag and can help you podcast from anywhere. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/lightweightgear Introduction [00:00] 1. Smartphone [01:11] 2. Wireless lav mic kit [02:40] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/larkm2s 3. Phone stand with selfie stick [06:58] 4. Miniature lighting [08:50] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/lightweightled 5. USB drive [09:45] 6. Backup batteries [10:41] 7. Wired headphones [12:06] 8. Cables and adapters [13:43] 9. Printed promotional material [14:43] 10. Ultra-fine-point permanent marker [16:28] ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Your podcast makes promises through its branding, titles and descriptions, and your own words. Learn 3 ways to identify and keep those promises. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/promises Introduction [00:00] 1. What might your audience expect? [01:56] Listen to my first episode 2. What does your description promise? [11:10] 3. What have you said in your podcast? [14:51] Track your Podcast SEO in Podgagement! [19:14] Try Podgagement ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

When is it okay to pay a guest or pay to be a guest? And when you should you disclose compensation to your audience? Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/payinterviews Introduction [00:00] 1. It's okay to pay to interview a guest on your podcast [00:54] 2. It's okay to pay to be a guest on another podcast [03:16] 3. Podcasters must disclose if they're getting paid to feature a guest [06:15] You MUST Disclose Whenever You’re Compensated! 4. You don't need to disclose if a booking service was used [13:27] Interview Valet Interview Connections PodMatch ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Learn how to smartly handle podcast episode numbers when your title starts with a number, so your RSS feed, website, and podcast apps are optimized. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/combinenumbers Introduction [00:00] When to Use Podcast Episode Numbers - The Audacity to Podcast® When to AVOID Podcast Episode Numbers - The Audacity to Podcast® Should You Include Episode Numbers in Episode Titles? - The Audacity to Podcast® Are Episode Numbers REALLY Necessary? - The Audacity to Podcast® 1. Add a leading word [05:13] 2. Spell the number in the title [07:03] 3. Title your episode differently in your RSS feed [09:10] Special thanks [19:34] Click here to support The Audacity to Podcast! ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Teleprompters aren't only for newscaster and politicians! They can be great for podcasting—even if you podcast in only audio! Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/teleprompter Introduction [00:00] Get one of my recommended teleprompters: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/why-you-should-consider-a-teleprompter-for-your-podcasting-workflow/#recommendations 1. Make "eye-contact" with your audience [02:01] 2. Display your notes or script [07:08] 3. See yourself as the camera sees you [19:01] 4. Look at your remote guest, cohost, or interviewer [20:14] 5. Use as an extra display [22:52] My recommendation: Elgato Creator's Prompter and Prompter XL [26:50] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/why-you-should-consider-a-teleprompter-for-your-podcasting-workflow/#recommendations Special thanks [29:10] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/giveback ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Discover when it makes sense to use clever podcast titles instead of descriptive ones, and learn how to protect your podcast SEO while doing it. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/clevertitles Introduction [00:00] 1. When clever podcast titles have clarifying subtitles [01:41] Kicked from Apple Podcasts? What Happens When You Keyword-Stuff Podcast Tags: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/kicked-from-apple-podcasts-what-happens-when-you-keyword-stuff-podcast-tags-tap334/?utm_source=tap&utm_medium=chapter&utm_campaign=tap425 2. When clever episode titles are for entertainment-based podcasts [08:02] 3. When uniqueness is more important than podcast SEO [11:58] PodChapters: https://podchapters.com/?utm_source=tap&utm_medium=chapter&utm_campaign=tap425 4. When clever-titled podcasts have amazing marketing [16:52] Debunking the Myth: “It’s Not Hurting Their Podcast”: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/debunking-the-myth-its-not-hurting-their-podcast/?utm_source=tap&utm_medium=chapter&utm_campaign=tap425 ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Track active podcast metrics from Apple Podcasts, analyze 110 categories, monitor Podcasting 2.0 trends, and easily download beautiful 4K charts! Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/newpii Introduction [00:00] Visit Podcast Industry Insights: https://podcastindustryinsights.com/?utm_source=chapter_1&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=tap424 Track the total number of podcasts in Apple Podcasts, Podcast Index, and YouTube [09:21] https://podcastindustryinsights.com/?utm_source=chapter_2&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=tap424 See how active podcasts are [13:23] https://podcastindustryinsights.com/?utm_source=chapter_3&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=tap424 Discover deeper category details from Apple Podcasts [15:38] https://podcastindustryinsights.com/apple-podcasts-statistics/categories?utm_source=chapter_4&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=tap424 Watch Podcasting 2.0 feature-adoption grow [18:49] https://podcastindustryinsights.com/podcasting-2-0-statistics?utm_source=chapter_5&utm_medium=chapter&utm_campaign=tap424 Download chart images for easy sharing [19:44] https://podcastindustryinsights.com/?utm_source=chapter_6&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=tap424 Special thanks [24:12] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/giveback ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Explore whether OpenClaw belongs in your podcasting workflow, including the security risks, potential costs, practical use cases, and why you should never sacrifice your humanity for AI automation. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/SLUG Introduction: What is OpenClaw? [00:00] Try OpenClaw, if you dare: https://openclaw.ai 1. OpenClaw has massive security risks [05:16] 2. Using OpenClaw can be expensive [11:15] 3. OpenClaw is not SkyNet [19:25] 4. Do you actually need AI automation? [25:56] OP3 stats: https://op3.dev 5. Never sacrifice your humanity [30:23] 11 Warnings about Using AI in Content-Creation: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/11-warnings-about-using-ai-in-content-creation-including-podcasting/ Podgagement: https://podgagement.com/ PodChapters: https://podchapters.com/ Magai: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/magai Tell me your uses for OpenClaw (or similar)! [34:23] Send your feedback to https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Far more exciting than winning "World's Best Cup of Coffee," Edison Research revealed that as of Q4 2025, Americans spent more time listening to podcasts than spoken content on AM/FM radio! Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/podcastsbeatradio Intro: Share of Ear study [00:00] Podcasts Lead AM/FM in Spoken-Word Listening, Marking a First: https://www.edisonresearch.com/podcasts-lead-am-fm-in-spoken-word-listening-marking-a-first/ AM/FM radio is dying [06:55] Podcasts are thriving [15:21] Takeaway: embrace a niche [23:59] If you value The Audacity to Podcast, please consider giving back whatever you feel it's worth to you! https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/giveback ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Following up from my previous episode (#420) about using numbering your podcast episode, here are 5 times and places to not use episode numbers. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/avoidepisodenumbers Introduction: listen to #420 first! [00:00] When to Use Podcast Episode Numbers: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/when-to-use-podcast-episode-numbers/ 1. Don't use episode numbers when they would not matter to your audience [00:46] 2. Avoid episode numbers when they conflict with episode titles, or else reword [02:05] 3. Don't use the episode's number within that episode [05:10] 4. Don't use episode numbers in website, social, or SEO titles [09:02] 5. Don't use episode numbers in the tag [13:59] Learn more about how to properly use episode numbers in your podcast metadata: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/should-you-include-episode-numbers-in-episode-titles/ Follow-up to my previous episode [16:55] Special thanks [19:08] $30 from Stevie Taylor, host of The Gig Life Podcast, saying, "Hey Daniel. Thank you for all you do, sir." $20 from Randy Black, host of Shooting It Straight, saying, "A small amount of support for a friend and podcasting legend who gives so much to the space with little given back in turn. Keep up the good work Daniel!" 696§ from Bryan Entzminger, podcast producer at Top Tier Audio If you value The Audacity to Podcast, please consider giving back whatever it's worth to you! https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/giveback ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

