Ever tried recording a podcast outside? Yeah, it's like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. You think, "Hey, this'll be fun!" Then the wind starts howling, dogs are barking, and your neighbor decides it's the perfect time to mow his lawn. Welcome to the chaotic, unpredictable world of outdoor podcasting!

So, I’m sharing my past outdoor recording adventures, where I quickly realized that my audio setup was about as reliable as a chocolate teapot. I went from dreaming of crisp, clear conversations to battling wind noise and random passersby. Who knew that just being outside could turn into a full-blown episode of 'Survivor: Podcaster Edition'? I mean, at this point, I might as well just start a podcast about how to survive recording in the wild—complete with tips on how to dodge pesky lawn mowers and barking dogs. But it’s not all doom and gloom!

I chat about how to make your outdoor recording experience a bit more bearable. Spoiler alert: It's all about controlling what you can. Invest in some good windscreens, keep your mic close, and sometimes you just have to roll with the punches (or the background noise). And let’s be real, if you’re going for that authentic vibe, a little chaos can actually add character. I mean, who doesn’t want to hear the sound of nature while listening to a podcast? Just be prepared to accept the reality that it’s not going to be studio-perfect.

So grab your gear, your patience, and maybe a helmet, because outdoor podcasting is a wild ride!

• Recording outside is a wild ride with unpredictable audio issues, just embrace the chaos.
• Wind noise and random background sounds are the new normal when podcasting outdoors, get used to it.
• If you want to record outside, patience is key; Mother Nature doesn't always cooperate.
• Sometimes, leaving in background noise is better than trying to edit it out; just roll with it!
• You might want a good windscreen for your mic if you're going to brave the outdoors.
• Consider recording in a car for better sound; just don't freeze or risk carbon monoxide poisoning!

Links referenced in this episode:

• schoolofpodcasting.com

Is your podcast just a fun side gig, or could it be something more? We tackle this question head-on, inspired by a listener who’s got a budding podcast and some serious self-doubt creeping in.

We break down the reality of podcast growth and the often disappointing truth of monetization. Let’s face it, just because you’ve got listeners doesn’t mean you’re rolling in dough. We dive into strategies for gauging your audience’s engagement and the importance of asking them for feedback. You’ll hear how to avoid the common pitfall of spreading yourself too thin (because nobody wants to end up burnt out and bitter).

And hey, if you’re dreaming of making a living off your podcast, we’ve got some tough love for you. It’s all about building an audience first, and that takes time and effort. So let’s keep it real and maybe have a laugh while we figure out how to turn that hobby into something that might just pay the bills.

• Podcasting can start as a fun hobby, but it might evolve into something more serious over time.
• Engagement metrics are key; knowing how far listeners stick around helps gauge interest.
• If you're thinking about monetizing, remember: you're really monetizing the audience, not just the podcast itself.
• Consistency in content is crucial; it's all about providing value and keeping your audience engaged.

• schoolofpodcasting.com/start
• toggl.com

Back in 1980, Robert Palmer was already trying to figure things out with his jam, "I'm Just Looking for Clues." Fast forward to today, and here we are, diving into the murky waters of podcasting where someone is asking why their downloads are nosediving. This isn't just a casual inquiry; it’s a cry for help amidst the chaos of the podcasting world!

I mean, who hasn’t felt that gut punch when you realize your audience is slipping through your fingers like sand? So what do we do? We go on a hunt for those elusive clues, just like Palmer did, except our clues are more about audience retention than romance.

As we dig deeper, we realize that now is NOT the time to pump up promotions. Yeah, you heard me right. If your downloads are dropping like it’s hot, the last thing you wanna do is throw money at ads. It’s like trying to sell a broken car; nobody’s gonna bite.

Instead, let’s focus on the core issue: why are people bailing? It’s a classic case of ‘fix the holes in your ship before you set sail again.’ Let’s talk about asking your listeners directly: Are we still vibing? Did I lose you at minute 10? You’d be surprised what a simple survey can tell you about your audience’s listening habits.

And trust me, if your retention is below 70%, that’s not just a warning sign; it's a full-blown emergency! We also touch on how the podcasting game is a lot like stand-up comedy. You don’t just jump on stage and hope for the best; you gotta test those jokes first!

Just like comedians tweak their routines based on audience reactions, we need to refine our content based on listener feedback. If you’re not willing to do the groundwork, you’re basically setting yourself up for a flop.

So, buckle up, because before we throw our next promotion, we need to ensure that what we’re offering is something that listeners actually wanna stick around for. Remember, the key to growth isn’t just about shouting louder; it’s about crafting something worth listening to.

