Episode 486 - How Long Should My Podcast Be - Four Answers Every Podcaster Needs to Hear

There’s no single answer to “how long should my podcast be?”—but four main schools of thought offer clarity for podcasters weighing this choice. A well-reasoned, audience-focused approach will help creators find their ideal episode durationFour Perspectives on Podcast Length

• Follow Industry Norms: Most podcasts fall between 20–40 minutes. Research shows this range is comfortable for the average listener, matches commute times, and maintains attention for interviews, news, and storytelling without feeling rushed or drawn out.

• Content Determines Length: Aim for episodes that are “as long as they’re interesting.” A focused 15-minute episode is ideal if it’s packed with value; a deep-dive narrative or nuanced interview might warrant 60+ minutes if the story truly demands it. Never pad or rush for length targets.

• Audience Habits First: Consider listener lifestyles: shorter episodes (10–20 minutes) work for busy professionals or daily shows; longer formats (45+ minutes) suit dedicated fans or episodic, immersive storytelling. Always review download data and listener drop-off to refine timing.

• Consistency Matters More Than Duration: Predictable episode length builds listener habits and brand trust. If project constraints or audience feedback make certain lengths a better fit, stick to what works for you and stay consistent

Clear Suggestion for Podcasters

The quality and value of your content should drive episode duration—not industry averages or arbitrary rules. Start with 20–40 minutes if unsure, test audience engagement, and adjust based on feedback and your production realities. Be concise and purposeful, but never force an episode longer or shorter than its best version demands___

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Episode 485 - New Paid Coaching and Training Plans for Podcasters - Quick Podcast Launches, First 10 Episode Releases and Ongoing Podcast Support

Hey - so, I had a listener reach out and ask if there was a way to jump the line instead of listening to all of the free content on The How To Podcast Series and what it would cost to work with me as a podcast coach - so this sent me down a path of creating something that I would love your input on...

I want to create a quick launch, get you set up with a trailer episode, your artwork, podcast name and description within 24-48 hours

I want the next level for podcasters to get you from episode 0 to episode 10 over a 6-12 week process

I want the next level for podcasters to grow in the double digits - episode 10 to episode 99

Then - for podcasters with episodes in the tripple digits - episode 100 to 999

This will be a hybrid of group coaching, one-on-one support and beyond

I am looking for podcasters at each level - I will work with a handfull of podcasters for free - I only ask for your feedback, a recommendation for my website and help with pricing.

If you are interested, I would love to connect with you

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Episode 484 - Two Years Later, Podcast Lessons Learned, Growth and Changes from Where We Start From With Co-Host Fatima Bey

MindShift Power Podcast

Making our content accessible to everyone matters to us. Whether you have hearing impairments, limited data, or connectivity issues, our Podcast Episode Library ensures you never miss an episode. Simply click the button above to explore.

https://www.fatimabey.com/

https://www.fatimabey.com/podcast

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Episode 483 - Limited Series, Mini-Podcasts and Breaks Are Not Examples of Podfade - Setting Expectations from the Start

Podfade is often misunderstood, and many scenarios do not fit its definition. Podfade specifically refers to a podcast that gradually or suddenly stops publishing new episodes without a planned conclusion or official announcement. Below is an expanded explanation of what podfade isn't, followed by suggested episode titles to explore these distinctions.

What Podfade Isn’t

• Not a Limited Series or Planned Ending
  Podfade does not include podcasts designed as limited series, such as a show with a set number of episodes (e.g., a 10-part educational series that wraps up as expected). These shows have a clear beginning, middle, and end—both the creator and the audience know from the start that the show will conclude after a certain point.

• Not Taking a Break or Going on Hiatus
  Structured breaks—whether announced seasonal breaks or recharges due to personal needs—aren't considered podfade. As long as the podcaster communicates their intention and returns as planned, it does not qualify as podfade.

• Not a Pivot or Rebrand
  If a show changes format, focus, or even takes a brief pause to relaunch in a new direction and communicates this with listeners, it is not podfade. Evolution of a podcast is part of creative growth if it’s done openly and intentionally.

• Not “Podcast Failure” in General
  Podfade isn’t a catch-all term for all types of podcast endings or unsuccessful shows. Many podcasts end intentionally, are retired with a farewell episode, or are simply meant to be short-term and finish as planned.

• Not Simply Scaling Down Content
  Reducing episode frequency (from weekly to monthly, for example), if communicated, is not podfade. Slowdowns that are part of a conscious change in production do not match podfade’s “disappearance without closure” hallmark

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Episode 482 - Top 5 Mistakes Podcast Hosts Make When Interviewing A Guest (And How to Fix Them)

Becoming a better podcast host, especially when interviewing guests, is about mastering the art of succinct questioning, allowing space for your guest, guiding the flow, listening with intention, and always keeping your audience in mind. How to Be a Better Host with Guests

Ask More Succinct Questions

• Do thorough research on your guest: Know their background so you can ask unique questions beyond what they’ve answered elsewhere.

• Aim for open-ended, concise, and clear questions: Keep questions focused and easy to understand; avoid lengthy or complicated phrasing that could confuse both your guest and listeners.

• Avoid leading questions: Let the guest bring out their story, resist pushing them in a certain direction.

Give Guests Space

• Pause after asking: Don’t rush to fill silence; give guests time to think and respond, which often leads to richer stories.

• Let the conversation flow: Don’t stick too rigidly to your script—sometimes the most compelling moments come from unscripted dialog.

Guide the Conversation

• Set expectations: Brief guests ahead of recording and share the tone, style, and what kinds of questions you’ll ask.

