School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast

If listeners are quitting your podcast in the first five minutes, this episode is for you. In this annual ‘podcast pet peeves’ roundup, I asked my audience what makes them bail on a show— and they did not hold back. ParticipantsYou’ll hear from Kim Newlove (The Pharmacist’s Voice, Perrysburg Podcast), Steve Stewart (podcast editor extraordinaire), Todd ‘the Gator’ (Guardian Down Roundtable, Lessons in the Rear View), and York (Welcome to Earth Stories) as they unpack the habits that drive them nuts: from bad audio and buried leads to ad overload, lazy interview questions, sloppy terminology, and more. You’ll walk away knowing exactly what turns listeners off - and how to fix it. I’ll also share my own take on ads, monetization, and why a little creativity can still set your show apart in 2026The Most Popular Pet PeevesToo many/poorly placed ads (especially mid-roll and early heavy ad blocks)Not getting to the point / burying the lead / unclear episode directionLack of preparation (hosts winging it, talking in circles, not prepping guests)Sloppy language and terminology (“podcast” vs “episode,” “podcasting” vs “podcasts,” RSS vs not)Wasting listener time with meta-chatter, overlong intros, and “Tell me about yourself” questionsI do this question every year, and as you might imagine, this list doesn't change much. This year seems like advertisements were the top peeve.Is Everyone Going to use the "YouTube Annoying Your Audience to Death" strategy, and use tools like Supercast and Patreon, and offer an ad-free version?Mentioned In This EpisodeSchool of PodcastingPodpage - Podcast WebsitesThe Pharmacist's VoiceThe Perrysburg PodcastSteve StewartPodcast Editors AcademyWelcome to Earth StoriesGuardian Down RoundtableLessons in the Rear ViewAsk the Podcast CoachPodcasting Observations (Dave's Newsletter)School of Podcasting Follow PagePatreonSupercastOP3 Open Source StatsTruefans.FMMentioned in this episode:Get Some Feedback On Your Show“Want honest, helpful feedback on your podcast? At the School of Podcasting, we host ‘Listening Parties’ where members share short clips and get constructive, encouraging critiques from fellow podcasters and myself. It’s a safe, supportive way to hear what’s working, fix what’s not, and make your show stronger fast.” School of PodcastingQuestion of the Month: The Future of PodcastingSomeone asked me, and I had to think about it. So now I'm asking you, How do you feel about the future of podcasting? Where do you think it's going? (etc,). Feel free to share your opinion and why. Don't forget to tell us about your show and where we can find it. Question of the MonthGive Your Podcast A HomeWhen you look at our podcasting pieces, your media host is the engine. But your website is the home. It’s where your audience learns who you are, explores your episodes, and decides to subscribe. At Podpage, we build podcast websites that are fast, reliable, and designed to convert visitors into listeners. Every episode is automatically published, SEO-optimized, and structured for growth—so you can focus on creating, not managing your site. If your media host powers your podcast, Podpage gives it a place to live—and a place to grow. Start building your podcast’s home with Podpage by going to www.podpage.com/preview and start your 14 day free trial today.Podpage

The School of Podcasting has been acquired, and yes, that means changes are coming. But don’t panic! The essence of what we do is staying intact. We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of what this acquisition means for our loyal members and anyone thinking about joining.New Free TierWe’re adding a free tier, more courses, and even a way for you to connect with podcasting experts. This is all about making the podcasting journey smoother and more accessible for everyone.Brenden and I have a vision for the future, and it’s about empowering you to take your podcasting game to the next level. If you’ve ever wanted to launch a podcast, or if you’re already knee-deep in it and looking for ways to monetize, we’ve got you covered. We’re building a community where you can learn, grow, and thrive, and I’m more excited than ever to be a part of your podcasting journey.So, let’s get to work and see what we can do together!My Favorite CRMI'm not making this up. My favorite CRM is call "Less Annoying CRM. Its s a simple, no-frills customer relationship management tool built specifically for small businesses, solopreneurs, and anyone who feels overwhelmed by complex CRMs. It focuses on the essentials: tracking contacts, managing leads, organizing tasks, and keeping a clear sales pipeline (although I don't use the pipleline tool)Takeaways:This week, we celebrated the acquisition of the School of Podcasting by PodPage, which is a huge deal.I went from living in my brother's basement after