• In podcasting, if your audience is dropping, it's not the time to promote.
• You should ask your listeners what they think about your show to get feedback.
• Tracking listener engagement is super important, and stats can help you understand why they leave.
• Promoting a podcast with declining numbers is like trying to sell a bad movie; it just doesn't work.
• Audience feedback is key; knowing where they tune out can help fix your show.
• You want your completion rate above 70%, but aiming for 80% is the golden ticket.

• podcastsconnect.apple.com
• creators.spotify.com
• School of Podcasting

Imagine this: you’ve got a podcast that’s hotter than a summer sidewalk, and then—bam!—you decide to take a little 'me time' and vanish. That’s exactly what happened to our friend from a horror movie review channel. He thought he could whip up a slasher flick and come back to a fanfare. But spoiler alert: he forgot the most important thing—keeping his audience in the loop. Now, he’s got a loyal fanbase that’s gone MIA. Turns out, if you ghost your audience, they might just ghost you right back.

If you’re not talking to your listeners, they’re not waiting for your return like a kid waits for Christmas. They’re out there finding new shows, and by the time you come back, they might not even remember your name! It’s like when your best friend suddenly stops texting you—it’s not cool, man. Keeping your audience informed about your journey is crucial. If he had shared the behind-the-scenes action of making that movie, his fans would have been eagerly waiting to see it, not just left in the dark wondering where he went.

We also tackle the reality of podcasting burnout. It’s real, folks. If you’re trying to squeeze your life into your podcast schedule, you’re just asking for trouble. The trick is to let your podcast fit into your life. With a sprinkle of planning and a dash of strategy, you can keep the content flowing and the audience engaged, avoiding the dreaded ‘abandonment’ label. So, if you’re feeling the weight of the world on your podcasting shoulders, take a breath, reevaluate, and remember: your fans are like friends—don’t leave them hanging!

1. Stopping your podcast doesn't mean your audience will forget you; they might just move on.
2. One of the biggest blunders in podcasting is simply abandoning your show for too long.
3. If your podcast becomes part of someone's routine, they won't easily forget it.
4. Planning ahead is key to avoiding burnout and keeping your podcast consistent and fresh.
5. Taking breaks can lead to losing your audience to other shows, so keep them engaged.
6. Your podcast should fit into your life, not the other way around, or you'll regret it.

1. schoolofpodcasting.com

Let’s get real for a minute. Nothing stings quite like getting left hanging by a podcast guest, right? Guest now shows are frustrating.

I heard someone talk about his no-show problem, he tossed out this idea of a $500 cancellation fee.

That's not gonna work, folks.

Life is unpredictable—people get sick, kids break arms, and sometimes, they just don’t feel like it. Instead of turning into the Podcast Police, we suggested a friendly reminder email on the day of the interview. Make it personal. Because who wants to show up for a chat with someone who just sees them as a dollar sign?

This episode also gets into the value of knowing your audience and picking the right guests. I mean, if you’re getting ghosted left and right, it’s time to take a long, hard look in the mirror.

Maybe you’re not asking the right questions, or maybe your guests just don’t see the value in chatting with you. And hey, interviews are great for networking, but they can also lead to a mountain of editing.

So, weigh your options. A solo show might save you time and make you the star of the show! Just remember, if someone doesn’t want to be on your podcast, they shouldn’t feel pressured to say yes—because being polite is not an excuse for wasting your time.

1. Scheduling conflicts are inevitable; life happens, so prepare for guest no-shows.
2. Sending a reminder email on the day of the interview can really help confirm attendance.
3. Charging a cancellation fee might not be effective if the guest doesn't care about your show.
4. Building a network is crucial; follow up with guests even after the interview is over.
5. Solo shows can save time and often allow for more creative control than interviews.
6. Guests rarely promote episodes, so don't rely on them to grow your audience.

1. schoolofpodcasting.com
2. Tidycal (one time fee scheduling tool)

I saw on Reddit where someone was potentially making the classic blunder of podcasting: mixing unrelated shows into one feed.

You know, like if you went to a restaurant for a burger but ended up with sushi on the same plate. I point out that our buddy Joey has a bi-weekly podcast that covers both video games and TV shows. With a measly two downloads per episode, Joey's mixing it up like a bad cocktail.

The main takeaway? Split those shows!

Seriously, if someone clicks on a gaming episode expecting a deep dive into Mario Kart, they don’t want to suddenly hear about the latest Netflix binge. We’re all about giving the audience choices here, folks.

Keep it simple, keep it focused, and let them pick what they want to listen to. It’s like letting them pick their own adventure instead of forcing them to read the whole book. So, if you’re in this boat, don’t wait for a big audience to fix it. Tweak it now, while the stakes are low.

Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you’re not scrambling to split your shows down the line. And with the right media host, like Captivate or Transistor, you can have multiple shows without breaking the bank. Why wait until it’s a mess?

Takeaways:

1. Don't make the rookie mistake of merging unrelated podcast topics into one show, just don't.
2. Split your podcast episodes into separate feeds to give listeners their power of choice, ya know?
3. Tuning your podcast like a guitar should happen when you have fewer listeners, not a packed house.
4. Using the right media host can save you from the headache of splitting up your shows later on.

School of Podcasting

Captivate

Transistor

This 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!

Hey, it’s Dave Jackson. In this episode, I’m talking directly to those of you who want to start a podcast but feel paralyzed by fear, perfectionism, or that nagging voice telling you you’re not good enough. I share my personal tips for getting your content out of your head and into the world—without letting things like criticism or imperfect editing stop you.

I start by reflecting on a post I saw on Reddit, where someone struggled with overthinking, fear of criticism, and worrying about making mistakes. This resonated with me because I've definitely felt the same way. I break down how I personally organize my thoughts: writing a blog post, reading it several times to get the overall message, and then distilling it into bullet points I riff on while recording—just like I’m talking to a friend across the desk.

I address the big question: do people actually care if you ramble, or if your audio isn’t perfect? The truth is, people only care if you waste their time. An “um” here or there isn’t the problem—what matters is not losing their attention or making the show all about you with no lesson or value.

I also highlight the importance of starting small and being okay with imperfection. Your first episode won’t be as good as your tenth, and that’s totally normal. Focus on your audience and what they need to hear, rather than dwelling on your own fears.

I even recorded this episode while I had a cold—proof that you don’t have to be perfect to provide value! If you need feedback, consider joining a listener party at the School of Podcasting, where you can get constructive, uplifting advice on your episode before going live.

If you want help or someone to listen to your work, visit schoolofpodcasting.com and use the coupon code "listener" for a discount. Thanks for joining me, and remember: don’t let perfectionism keep you from creating a truly great podcast. I’d love to see what happens when we work together.

This is what works for me.:

1. Write a blog.

This helps me figure out what I'm trying to say and how I want people to feel.

1. Read Your blog Three times.

This helps you get it into your brain. Not to memorize, but to "get the gist of it." Do not cheat. read the whole thing from top to bottom three times.

1. Boil it down to bullet points

This is the map to attempt to keep you on track

1. Press Record and Talk To Your Friend

Much like a phone call, press record and talk to the invisible person on the other side of your desk and "riff" on your bullet points.

1. Edit

Anything that went off the rails too much, edit out. That starts with knowing who you are talking to.

I'm back from Podfest, and today, I want to talk about a strategy that gets way more attention than it needs: When to publish your podcast episodes.

Recently, while browsing Reddit, I spotted a question about the best time to post — specifically, whether 5:00 pm is a good time. The person wanted to launch a podcast focused on creepy stories and thought evening uploads would create the right mood. However, most advice online suggested otherwise, which led them to ask if evening uploads are uncommon, and whether others have succeeded with that schedule.

The Magic of time Shifting

Here’s what I’ve learned over the years: I personally follow at least 30 podcasts, but only two of them matter to me in terms of their schedule, and that’s because they’re news shows. For those, I want the latest information right away. For everything else, it doesn’t matter when the episode drops. Thanks to apps like Pocket Casts, new episodes go to the top of my list, and I listen whenever I want.

That’s one of the biggest perks of podcasting—it’s all about convenience for the listener. Most people aren’t refreshing their phone, waiting for your episode to appear. So you don’t need to obsess over the perfect release time, unless you have a news show or something that’s truly time-sensitive.

Going the Extra Mile

If you want to do a little extra homework, you could check out podcasts similar to yours. See when they publish, create a spreadsheet to spot days with less competition, and pick a time that works for you. But ultimately, the most important factor is finding a schedule that fits your life and allows you to be consistent.

For example, I have one show I catch on Fridays just because that aligns with my grocery shopping routine—but that’s rare for most podcasts I listen to. Unless it’s a news-based format, when you publish has far less impact than you might think.

So my advice:

Don’t get hung up on the specifics. Pick a time that works for you, stick to it, and focus on delivering great content. Consistency in both schedule and quality matters far more than the exact day or hour you hit publish.

If you have more questions about podcasting, come join me at schoolofpodcasting.com. We’ve got step-by-step tutorials, an amazing community, and hours of consulting to help you succeed. I’m Dave Jackson, and I’m here to help you on your podcasting journey!