I've changed my mind since 12 years ago in episode 175, when I proposed that episode numbers were unnecessary for most podcasts. Now, I see more cases when you should consider using episode numbers with your podcast. It comes down to this: use episode numbers when they matter to your audience. Specifically, here's how to determine when that applies. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/whenepisodenumbers 1. Use episode numbers for serial podcasts [00:53] 2. Use episode numbers if frequently referencing other episodes [02:58] My original episode 175 about episode numbers: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/are-podcast-episode-numbers-really-necessary-in-podcasting-show-notes-tap175/ 3. Use episode numbers for file and folder organization [15:16] Use PodChapters to quickly transcribe and chapter your podcast! https://podchapters.com/ 4. Use episode numbers when you can't make better episode URLs [18:15] 5. Use episode numbers correctly and efficiently in episode titles [21:41] Learn how to include episode numbers in your titles: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/should-you-include-episode-numbers-in-episode-titles/ Special thanks [26:42] ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

No matter where you are in your podcasting journey, it's possible to make one of these podcasting mistakes at any point! Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/5commonmistakes 1. Striving for "perfect" [00:40] Sony ZV-E10 II mirrorless camera: https://podcasting.deals/Bs4fi Sigma 16 mm f/1.6 lens: https://podcasting.deals/QmPnet 2. Doing too much [10:21] 3. Starting without a plan [13:55] 4. Obsessing over the "launch" [16:25] 5. Not launching at all [19:11] Supercharge your audience engagement with Podgagement! [21:34] Try Podgagement FREE for 14 days! https://podgagement.com/ ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Do you have any unfinished episodes? Maybe you already recorded them but just haven't gotten around to editing them. Or maybe you started writing the outline, but you never finished. Then this challenge is for you! Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/unfinished "If it'll keep, it'll preach" [00:49] Complete the preproduction for draft episodes [05:22] Try PodChapters to help you transcribe and chapter your episodes faster than ever before! https://podchapters.com/ Finish the editing, or publish with minimal editing [10:53] Discard what no longer "sparks joy" [14:34] Special thanks [20:13] ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

I'm back from Podfest Multimedia Expo 2026 in Orlando. This is now my favorite podcasting conference, and I'd like to share some thoughts. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/podfest26 1. Community is still priority [01:54] 2. The Podcast Hall of Fame is a highlight [05:19] https://podcasthall.com 3. Lots of quality teaching [07:18] 4. The location is still expensive [10:40] 5. Great networking [12:57] Feedback reminder: your unexpected upgrades and 3 questions [16:29] https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

When thinking about upgrading your podcasting workflow, you probably immediately think of actual podcasting tools: microphones, recorder/mixer/interface combos, podcast hosting, podcasting software, cameras, lighting, and such. But that's not what I'm going to share with you! In fact, none of these are explicitly podcasting tools (with one on the fence). And not a single one of these is yet another AI tool! Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/unexpectedupgrades Try PodChapters FREE on your next episode! [00:52] https://podchapters.com/ 1. Computer mouse and keyboard [02:21] Logitech MX Master 4 wireless mouse: https://podcasting.deals/8i04ai Corsair GALLEON 100 SD keyboard with built-in Stream Deck: https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/keyboards/CH-912A31I-NA/galleon-100-sd-stream-deck-integrated-mechanical-keyboard-ch-912a31i-na 2. Control interface [07:15] Stream Deck: https://podcasting.deals/FaX2Je Corsair GALLEON 100 SD keyboard with built-in Stream Deck: https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/keyboards/CH-912A31I-NA/galleon-100-sd-stream-deck-integrated-mechanical-keyboard-ch-912a31i-na 3. Automation/shortcut tools [12:12] TextExpander: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/textexpander Keyboard Maestro (macOS): https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/keyboardmaestro AutoHotKey (Windows): https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/autohotkey Apple Shortcuts Raycast: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/raycast 4. Smarthome accessories [18:42] 5. Furniture [23:13] 6. Cable management [28:36] ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audac

Post office boxes (maybe called something else in other countries) require an investment (especially increasing the last few years), but they could be worth it for you! Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/pobox Privacy, obviously! [01:05] Use your PO Box for public records [01:51] Check your own domain's WHOIS/RDAP information: https://who.is Encourage your audience to send things to your PO Box [03:58] Use your PO Box as a secure delivery address for retailers (may not be available everywhere) [06:12] Boost your reputation with a hint of professionalism [08:52] Please share your thoughts about The Audacity to Podcast! [10:23] Send a written or voicemail message through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

It's Christmas Eve, and instead of talking about podcasting or goals for a new year, I want to share a special Christmas message.

Surveying your audience doesn't have to be a complicated matter. Moving into a new year, here are the three most important questions I recommend you ask your audience. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/3questions 1. "What would you like more of from me/us or my/our podcast?" [01:20] 2. "What would you like less of from me/us or my/our podcast?" [02:14] 3. "What do you want to tell me/us that's been on your mind?" [04:05] You turn these into to-dos and take action [04:43] I want to hear your thoughts about The Audacity to Podcast! [07:36] Please share your answers to these through questions through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity Special thanks [10:30] 1,363§ from Bryan Entzminger from TopTierAudio.com ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Is WordPress still the best choice for your podcast website, or should you try something else now? Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/needwordpress Your podcast does need a website! [01:16] Podcast-hosting providers have much better websites now [05:24] Captivate podcast hosting: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/go/captivate Buzzsprout podcast hosting: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/buzzsprout Transistor podcast hosting: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/transistor WordPress gives ultimate power with costs [07:24] Blubrry podcast hosting: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/bhosting Website builders have gotten easier and better [10:04] Squarespace: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/squarespace Wix: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/wix Podpage and Beamly provide a new way [11:15] Podpage: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/podpage Beamly: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/beamly What's right for you? [13:35] Important tip #1: update your RSS feed's episode links! [15:01] Important tip #2: copy or redirect all old URLs [16:00] Chapter your podcast with PodChapters! [18:07] Try PodChapters FREE! https://podchapters.com/ ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Running short on time but feel obligated to podcast? Should you "wing it" or just cram like a procrastinating high-schooler the night before a big test? Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/SLUG 1. Respect your audience's time Should Podcast Episodes Have a Consistent Length? 2. Always consider quality over quantity Seth Godin's blog 3. Adapt to prevent recurrences Special thanks Try PodChapters FREE ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