a divorce to running a successful podcasting business, talk about an upgrade.Relationships are key in podcasting; it's wild how many people you meet that can help you out.We’re excited to expand the School of Podcasting, bringing more courses and experts for everyone to learn from.This merger means more time and resources to create better content for our community, so stay tuned!Don't worry, if you’re already a member, nothing changes except for more value coming your way!Links referenced in this episode:schoolofpodcasting.compodpage.compodnews.netLess Annoying CRMLast week's episode on Podcasting SEOPodSEOHeartbeat - Community and Courses PlatformMentioned in this episode:Unlock Exclusive Insights: Subscribe to 'Podcasting Observations' Newsletter!Get a look into the world of podcasting like never before with "Podcasting Observations," your go-to source for trends, tips, and transformative insights tailored just for podcasters. You also get "behind the scenes" info from the School of Podcasting Don't miss out on staying ahead of the game—join the 1700+ people who are already reading Podcasting Observations today!Podcasting ObservationsQuestion of the Month: The Future of PodcastingSomeone asked me, and I had to think about it. So now I'm asking you, How do you feel about the future of podcasting? Where do you think it's going? (etc,). Feel free to share your opinion and why. Don't forget to tell us about your show and where we can find it. Question of the MonthQuit Thinking About It and START THAT PODCASTIf you have ever turned down the radio to hear your phone in the car, you know how to mix audio. If you have ever attached a photo to an email, you know how to upload an mp3 to a media host. Deleting text in Word is the same as delete audio in audacity. Yes, there is a learning curve but it's not as scary as you think. I'll be there the whole way, and you can join worry free with a 30 day money-back guarantee. Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/joinSchool of PodcastingSee Your Show On PodpageIf you host a podcast, your website should work as hard as your episodes do. At Podpage, we automatically create a beautiful, professional site for your show — complete with episode pages, transcripts, audio players, SEO optimization, and built-in tools to grow your audience. No design work. No plugins. No ongoing maintenance. In less than a minute, you can see exactly what your podcast would look like on Podpage. Go to podpage.com/preview and generate your free preview site now. (No Credit Card Required) See your show the way it should look.Podpage

When it comes to podcast strategies to grow your podcast, one strategy that often gets overlooked (because it takes time) is Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Now people are starting to market a "New" thing known as PSO (Podcast Search Optimization).Podcast Search Optimization VS Search Engine OptimizationSo what is the difference? In reality not much. Tools like Podseo and PSO and Ausha show you information on how often keywords are being search in Apple and Spotify (and others). SEO tools show what people are searching for in Google and other places (YouTube, TikTok, and more).So THE question is, do people search differently in a Podcast App vs how they search Google? For me, I don't think so. I might just type a keyword "Podcasting Best Practices" where in Google I would type "Podcasting Best Practices Podcast."Keyword Research Boils Dow To ThisFind a keyword that has a fair number of people searching for (somewhere between 20-100 searches), and see how much competition it has. Instead of trying to score for a really popular keyword, score multiple times with less popular (but still be sought after) key words with less competition. Mom said "Don't go play in traffic," but that's what you need to do - but no on the free way.What is Your Domain Authority?SEMRush (a great suite of tools) has a domain authority checker.Tools To Boost Your Podcast SEO on the WebFree Keyword Tool (That Sucks IMHO)https://www.wordstream.com/keywordsGoogle Keyword Tool (Inside of Adsense Account)https://ads.google.comGo to Tools > Planning > Keyword Planner (Free and unlimited use)Keywords Everywhere Extension for Chrome and Firefox $7/month. Helps you measure traffic and competition for keywords.https://keywordseverywhere.com/Also Asked (see what people are asking)1 Free search a Day or $12/monthhttps://alsoasked.com/Answer Socrates 3 searches a day$15/month gets you 100 searches a monthhttps://answersocrates.comUbsersuggestShows key word competition and more. It's a suite of tools to help find keywords, and write articles.$29/month.