In this episode, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what it was like to be a judge on the New Zealand Podcast Awards panel.

With submissions now closed and winners about to be announced, this is the perfect time to start thinking ahead to next year’s awards, and what you can be doing right now to give yourself the best possible shot.

While the official judging criteria is confidential, I’m sharing the general trends I noticed: what made certain entries stand out, where others slipped up, and the small details that make a surprisingly big difference. From editing and flow, to audience clarity, to crafting a strong showreel, this episode is packed with practical advice you can start applying today.

Whether you want to win a podcast award next year, or you simply want to improve the quality and impact of your show, you’ll take away clear, implementable tips to elevate your storytelling, production, and overall listener experience.

In this episode:

• The most common mistakes podcasters make when submitting to awards
• Simple things judges look for that instantly improve your score
• Why editing matters just as much as the content itself
• How to choose and present clips in your showreel
• Why clarity of audience and purpose is one of the strongest predictors of high scores
• The problem with overusing music in a short submission
• How to track your best episodes throughout the year, so submission time is easier
• What makes a podcast feel polished, intentional, and impactful

More Resources:

• Book a Podcast Power Hour Strategy Session: https://www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nz/book-podcast-power-hour

Wanna go deeper?

🎙️ For resources: https://www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nz/blog

🙋‍♀️ To work with me: https://www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nz/podcasting-services

📱 To get connected: @wannapodcast & @maxenelondoncreative

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever cringed at the sound of your own voice? You’re not alone. And this episode will help you change that.

In this "best of" episode, I chat with Sally Prosser, voice and public speaking coach, podcaster, and author of Voiceprint, about why so many of us dislike how we sound, and how to start rebuilding a healthy relationship with our voice.

💡 In this episode:

• Why hearing your recorded voice feels so confronting (and how to get used to it)
• The psychology behind “voice confrontation” and tall poppy syndrome
• How childhood experiences and social conditioning shape the way we speak
• The difference between confidence and arrogance, and how to walk that fine line
• Practical exercises to start embracing your voice and speaking with purpose
• Why learning to love your voice is deeply tied to self-acceptance

Whether you’re a podcaster, coach, or simply someone who struggles to speak up, this episode will help you reconnect with your authentic sound and rediscover the confidence that’s already within you.

This clip is from the full episode, Sally Prosser on unlocking your voice potential and overcoming insecurities: https://youtu.be/ICJg9GX8Jfo

Watch it on YT or listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

To purchase Sally's upcoming book, 'Voiceprint', which aims to inspire individuals to embrace their unique vocal identity. Pre-order your copy here: https://www.sallyprosser.com.au/book

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I delve into one of the biggest conversations shaping the podcast industry right now: ethics.

From misinformation and defamation to the role of the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) and Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in New Zealand, this episode explores what it really means to be a responsible podcaster in 2025.

Using real-world examples like Belle Gibson’s health hoax and recent debates around Winston Peters’ comments about the BSA, I explore how podcasters can balance freedom of speech with public responsibility.

In this episode:

• How the media we consume shapes our beliefs and behaviour
• What defamation is and how to avoid it in your podcast
• What the BSA and ASA are, and how their standards apply to podcasters
• Why regulation doesn’t have to mean restriction, and how ethical podcasting builds trust
• Practical steps for building an ethical show: fact-checking, transparency, and content warnings

More Resources:

• BSA: https://www.bsa.govt.nz/
• ASA: https://asa.co.nz/
• RNZ's article "Winston Peters accuses Broadcasting Standards Authority of 'Soviet era stasi' censorship": https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/576015/winston-peters-accuses-broadcasting-standards-authority-of-soviet-era-stasi-censorship

Wanna go deeper?

🎙️ For resources: https://www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nz/blog

🙋‍♀️ To work with me: https://www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nz/podcasting-services

📱 To get connected: @wannapodcast & @maxenelondoncreative

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.