There are plenty of great podcast-hosting providers, but some of them are committing podcasting sins that could make it harder for you to use them, or impair your podcast's performance. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/hostingsins (I earn from qualified purchased through my affiliate links in this episode, but I recommend things I truly believe in, regardless of earnings.) Introduction [00:00] Sin 1: not redirecting your podcast RSS feed [01:02] [Redirects and How to Use Them in Podcasting] (https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/redirects-and-how-to-use-them-in-podcasting-tap280/) Sin 2: using unpredictable media URLs [06:07] Sin 3: changing your GUIDs [14:08] Podcast GUID from Podcasting 2.0 Sin 4: improperly constructing your RSS feed [18:35] Sin 5: stripping important data from your episodes [28:19] Try PodChapters for $0! Sin 6: not optimizing your media [32:53] Sin 7: unnecessarily optimizing your media [39:21] My podcast-hosting performance results Special thanks [45:53] Lyndsay Phillips had me as a guest on Leverage Your Podcast to talk about engaging your podcast audience. Go listen to it! Podfest Multimedia Expo accepted my session proposal, so I will be sharing "What You Need to Know About Podcasting 2.0" at Podfest! Please join me at Podfest, January 15–18, in Orlando, Florida! Please support The Audacity to Podcast if you feel you get any value from it! Try PodChapters on your next episode for $0! https://podchapters.com/ ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

In a world that can't correctly define a podcast anymore, there's a new obsession over and pressure to publish video. But if you are able to publish both audio and video, which should actually be your priority? Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/higherpriority Introduction [00:00] What's a Podcast Anymore? [episode 400] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/whats-a-podcast-anymore/ 1. Prioritize audio in production [00:44] 2. Prioritize listeners in your audience [02:25] 3. Prioritize video for sharing [04:07] OpusClip: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/opusclip Squadcast: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/squadcast Riverside: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/riverside 4. Feeling overwhelmed? Then prioritize audio! [08:26] Special thanks [10:27] 501§ from Bryan Enztminger I was a guest on episode 237 of Podcasting 2.0 with Adam Curry and Dave Jones Try PodChapters for free! https://podchapters.com/ Thoughtful feedback from Dan LeFebvre, from Based on a True Story. Send your own feedback: https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

You may have heard that certain topics are "taboo" to share in your podcast, but are they really? Or is it okay to share your "controversial" perspectives? I'm not going to tell you what you "should" do on this issue. Instead, I'll give you several things to consider so that you can make the decision you believe is right for your podcast. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/worldview Faith, politics, and morals are parts of your worldview [00:51] Everyone "leaks" their worldview [01:25] Is it relevant to your podcast? [02:25] You will likely alienate some of your audience [07:13] You might be the voice your audience needs [09:48] Standing for what's right will have a cost [11:25] Don't let labels control you [13:11] Remember kindness [15:02] Special thanks [17:28] 500§ from Claire Waite Brown Chapter your podcast with PodChapters! https://podchapters.com/ Support The Audacity to Podcast: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/giveback ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Podcast chapters allow your listening audience to get extra context during your podcast, more easily take action, and jump to spots in your episodes. So are chapters right for your podcast? Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/chapters What are podcast chapters? [01:05] Answering the objection: chapters allow audiences to skip content [03:53] The helpful benefit of chapters: context [07:19] The most convenient benefit of chapters: actionability [10:52] How to chapter your podcast episodes [17:55] First, pick your chaptering style [18:05] Second, add your chapters with the right tools [21:33] Try PodChapters! https://podchapters.com/ Podcasting 2.0 "cloud chapters" are already better [34:29] The official Podcasting 2.0 chapters spec: https://podcasting2.org/docs/podcast-namespace/tags/chapters Let's Look at Podcast Chapters, from The Future of Podcasting: https://www.futureofpodcasting.net/lets-look-at-podcast-chapters-with-daniel-j-lewis/ Podcasting 2.0 could bring "super chapters" [36:30] Super Chapters in Plain English, from The Future of Podcasting: https://www.futureofpodcasting.net/superchapters-in-plain-english/ Chapters, from Podcasting 2.0 in Practice: https://podcasting-2-in-practice.captivate.fm/episode/chapters Special thanks [38:20] Steve Wilkinson sent 1,234§, saying, "Thanks for all you do for podcasting!" Support The Audacity to Podcast! https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/giveback ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