$290 Lifetime (credits thanks to AI)https://ubersuggest.comSERankingA full suite of tools that helps you create content, competitor comparisons and more. $129/monthhttps://www.sewranking.comSEMRUSHConsider by many people to be "THE" suite of SEO tools (especially finding tools that your competitor is not using, and you should). $139/monthhttps://www.semrush.comPage Audit Chrome ExtensionA chrome extension that shows all sorts of information about a page so you can then write a similar page that will rank better.Chrome ExtensionTwo Tools Dedicated For Podcast SEOWhile I'm not sure there is much difference between SEO and PSO, there two tools dedicated for podcasts.PSO from AushaThis tool has some nice features, but it also left me frustrated. If you give me seven days to test the tool, give me access to ALL OF IT. I mean every marketer knows that you give it to the customer and let them "get hooked" so when their trial is over they will purchase.I couldn't do that as much of the tools spotlighted required me to upgrade. Boo.That being said it does show how much a keyword is searched for (not as specific as some tools for web seo). It also shows you how hard to competition is.Keep in mind that you need to give your dashboard 24 hours to show some statistics in your dashboard.Ausha PSO (affiliate)PodSEOThis is from Andrea De Marsi (Co-founder of Spreaker) and Francesco Baschieri (Co-founder of Spreaker) and it has a similar feature set to the ausha tool.You can save 10% using the coupon schoolofpodcasting. (affiliate)I thought it was very cool that Podseo alerted me to the mistake that I had accidentally listed my show twice in Spotify (I moved from Libsyn to Captivate - nuff said).It has some cool episode planners, and is cheaper than Ausha PSO. Their AI tools looks at your episodes and recommend future ideas and then helps you plan them, and has a calendar showing when the episodes were released.They also can send you daily updates on your rankings or your competition.Check it out at podseo.com and use the coupon schoolofpodcasting to save 10%Because of My Podcast: Paul ColliganPaul is a huge theater nerd, and loves the musical Chess. There was a version that was awful, but never got to see it. Then he let a library in NYC know he was a podcaster. Then he got access to videos that the public hasn't seen - because he had a podcast. Check out Paul at https://podcastpartnership.com/Other Items MentionedTurn AI Into Your Personal Podcast Analyst! on BuzzcastSEO for People Who Don't Like SEO PodcastPodpage - Websites for PodcastersCaptivate - AI Tools Help You Choose Episode TopicsOura Ring - Body Measurement via a RingJust One Tip PodcastBig Lash Energy Episode 201Big Lash Interview on Last Week's EpisodeThis content may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I trust and belie

Welcome to the world of Big Lash Energy, where Jayna Marie takes us on a no-holds-barred journey through the ups and downs of her life and career. As a makeup artist, Jayna decided that her life was too colorful not to share, and she jumped headfirst into podcasting.It's like she hit the ground running, with tons of awards, 200 episodes, and one million downloads you might say she's unstoppable.Do You Need a Video Podcast?The conversation kicks off with Jayna reflecting on the pressure to include video in her podcasting journey, but she confidently asserts that real connection comes from authentic storytelling, not flashy visuals. It’s refreshing to hear someone challenge the norm and embrace the art of audio storytelling.As the episode unfolds, Jayna shares her experiences with vulnerability, especially in her first episode, where she bared her soul and laid it all on the line. She describes it as feeling like she jumped off a cliff, and honestly, who hasn’t felt that way about sharing their truth? This episode dives into the nitty-gritty of her life, tackling topics that range from relationships to personal growth, all while maintaining a sense of humor that makes you feel like you're chatting with a friend over coffee.Always Be EntertainingJayna emphasizes the importance of being relatable and not shying away from difficult topics, making for a conversation that is both entertaining and enlightening. What really makes Jayna stand out is her approach to audience engagement.She’s built a loyal following by sharing snippets of her life and encouraging conversations around her podcast episodes. Jayna is all about creating that connection with her listeners, which is a breath of fresh air in a sea of cookie-cutter AI content. And let’s not forget her unique marketing tactics; she even uses dating apps to promote her podcast, turning the world of swiping into a strategic move for gaining listeners. It’s hilarious and clever, showing us that sometimes, the best marketing is just being yourself.The Power of Being AuthenticThis episode isn’t just about podcasting; it’s about authenticity, vulnerability, and the power of storytelling. If you’re looking for inspiration in your own podcasting journey, or just want a good laugh, tune in to hear Jayna Marie's incredible