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You don’t need to drop a ton of cash to launch a solid podcast. In this quick solo episode, I break down a simple yet professional podcast setup that’ll cost you less than $100. No junk gear, no sketchy knockoffs—just proven tools that podcasters (myself included) actually use.

This episode is sponsored by Riverside.fm - With Riverside you can record high quality audio and video podcasts remotely. Use promo code CLIPPED for 20% off.

From a versatile mic to free editing and recording tools, I walk you through everything you need to start recording great-sounding audio right away. I also plug my free Podcast Equipment Finder tool if you want even more tailored gear recommendations. No excuses—get started today with what you’ve got.

Resources From This Episode:

• 🎙 Mic: Samson Q2U – an affordable USB/XLR mic that punches above its price
• 🛠 Mic Stand: Amazon mic stand options – solid stands for under $20
• 🌐 Riverside.fm: Riverside link – record high-quality video and audio, remote or solo; use promo code CLIPPED for 20% off
• ✂️ Descript: Descript link – edit your podcast by editing the transcript, even on a free plan
• 🧠 Podcast Equipment Finder Tool: Equipment Finder link – get gear suggestions based on your needs, use case, and budget
• 🛠️ Podcast Name Checker Tool - Starting a podcast? Use our Podcast Name Checker to ensure the name you want is available across Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and the web

Connect with The Podcast Haven

• Homepage
• LinkedIn
• Blog
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Listen To CLIPPED

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One of the biggest myths in podcasting: that you have to be everywhere to grow. Spoiler alert — you don’t. Instead of burning out trying to post across every social media platform, this episode will help you understand the power of focus.

In this episode, Eric makes the case for doubling down on 2-3 key platforms that actually move the needle for your podcast, based on your content format and strengths.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

• Why being on every platform is a waste of your time early on
• How to choose channels that actually align with your business/goals
• Platform suggestions based on your podcast format
• The difference between real growth vs. fake busy work

This episode is sponsored by Riverside.fm - With Riverside you can record high quality audio and video podcasts remotely. Use promo code CLIPPED for 20% off.

🛠️ Resources:

• Podcast Name Checker Tool - Starting a podcast? Use our Podcast Name Checker to ensure the name you want is available across Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and the web
• Podcast Equipment Finder - Fill out a 1 minute questionnaire and our equipment finder will automatically suggest podcast equipment for you based on your needs. You can purchase that gear through our Amazon links.

Connect with The Podcast Haven:

• Homepage
• LinkedIn
• Blog
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Listen To CLIPPED

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Spotify just dropped a new metric: Plays. It’s supposed to show how many times your episode was played—similar to YouTube views—but as of now, it’s only visible inside Spotify for Podcasters, not to the public.

This episode is sponsored by Riverside.fm - With Riverside you can record high quality audio and video podcasts remotely. Use promo code CLIPPED for 20% off.

In this episode, I break down:

• What the “Plays” metric actually tracks
• Why creators are confused (and a little worried)
• The difference between Spotify Plays, Streams, and Apple Podcast Downloads
• What this means for advertisers and how they buy podcast ad space
• And the bigger question—how do we define success with so many overlapping metrics?

Right now, it’s a mess. But it’s also part of podcasting growing up. I’m not sure how I feel yet, but I’m watching closely—and still focused on making content I love.

📖 Related Reading:

• NBC News: Spotify’s new play count feature has podcasters worried
• Spotify’s official metric breakdown
• Spotify For Podcasters
• Apple Podcasts Connect

🎥 Check out more gear reviews, tutorials, and content tips on my YouTube channel: youtube.com/@thepodcasthaven

🛠️ Resources:

• Podcast Name Checker Tool - Starting a podcast? Use our Podcast Name Checker to ensure the name you want is available across Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and the web

Connect with The Podcast Haven:

• Homepage
• LinkedIn
• Blog
• YouTube
• Instagram