During or after a tragedy, podcasting may be the last thing on your mind. Or maybe it's actually something you want or need to get back into, but you're not sure if it's appropriate. Whatever the "tragedy" is to you, there is no single right answer to this. But I would like to share several points for you to consider so that you can make the decision that's right for you. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/tragedy 1. A Difficult truth: tragedies don't impact everyone equally 2. People need positivity 3. People need community Sadness in Pixar's Inside Out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2CJ46XkwxA 4. Podcasting can be therapeutic 5. It takes courage to not stay down "Why do we fall, Bruce?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIcGuFnl7ZU Special thanks If you love The Audacity to Podcast and value the podcasting inspiration and education I provide, would you please consider giving back what it's worth to you? https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/giveback ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

With the death of Todd Cochrane, his funeral, and the assassination and martyrdom of Charlie Kirk, I'm taking a week off of The Audacity to Podcast. But with the return, I want to address several somber and even controversial questions you might have related to podcasting. For example: • How should you prepare your podcast for your own death? • Should you address current issues or tragedies in your podcast? • Should you talk about morality or politics in your podcast? Please send me your own additional questions you would like me to address! Send written or voicemail feedback (optionally anonymously) to: https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity The Audacity to Podcast will return on September 24.

Todd Cochrane, a great podcasting pioneer, an advocate for independent podcasters, and one of my good friends died Monday morning, September 8, 2025. Blubrry CEO Todd Cochrane has died: https://podnews.net/update/todd-cochrane-rip Todd Cochrane's Obituary: https://podnews.net/article/todd-cochrane-obituary Blubrry Podcasting Mourns the Loss of Founder and CEO Todd Cochrane: https://podnews.net/press-release/blubrry-mourns-loss, https://blubrry.com/podcast-insider/2025/09/09/blubrry-founder-todd-cochrane-in-memoriam/ Todd Cochrane: 20 Years of Podcasting Innovations and Insights: https://geeknewscentral.com/2024/10/09/todd-cochrane-20-years-of-podcasting-innovations-and-insights/ Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/toddcochrane

Want a bigger audience? Want to make money with your podcast? Want to become a better podcaster? Want to grow your authority and popularity? I believe that whatever it is that you want from your podcast can probably be achieved with two things. But I'll warn you! These two things are not easy. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/improve2things 1. Know your problems [01:26] 2. Work on your problems [05:47] Thanks to … [11:51] Bryan Entzminger for streaming 604§ Lyceum for streaming 146§ and sending 1,146§ in a super comment, saying, "Here is a symbolic dollar in Satoshis. Today 1000 sats = USD 1.08, according to Currency.World. I will bring a silver coin (1 Troy Ounce), to a conference, in the future…" $25 from Rockie Thomas, saying, "Hey Daniel! Great quickly seeing you at PM and really enjoy your show. You have such a soothing, intentional voice with interesting perspective. Go Podcasting!" My new product is about to launch! It's called PodChapters™ and you can join the waiting list now! ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

I'm back from Podcast Movement 2025 in Dallas and I have thoughts, especially after my previous episode about why you should attend live events for your podcast. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/pm25 Introduction [00:00] Why Attend Live Events for Your Podcast? Podcast Movement + Sounds Profitable + Podnews [01:35] NYC and Austin locations might be long-term [03:37] Conference recordings will be free [06:42] The Podcast Movement conferences are getting smaller [10:47] The expo hall was pleasant again [12:59] Where should podcasters go now? [19:41] Do you value The Audacity to Podcast? [22:44] ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Live events can provide great opportunities to grow your knowledge, create content, expand your network, and grow your podcast audience. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/whyattend More episodes about getting the most from live events. 7 tips for effective blog/podcast cards How to Get the Most from Podcasting and Social-Media Conferences Avoid These Mistakes If You Go to Events 9 Tips for How to Grow Your Audience by Attending Social-Media Events 1. Grow your knowledge [01:26] 2. Grow your content [02:56] Example of when I compiled "micro-interviews" from Podcast Movement 2016 3. Grow your network [05:43] 4. Grow your podcast [09:47] Love the podcast? Consider giving back what you feel it's worth to you! Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ Send questions and feedback Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity Mailing address: The Audacity to Podcast, PO Box 739, Burlington, KY 41005