story and the lessons she’s learned along the way.So whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just curious about what it takes to create a meaningful show, Jayna's insights are golden. She proves that podcasting is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to connect, share, and inspire others through your unique voice. Join us as we delve into the world of Big Lash Energy and discover what makes Jayna Marie a standout in the podcasting community. It's a wild ride, and you won't want to miss it.Mentioned In This EpisodeBig Lash Energy PodcastUnder the Makeup: A very Messy Life (Episode 1)Faking the "OH!" Face8 Super Annoying Things That Men DoI Ran Out Of Time To Say I Love You: It's My Party, I'll Cry If I Want To (her latest episode as of this recording)Jayna's Makeup Site & InstagramSticker Mule (For Car Decals)Switchy QR Maker, Link Tracker, and "Linktree" type toolFourth Wall Create MerchPodpage Pretty Websites For Podcasters Who Don't Want To Learn How To CodeTim Wohlberg's Just the Tip PodcastPodcasting Tips From Jayna Marie:Lead with vulnerability and authenticitySharing your true self and personal stories draws in listeners and forges real connections.Serve your audience with purposeFocus on providing value for others and fill gaps you wish someone had filled for you.Don’t overthink—trust your gut and put your work out thereCreativity thrives when you let go of perfectionism and follow your instincts.Make sure every episode has a clear purposeAim for your episodes to make listeners laugh, cry, or learn—give them a reason to engage.Prioritize storytelling and strong writingCompelling, well-crafted stories are at the heart of a great podcast.Break up solo shows with production elementsUse sound effects, music, and character voices to keep solo episodes interesting and dynamic.Collaborate closely with your editorBuild a strong partnership for creative sound design and production ideas.Release episodes on a consistent scheduleConsistency builds trust and keeps your audience coming back.Build and engage a communityFoster relationships with listeners to create fierce loyalty and word-of-mouth promotion.Be intentional about monetization and adsConsider whether monetizing with ads fits your brand and your listeners’ experience.Leverage your podcast to support your main businessUse your show to help connect with potential clients in your field.Save and revisit listener feedbackKeep encouraging messages for motivation during challenging times.Create desirable merch—only sell what you’d wearStrong branding and personal endorsement make merchandise more appealing.Be creative with your marketing strategies:Utilize unconventional ideas, such as:Sharing your podc

In this episode, I tackled the question submitted by Emily Kate: What sacrifices and shortcuts did you take in your podcasting journey, and did they work out well? A fantastic lineup of podcasters shared their wisdom, experiences, and favorite tools. Here’s an organized list of all the contributors with their URLs, plus every resource/tool we mentioned to help you on your own podcasting path.Contributors & Their URLsEmily Kate :emilykatecreative.comKim Newlove ("The Pharmacist’s Voice" & "Perrysburg Podcast")thepharmacistsvoice.comperrysburgpodcast.comRalph ("Ask Ralph Media Network")askralph.comIncludes shows: Financially Confident Christian, Grit and Growth Business, Truth Unveiled with Ralph, Content Creators AccountantTodd the Gator ("Guardian Down Roundtable")guardiandowncast.comKrista Lawley & Mark ("Practical Prepping Podcast")practicalprepping.infoResources & URLs MentionedOtter.ai – Transcription toolBitly – Link shortener/tracker/QR Code CreatorSwitchy – Link shortener/tracker/QR code creator (one time payment)Steve Stewart’s Podcast Editor Finder FormPodcast Editors AcademyAuphonic – Audio processing & AI audio editingAudacity – Audio editing softwareOBS (Open Broadcaster Software)Descript – Audio editing & AI toolResound.fm – De-um tool & audio editingAppSumo – Deals platform (referenced for AI tools)Castmagic – AI show notes & content creationPodpage – Podcast website builderMusic Radio Creative – Jingles, music, and audio brandingSuno – AI-generated jingles/musicEcamm Live – Live streaming & recording software (Mac only)Alec Johnson / One Take Productions Ecamm Live MasterclassMagi – AI aggregation toolVoice Regen - AI Audio Clean Up ToolThe Audacity to PodcastThe Podcasters RoundtablePodcasters StudioMentioned in this episode:See Your Show On PodpageIf you host a podcast, your website should work as hard as your episodes do. At Podpage, we automatically create a beautiful, professional site for your show — complete with episode pages, transcripts, audio players, SEO optimization, and built-in tools to grow your audience. No design work. No plugins. No ongoing maintenance. In less than a minute, you can see exactly what