• Establish rapport: Spend a few minutes chatting before recording to make your guest feel comfortable, helping their personality to shine.

• Use a flexible outline: Draft talking points, but be ready to adapt based on your guest’s responses.

Listen Better

• Practice active listening: Fully concentrate on your guest, picking up both verbal and nonverbal cues.

• Be present: If you get distracted, try grounding yourself physically to refocus on the conversation.

• Ask follow-up questions: Show you value their answers by digging deeper, which also keeps the audience engaged.

Be Mindful of the Listener

• Balance depth and accessibility: Ask questions that are relevant to your audience’s interests and avoid jargon or inside references unless explained.

• Keep the episode’s objective clear: Deliver value every minute—summary, actionable advice, or memorable stories that will resonate and stick with listeners.

• Audit your show: Periodically review feedback or listen yourself to see how well you’re informing, entertaining, and connecting with your audience.

These practices not only elevate the quality of your episodes—they help build lasting relationships with guests and keep listeners coming back for more.

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Episode 481 - Television Producer, Second Act Success Business Coach, Author and Podcaster with Co-Host Shannon Russell

Shannon spent over 16 years as a Television Producer overseeing multi-million dollar productions in New York City and Los Angeles working for companies like MTV, E! Entertainment, Yahoo!, Pop Sugar, A&E, TLC, etc.My second act began once I leapt into entrepreneurship and opened a franchise business serving families in my community, so I could be more present mom for my two kids. My business quickly grew to be amongst the Top 5 in the organization, and I successfully sold this business in 2024. While running my first business, I started Second Act Success® Coaching so I could help support women as they start a second act in life by changing careers to start a business.
My focus as a business coach for women is to help others produce their best life, while finding the flexibility, freedom, and fulfillment they deserve.
Now, I share my experience, as a television executive turned business owner with my clients, as we work towards their business goals. My first book released in May 2025 - Start Your Second Act: How To Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life.

https://secondactsuccess.co/

https://secondactsuccess.co/podcast

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EPISODE 76 - Six Simple Tips When Dealing With A Hater - How To Overcome Negative Comments as a Podcaster

As a new podcaster, dealing with haters can be tough. Here are some simple tips to keep in mind:

1. Don't take negative comments personally.
2. Try to learn from constructive feedback.
3. Ignore or delete comments that are hateful or abusive.
4. Respond kindly to negative comments that are not abusive.
5. Focus on your supporters and the positive impact you are having.
6. Take a break from social media if it gets overwhelming.

Remember that haters are often a small group of people, so don't let their negativity discourage you from creating great content for your listeners.

If YOU are looking for help in starting your new podcast, please check out our site - I would love to help you!

Dave

Original Publish Date - 5/5/23

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Episode 480 - Podcast Lessons Gathered from Taylor Swift Guesting on New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

Taylor Swift's appearance on the Kelce brothers’ "New Heights" podcast set streaming records and offered several valuable podcasting lessons, both positive and cautionary, for creators to apply or ignore in their own shows.Takeaways to Apply

• Event-Based Promotion: Swift’s guest spot was staged as an event, complete with a countdown and exclusive announcements (new album, behind-the-scenes stories). This shows the power of intentional episode launches that leverage real-time hype and exclusivity for maximum audience engagement.

• Creating a Comfortable Environment: Swift was notably more candid here than in typical interviews, because the show’s format—conversational, informal, hosted by friends—created psychological safety. For podcasters, prioritizing guest comfort and authenticity yields deeper, more memorable content.

• Cross-Promotional Power: Integrating music, sports, and celebrity culture expanded the audience far beyond usual listeners. Purposeful crossovers, surprise guests, and collaborations can help niche podcasts reach and retain new audiences.

• In-Depth, Long-Form Interviews: The nearly two-hour episode allowed nuanced storytelling and emotional moments (e.g., Swift discussing her masters), making an argument for longer-form episodes—especially for meaningful topics—over the constraints of short segments.

• Video Podcasting’s Rise: Leveraging video (YouTube, shorts, social snippets) made the episode a viral multimedia event, reinforcing the importance of a strong video presence for modern podcasters

Takeaways to Ignore or Use Sparingly

• Celebrity Exclusivity: While big names drive viral numbers, relying on high-profile guests or engineered relationship reveals is not a sustainable strategy for most creators. Instead, focus on building deep connections with guests or showcasing original expertise or community stories.

• Overly Polished Announcements: Swift’s album announcement worked in this context, but regular listeners may prefer organic content over episodes that feel overly promotional or self-serving. Balance insider updates with engaging, non-commercial conversations.

• Narrative Control: Swift used the episode to shape her public image and narrative on her own terms. Podcasters should strike a balance between structured storytelling and organic spontaneity to avoid feeling scripted or curated to the point of losing authenticity

Key Podcasting Insights

• Fostering guest trust and emotional safety enables more compelling and impactful episodes.

• Planning episodes as interactive cultural moments, especially with multimedia extensions, yields outsized engagement and reach.

• Authenticity in the host-guest relationship enhances the listener experience and episode quality.

• Cross-promotion and thoughtful surprise appearances can help podcasts break their own audience records without sacrificing substance

These lessons illustrate that while every show may not have the star power of a Swift/Kelce episode, creators can learn from the candidness, big-event energy, and strategic media use to make their own podcasts more impactful and memorable.Watch Taylor on the New Heights Podcast

https://youtu.be/M2lX9XESvDE?si=dz3sQMcQoyLF0IK5

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