It takes more than high quality content to make a full-time income from your podcast! Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/fulltime Introduction [00:00] Option 1: A big audience [01:37] Option 2: A generous audience [02:15] StickerMule: https://stickermule.com Dashery, by TeePublic: https://www.dashery.com/ Redbubble: https://redbubble.com/ Option 3: A company that will pay you [07:04] Grow toward the P.R.O.F.I.T. you want [08:15] Love the podcast? Consider giving back what you feel it's worth to you! https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/giveback Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ Send questions and feedback Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity Mailing address: The Audacity to Podcast, PO Box 739, Burlington, KY 41005

Unlike traditional broadcasting, there are no "show clocks," scheduled ad breaks, or rigid time slots for podcasts. So should you care about publishing episodes of different lengths? While I think episodes don't have to be the same length, there are some considerations. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/consistentlength 1. What does your audience expect? 2. Don't force a length 3. Should you mention the difference in length? Community Corner Thanks for the streaming support from Randy Black! I'll be speaking at Podcast Movement 2025 in Dallas, TX! Join my session "What You Need to Know About Podcasting 2.0." Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ Send questions and feedback Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity Mailing address: The Audacity to Podcast, PO Box 739, Burlington, KY 41005

This fundamental question that has been challenged and even abused: what is a podcast anymore? There's plenty of misinformation and disinformation out there about what a podcast is. My efforts to help set the definition straight may be fruitless, but there's more to consider here than only the meaning of the word. This is my 400th episode of The Audacity to Podcast, to to commemorate this milestone, I want to jump back to this fundamental question because how we answer it will affect the future of our content and even of the whole podcasting industry. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/definition The definition of a "podcast" https://whatsapodcast.com Other attempted definitions of a "podcast" What's wrong with redefining what a "podcast" is? True podcast distribution and consumption are unique Strict definition versus usage description Is the definition a "gatekeeper"? Should you really call your content a "podcast"? More about calling your content a "podcast" vs. a "show": https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/are-you-really-a-podcaster-and-should-you-really-be-podcasting-tap182/ Community corner Thanks to Bryan Entzminger, Dreb Scott, and Steve Webb for streaming support to The Audacity to Podcast totaling about 4,500 satoshis! Support The Audacity to Podcast through your modern Podcasting 2.0 app or at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/giveback ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ Send questions and feedback Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity Mailing address: The Audacity to Podcast, PO Box 739, Burlington, KY 41005

Podcasting guesting is consistently the #1 way to grow your own podcast. This works because it gives you the opportunity to get in front of more ideal listeners, provide value and demonstrate your knowledge, and it's easy for them to follow you over to your podcast. But how do you find the first shows you should try getting on? Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/firstguesting Understand how in-app podcast recommendations usually work Podcasting 2.0's "podroll" spec: https://podcasting2.org/tags/podroll How to Add Podcast Recommendations with Podroll: https://podcasting2.org/docs/guides/how-to-add-podcast-recommendations-with-podroll Look at your podcast's "outgoing" recommendations section Bonus: check Podgagement's "incoming" networking list https://podgagement.com Check the recommendations sections for other podcasts you think have your ideal audience How to approach these guest opportunities Example prompt with Gemini 2.5 Flash in Magai: https://app.magai.co/public/1752980668283x821243579549614100 Join Magai for the best AI toolbox (I earn through this link): https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/magai This is only the first place to look! Be sure to join Podgagement to help you discover your podcast networking opportunities! https://podgagement.com Community corner Thanks to Bryan Entzminger from https://TopTierAudio.com for streaming 411 satoshis Thanks to Cameron Stack from https://PodLabs.org for interviewing me for his upcoming miniseries on podcast awards! ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ Send questions and feedback Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity Mailing address: The Audacity to Podcast, PO Box 739, Burlington, KY 41005