your podcast would look like on Podpage. Go to podpage.com/preview and generate your free preview site now. (No Credit Card Required) See your show the way it should look.PodpagePodcast Hot Seat - Now Private Podcast AuditsThere are things your podcast is missing that often lead to you losing the audience you are attracting. I help make good podcasts GREAT. End the frustration with your podcast growth. Check out the Podcast Hot Seat Service Today.Podcast HotseatJoin the School of PodcastingMark from Practical Prepping had been podcasting for a while, but after joining the School of Podcasting, his podcast grew at a faster rate. His Facebook group has over 30,000 members! Join the School of Podcasting and get access to: Step-by-step tutorials An amazing podcast community Unlimited One-On-One Coaching Join today worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee!School of PodcastingQuestion of the Month: The Future of PodcastingSomeone asked me, and I had to think about it. So now I'm asking you, How do you feel about the future of podcasting? Where do you think it's going? (etc,). Feel free to share your opinion and why. Don't forget to tell us about your show and where we can find it. Question of the Month

Hey, it's Dave Jackson! In this episode, Ishare my talk that I did at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) about video podcasting. What are the real benefits, the costs, and the drawbacks? I also tackled the recent Apple announcement about HLS video, shared my NRB event experience, and got into some real stats and stories about YouTube and podcasting.This episode uses chapters to enable you to jump to the most important parts for you.Key Topics Covered:The difference between a podcast and a YouTube showStats on how many podcasters are actually doing "real" videoYouTube's change to how Shorts views are countedPros and cons of YouTube for discovery and monetizationCost breakdowns of starting both audio and video podcastsCompletion percentages for audio vs video showsAlgorithm reality and how audience recommendations workMajor drawbacks of relying on video platforms for incomeThe new Apple HLS video announcement: what it means, who it's for, and whether you should careReal examples of creators' experiences on YouTubeMy Takeaways:You don't have to do video if you don't want to. Video can help with discovery, but the audio side offers significantly more opportunity—sometimes a 15x larger audience! Also, while YouTube provides community and powerful analytics, the algorithm and monetization risks are real. The new Apple HLS video support is mostly about helping advertisers, not creators, and comes with new costs.Resources & Links Mentioned:School of Podcasting: schoolofpodcasting.comPodcast Host Survey (Dr. Colin Gray): thepodcasthost.comThe Truth About ‘Video Podcasts’ on YouTubeThese 5 Podcasters Added Video – Here’s What HappenedPodcastIndex stats: podcastindex.orgHosting Recommendations:Captivate: captivate.fmBuzzsprout: buzzsprout.comRSS.com: rss.comBlubrry: blubrry.comThink Media (YouTube demonetization video): thinkmedia.comTruth Unveiled with Ralph (Ralph Eastep):Sponsor Magnet book by Justin Moore:Profit from Your Podcast (my book):Streamline Solopreneur with Joe CasabonaAround the Layout (Ray)Podpage (Podcast Website builder): podpage.comPodnews details on Apple announcement on HLSJordan Harbinger on the New Media ShowProfessor of Rock on AI Ruining YouTube.Rob Walch talks about Club RandomOther Tools Mentioned:Samson Q2U mic, Rode PodMic USB, Shure MV7 and SM7B, Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Condenser Microphone (mic options)Elgato Facecam Pro, Sony ZV-E10 II (camera options)Descript & Riverside (remote video recorders/editors)Patreon & SuperCast (crowdfunding)Ecamm Live (live streaming tool)Inexpensive Lighting RigFinal Thoughts:If you want to do video, go ahead—but know the realities and risks. Don't let anyone (especially YouTube or Spotify) pressure you into it unless it suits your content and goals. And keep in mind, when Apple rolls out its new features, it’s likely to come with extra charges, so stay informed!If you need help planning, launching, or growing your show, check out schoolofpodcasting.com and use coupon code LISTENER.Please share the episode with a friend if you found it helpful!Send people to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/1024Mentioned in this episode:Starting a podcast can be daunting. Fear of failure, uncertainty about where to begin, and doubts about your abilities can hold you back. But what if you had a guide? The School of Podcasting is here to help you confidently launch, grow, and monetize your podcast. With over 20 years of experience and tons of successful podcasts launched, I'll walk you through every step. From planning to promotion, you're never alone." Learn at your own pace with video courses, join a...