I see podcasters often think that their podcast might grow faster if they switch podcast hosting providers, like from Blueberry to Captivate or vice versa. But is this true? Short answer, no. Now, of course, I'm going to give you more details about that. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/hostinggrow Short answer: no 1. Podcast stats may be measured differently Do IAB-Certified Stats Really Matter for Your Podcast? https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/do-iab-certified-stats-matter-for-your-podcast/ 2. Included podcasting tools may be different Get the networking feature in Podgagement: https://podgagement.com/ How many podcasts are currently in Apple Podcasts: https://podcastindustryinsights.com/apple 3. Look at podcast-hosting providers as toolboxes 4. My 2025 recommendations for podcast-hosting providers Blubrry (WordPress-focused workflow): https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/blubrry Buzzsprout (easiest to use): https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/buzzsprout Captivate (everything else / powerhouse of tools): https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/captivate Community corner 101§ + 47§ from Randy Black Thanks to Lyndsay Phillips for interviewing me on her show Leverage Your Podcast, talking about Podgagement and how to engage your audience: https://www.smoothbusinessgrowth.com/category/podcast/ Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ Send questions and feedback Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity Mailing address: The Audacity to Podcast, PO Box 739, Burlington, KY 41005

Intentional growth requires regular evaluation and adjustment. That applies to so many areas of life and business, and your podcast is no different. I've put together five things I suggest you evaluate about your podcast every year so that you can make the changes necessary to keep growing your podcast. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/evaluateyearly Why You Should Put Podcasting P.R.O.F.I.T. First [episode 388] :https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/why-you-should-put-podcasting-profit-first/ 1. Your podcasting goals and PROFIT 2. Your episode structure and flow How Long Should Your Episode Closing Be? https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/how-long-should-your-episode-closing-be-episode-396/ 3. Your podcasting workflow Magai, the powerful AI toolbox I use (affiliate link): https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/magai 4. A podcast trailer 15 Regrets from 15 Years of Professional Podcasting [episode 394]: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/15-regrets-from-15-years-of-professional-podcasting-episode-394/ 5. Your podcast description Magai,: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/magai value4value Community Corner 150§ and 64§ from Randy Black 356§ from Bryan Entzminger A couple of 5-star ratings on my episodes in Goodpods from "Barnabas" If you love the Audacity to Podcast, would you consider giving back in value what you feel the show is worth to you? https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/giveback Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ Send questions and feedback Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity Mailing address: The Audacity to Podcast, PO Box 739, Burlington, KY 41005

How long should your episode closing be? While your episode openings should be as short as possible, the length of your episode closings can be a bit more dynamic. The answer is actually a little different this time: as simple as possible. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/simpleclosing Answer: as simple as possible Spread out your calls to action Give your audience a reason to stay until the end Lead with value, leave with value™ value4value community corner 406§ from Bryan Entzminger ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

What is the first thing your audience hears when they play your latest episode? Are you providing value in your opening, or just keeping your audience from what they came to hear? Although the terms "intro"/"introduction" and "opening" are often used interchangeably, I'm going to be more specific to call the "opening" everything your audience hears before your episode's unique content. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/shortopening Answer: as short as possible What about audio branding? What about welcoming your new audience? • When to Use Trailer, Full, and Bonus Episode Types [episode 353]: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/when-to-use-trailer-full-and-bonus-episode-types/ Consider your most important audience: the one you already have Bonus tip: use a unique cold open ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

As The Audacity to Podcast celebrates 15 years of professional podcasting, I invite you to take a critical look back at the biggest mistakes I've made and things I wish I did differently with my show. My hope is that this will inspire you to either fix these things early for yourself, or avoid them altogether! Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/15regrets (As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases through some of these following links. But I recommend things I truly believe in, regardless of earnings.) Hiatuses Not building an email list sooner • 13 Ways to Use an Email List for Your Podcast" [episode 198]: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/13-ways-to-use-an-email-list-for-your-podcast-tap198/ Not promoting my episodes via email Pursuing the wrong business Not creating enough training products • SEO for Podcasters course: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/store/seo-for-podcasters/ • Zoom H6 for Podcasters course: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/store/zoom-h6-for-podcasters/ Waiting too long to register my trademark • Gordon Firemark: https://gfiremark.com Trying to do things cheaply • ID3 Editor: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/id3editor • Podgagement: https://podgagement.com/ Not publishing more through other channels, including video • Hollyland Lark M2S microphone: https://geni.us/6oS4OH Not reaching out to press about significant things Accepting sponsors Not creating value for value opportunities for you, my audience • More about Podcasting 2.0 micropayments and value4value [episode 371]: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/are-podcasting-2-0-micropayments-worth-it/ • Support the show if The Audacity to Podcast provides value to you: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/giveback • Get a modern Podcasting 2.0 podcast app: https://podcasting2.org/apps Working solo for too long • Virtual Freedom by Chris Ducker: https://geni.us/rIloR

Whether by choice or beyond your control, your podcast might have to go on a hiatus—and it could so long that the podcast seems dead! How do you come back from that and get back into your rhythm? It will take some work, but here are my recommendations (and what I'm practicing myself, too!). Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/revive Review your podcasting goals (your "why") Treat your podcast return like a launch Use a podcast trailer to promote the return Lower your expectations Don't apologize or explain in your regular episodes Make and follow a plan to keep going ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your podcast engagement with Podgagement! https://podgagement.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a voice message from https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Redirects come in multiple types. When misused, they can cause some major problems, as even happened to me recently. Here are some warnings to watch for whenever you use redirects. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/redirectcautions “Redirects and How to Use Them in Podcasting”: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/redirects-and-how-to-use-them-in-podcasting-tap280/ Caution #1: 301 redirects are "permanent" and cached Caution #2: Your redirect destinations might change or disappear Contigo Ashland Chill Autospout Water Bottle with Flip Straw, Stainless Steel Thermal Drinking Bottle,Leakproof,Grey, BLue, 590 ml: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W5GRCZB?tag=theaudacitytopodcast-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1 Contigo Autospout Straw Ashland Chill Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, 20 oz., Monaco: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D67AB4I?tag=theaudacitytopodcast-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1 Caution #3: Most redirects bypass content theaudacitytopodcast.com/captivate: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/captivate Caution #4: You might someday rename your redirect Why you should stop saying brand names in your podcast: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/stop-saying-brand-names-in-your-podcast-do-these-5-things-instead/ Caution #5: Correcting URLs you said in old episodes is practically impossible Caution #6: Reusing things you redirected from is a bad idea (my 2024 redirect mistake) Quick resources for making redirects 301 permanent versus 307/302 temporary WordPress plugins for making redirects Pretty Links Pro: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/prettylinkpro Redirection: https://wordpress.org/plugins/redirection/ Other ways to make redirects Please click here to learn more about redirects and how to use them!: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/redirects-and-how-to-use-them-in-podcasting-tap280/ Community corner ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at <a href="https://theau

There comes a point in every podcast when it's necessary to say a URL. If for nothing else, at least your podcast's own home on the Internet. (And you should have a domain for your podcast!) Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/sharingurls 1. Speak as few URLs as possible (per episode) Pretty Links Pro: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/go/prettylinkpro 2. Defer to your chapters or episode notes Check out Knick Knack News for a great example of actionable episode notes: https://knickknacknews.com/ Captivate: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/captivate Buzzsprout: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/buzzsprout Blubrry: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/blubrry I'm pushing hard for Podcasting 2.0 to turn our current podcast chapters into “super chapters”: https://github.com/Podcastindex-org/podcast-namespace/discussions/469 3. Never say "https://" or "www." 4. Simplify your URLs Remove the third-party brand name completely and make it a generic URL: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/stop-saying-brand-names-in-your-podcast-do-these-5-things-instead/ Patreon: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/patreon 5. Make friendly URLs that make sense Episode numbers didn't actually matter: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/are-podcast-episode-numbers-really-necessary-in-podcasting-show-notes-tap175/ 6. Say "slash" not "forward slash" or "backslash" 7. Slow down and speak clearly Podcast transcripts: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/how-to-use-podcast-transcripts/ 8. Clarify or avoid ambiguity 9. Be careful with top-level domains that aren't .com That Story Show: http://thatstoryshow.com/ 10. Beware case-sensitivity 11. Always test your URLs before you share them Community corner ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theau

AI has rapidly advanced for content creation. But should you actually trust it? With this potential comes some crucial warnings for using AI in podcasting.

Inside jokes can offer fun potential for your podcast, but also some potential costs. Here are some brief things for you to consider as you engage with your podcast audience. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/insidejokes Where inside jokes come from What about the new listeners? Turn inside jokes into swag Community Corner ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Know, engage, and grow your audience with the power of podcast reviews! https://mypodcastreviews.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email [email protected] Send a voice message from https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

Monetization is not the only profit you can get from podcasting! Here's why I think you should put P.R.O.F.I.T. first in every aspect of your podcast.