In this episode, I’m walking you through why great podcast editing doesn’t start with software, plugins, or secret shortcuts — it starts with knowing your audience. Once you’re crystal clear on who you’re talking to and what they value, editing becomes a lot easier: you simply remove anything that wastes their time or doesn’t deliver value.Editing For ContentI’ll share examples from real interviews (including Amy Poehler’s “Good Hang” and conversations with my friends Daniel J. Lewis and Katie Krimitsos) to show how to tighten up questions, trim rambling answers, and keep the pace moving so your listeners stay engaged from start to finish.If you’ve ever listened back to your show and thought, “It’s fine…but something feels off,” this one’s for you.---Where To start?Editing starts with your audience, not your software Why the first question is, “Who am I talking to and what do they want?” How knowing your audience’s problems, language, and attention span guides every cut. The “vegetarian at dinner” analogy: if you know who’s coming, you know what not to serve.Did they actually answer the question?Using Amy Poehler’s friend and Jennifer Lawrence as an example of a non-answer answer.How to spot when guests talk *around* a question instead of answering it.When to follow up, when to re-ask more simply, and when to just fix it in the edit.Cut the fluff, keep the valueTrimming long-winded questions where the host gives too much backstory.Shortening guest answers that wander, repeat, or add no value to the listener.Why you don’t need to include your guest “thinking out loud” to get to the point.Friends, comfort, and wasted timeHow being comfortable with guests (friends, colleagues) can lead to bloated conversations.Why “fun to say” isn’t the same as “valuable to hear” for your audience.The discipline of deleting entire questions and answers that just don’t land.Content editing vs. cosmetic editing Why removing bad questions is more powerful than removing ums and uhs. When it makes sense to leave in human imperfections for a natural feel. The mindset shift from “How do I make this cleaner?” to “How do I make this stronger?”Basic audio cleanup that actually matters A practical order of operations: repair first, then shape the sound. What plosives, noise gates, compression, EQ, and de-essers do in plain English. Why “listenable” beats “perfect,” especially for guest recordings.Testing popular cleanup tools on bad audioWhat happened when I ran intentionally bad audio through different tools.How tools like Voice Regen, Auphonic, Descript Studio Sound, Adobe Enhance, and others compare in real use.Why the cheap, simple option sometimes wins for everyday podcasters.Know your audience, know your cutsHow hanging out where your audience hangs out (YouTube, Facebook groups, Reddit, etc.) tells you what to keep.The simple question to ask of every segment: “Does this deliver value to *my* listener?”How better audience understanding leads to faster editing and stronger episodes.Key Takeaway:Editing isn’t about showing off your software skills. It’s about respecting your listener’s time. When you know exactly who they are and what they care about, the decisions of what to cut — and what to keep — almost make themselves.Links Mentioned In This EpisodeThis content may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I trust and believe will provide value to you. Thank you for your support!School of PodcastingPodpageHow to Pitch a Podcast Show (submit your show)Good Hang Jennifer Lawrence EpisodeWomen's Mediation NetworkPodchaptersPodgagementSamson Q2U MicrophoneVoice Regen from WavesAuphonicDescript Studio SoundAdobe EnhanceAccentize Dxrevive ProCheck Your Loudness at https://loudness.app/enYouTube Demonetizing Shows (30K Goodbye!)Big Lash Energy's Jayna Marie is Next Week.Mentioned in this episode:Question of the Month: The Future of PodcastingSomeone asked me, and I had to think about it. So now I'm asking you, How do you feel about the future of podcasting? Where do you think it's going? (etc,). Feel free to share your opinion and why. Don't forget to tell us about your show and where we can find it. Question of the MonthHelp Us Fight Back Against Spam and Get Some ExposureHow to Pitch a Podcast is a show I'm launching that NEEDS your stories of good/bad pitches. Read your bad/good pitch (I'll remove the guilty names) and explain why it's good or bad. Then (if it's bad) explain what your perfect guest would be, tell us about your show and your website. Don't over-think it. I need your stories by 2/28 to launch. Go to pitchapodcast.com/storyPitch a PodcastJoin the School of PodcastingMark from Practical Prepping had been podcasting for a while, but after joining the School of Podcasting, his podcast grew at a faster rate. His Facebook group has over 30,000 members! Join the School of Podcasting and get access to: Step

Alright, so if you’re a podcaster looking to snag more listeners and get them hooked on your back catalog, then buckle up, because we’re diving into binge triggers straight outta the Netflix playbook. We’re breaking down three juicy strategies that can keep your audience glued to their headphones, even after they’ve finished your latest episode. Plus, we’ve got a heartwarming “because of my podcast” story from Ray Arnott that’ll make you believe in the magic of podcasting. So, if you're tired of people tuning in and then bouncing faster than a bad date, stick around. We’re gonna make your podcast the one they're bingeing on next!1. Open Loops (Brain Gaps)What It Is:An open loop is an unresolved element in your content—a question, mystery, or ongoing storyline that the listener subconsciously wants resolved. This is a storytelling technique borrowed from TV and movies: cliffhangers, subplots, or even hints about future developments that drive people to keep watching (or listening) to find out what happens next.Examples from the Episode:uses TV examples like Will Trent and Tracker:"There's a problem at the beginning of the episode… and 50 minutes later, give or take, the problem is solved. … On occasion they'll do a two-parter with a cliffhanger." (01:39)In Will Trent, the ongoing subplot about the main character being disliked and saving a dog (an adaptation of the “save the cat” storytelling trope) gets the audience rooting for him, creating emotional investment through an open loop about his relationships and backstory."You have this underlying story that's going through the whole thing, and I believe that's why we are binging content." (13:11)In podcasts, an open loop could be as simple as starting a story in one episode and promising to finish it later, or introducing a mystery or a question (“Did James ever fix his solar panels?”) that’s answered in a later episode.How To Use:Tease questions (“Next week, I’ll reveal the results…”)Continue a personal story arc across episodesDangle small mysteries (“I opened the door and only saw one of the three things I was looking for…”) (Share journey updates that listeners want closure or progress on2. Teasers & Episode StructureWhat It Is:Tease content before and after episodes to contextualize your podcast for new and returning listeners. By referencing what was discussed in previous episodes and previewing what’s coming next, you build a web of episodes that feel interconnected—just like "Next Episode" buttons on streaming platforms encourage more watching.Examples from the Episode:highlights Harry Duran’s approach:"He introduces his show… 'If you missed last week's episode, we talked to so-and-so about such and such…' On today's show, we're talking with so-and-so. … At the end of the show… he knows what the next episode is. … You now have 3 ideas of what this show is about." (08:28)The benefit is, if listeners hear a recap of a past episode or a preview of the next, they’re incentivized to explore your other episodes—bingeing your back catalog.How To Use:At the start: preview what’s happening in the current episode and what listeners missed if they haven’t heard recent contentAt the end: teaser for the next episode (e.g., “Next week, I’m talking to…”)Mention popular or related episodes (“Check out our past episode on…”)Structure your season thematically, so every episode contributes to a bigger picture (e.g., a season all about podcast hardware invites listeners to hear the whole set)3. Ongoing Initiatives & Personal JourneysWhat It Is:Maintain a continuous, real-life thread running through your podcast—such as a personal project, journey, or community initiative—which encourages listeners to check back for updates and stay invested in your progress over time.Examples from the Episode:I talk about his “How to Pitch a Podcast” project:“I've been talking about the How to Pitch a Podcast project… I'm not launching the show until I get 20 stories. … It’s an ongoing initiative that people are like, oh, you know, and you might be kind of involved with like, oh, I really want to see this show take off.” (10:23)He references Joanna Penn’s podcast chronicling her journey to become an independent author—listeners followed along as she learned, failed, and eventually succeeded, creating long-term engagement and rooting interest.Many shows use “journey” approaches where listeners are encouraged to follow a process or transformation over time (fitness challenges, entrepreneurial launches, etc.).How To Use:Start a project or challenge and give periodic updates (“I’m launching X, here’s what happened this week…”)Share personal development arcs—what you’re learning, obstacles, and milestonesInvite audience participation (“I need 20 submissions from you before the project goes live!”)In summary:Open loops hook listeners by leaving threads unresolved, making them want to continue and find closure.Teasers and structured episode links make every episode a gateway to others