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Monetizing your podcast doesn’t have to mean chasing sponsors or hitting massive download numbers. We break down what podcast monetization actually looks like for indie podcasters and how to choose the strategies that genuinely fit your show.

We cover:

• When you’re truly ready to monetize
• How sponsorships actually work
• Affiliate marketing as a simple testing ground
• Subscriptions options: listen to the full Buzzcast episode
• Listener support and why it works for every podcaster
• How to talk about money without feeling awkward
• Why the future of podcast monetization is all about value and community

Read the monetization blog: How I Make Money Podcasting (What Still Works In 2025)

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With iOS 26.2, Apple Podcasts will auto-generate chapters, support more chapter standards, and introduce timed links that surface as a banner at the right moment. We break down what this means for creators, how it compares to YouTube and Spotify, and why this move echoes Apple’s transcript strategy: respect what you provide, fill the gap when you don’t, and let you opt out if needed. 

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We break down exactly how Apple's search, charts, and editorial features work. This episode dives deep into podcast SEO, metadata strategy, episode titling, user behavior, and how momentum affects your rankings. You’ll also learn what Apple looks for when featuring shows and how to pitch your podcast for a chance at that front-page spotlight!

• Read How to Rank Higher on Apple Podcasts (Data-Backed Guide)
• For SEO Keywords, try using the Ahrefs Keyword Generator
• Apple Podcasts Marketing Page for Creators
• Apple Podcast's Tips for Getting Featured on Apple Podcasts

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We mark 200 episodes by celebrating the work, not the metrics, and sharing what kept us going even when the show felt like a grind. From a documentary-style DDOS episode to deep dives that stand the test of time, we look back at our proudest moments and things we'd do differently.

Looking forward to our next episode: If you have any questions about Apple Podcasts, any tips, have you been featured, anything like that? Go ahead and send it in!

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We're investigating six more common myths, including whether you need to be on YouTube, if ratings and reviews actually boost your ranking, and whether great content alone is enough to grow your show.

Myths we're covering:
• YouTube is the largest podcast platform, so you need to have video
• Ratings and reviews help your podcast grow
• If you build it, they will come
• You can use any song as long as it's under 10 seconds
• We can fix it in post
• You need a big following to make money in podcasting


Fan Mail Requests:

Send us your favorite bits from past shows for our 200th. Also, if you’ve cracked Apple charts or earned a feature on their app, tell us your story!

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We're discussing why recognition from real people can matter more than downloads and share how to ask for feedback and challenge listeners to reach out to a creator they appreciate!

RSVP for the Tampa Buzzsprout Podcaster Meetup

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The holiday season can be one of the most challenging times to keep up with your podcast. Between travel, family events, and year-end deadlines, it’s easy to fall behind or feel stretched too thin. 

In this episode, we're sharing practical strategies to help you stay consistent without burning out!

Learn how to plan a short break without losing listeners, prepare episodes in advance, and keep your feed active with simple, time-saving ideas. You’ll also hear how podcasters in our community handle their holiday schedules and what the data really says about listener behavior in December.

Links mentioned in this episode: 

• RSVP for the Tampa Buzzsprout Podcaster Meetup
• Buzzsprout Podcast Name Generator
• Podcasting Q&A Episode: How to Rebrand or Relaunch Your Podcast

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We debut our podcast name generator and share a simple method for choosing names that pass the say-spell-search test. We explain why renaming won’t hurt your audience and how to avoid name collisions that kill discovery.

If you try the podcast name generator, send us your favorites! 

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We're diving deep into common podcasting misconceptions, examining popular beliefs about podcasting success against real data and industry experience!

Myths we're covering:
• You need to launch with three episodes to get into Apple's New & Noteworthy 
• You need expensive equipment to make a good podcast
• There are too many podcasts
• Big-name guests will quickly grow your show
• There is an optimal day, time, and publishing frequency
• The "dreaded seventh episode"

Have questions about podcasting during the holiday season? We want to hear how you handle podcasting when life gets busy!

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We're giving our thoughts on this week's big story: a company called Inception Point AI has been flooding the podcasting ecosystem with an astonishing 3,000 AI-generated episodes weekly! 

But should podcasters panic? Probably not. Real podcasters offer something machines cannot: personal stories, authentic connections, and the beautiful imperfections that make content relatable and human. 

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Your most loyal listeners aren’t just tuning in, they’re fueling your podcast’s growth, engagement, and revenue! In this episode, we unpack what makes a superfan and why cultivating just 1–2% of your audience can make a bigger impact than chasing thousands of casual downloads.

We cover the listener spectrum from casual listeners to community members to superfans, the psychology behind deep connections, and practical strategies you can use to turn passive listeners into advocates for your show. From setting boundaries and personalizing interactions, to creating memorable moments and building community spaces, we share the tools that will help you move beyond downloads and build real, lasting fan relationships!

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Technium: 1,000 True Fans
• Amie McNee: I went on one of the biggest podcasts in the world
• Pat Flynn's book: Superfans

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The sudden passing of Todd Cochrane, Blubrry CEO and unwavering champion of independent podcasters, has left our community in shock and mourning. Having just spent meaningful time with Todd at Podcast Movement three weeks ago, we're grateful for those final conversations, booth visits, and moments in the Podcast Standards Project room.

Don't miss the final memorial episode of the New Media Show this Wednesday at 3pm EST, where Rob Greenlee will be joined by Adam Curry, Mike Dell, and Rob Walch to honor Todd's extraordinary legacy.

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Longtime musician, Jeremiah Bowser, recently shared his streaming revenue for the month of August: $8.63 for 3,600 plays. That’s less than what he used to make selling a single CD at a live show. His story sparked a bigger conversation: are podcast creators heading toward the same trap musicians face in the streaming era?

In this episode, we compare the realities of music streaming and podcast downloads, break down who actually makes money (from Taylor Swift to indie acts), and reflect on what this means for podcasters. Should monetization be the goal, or just a cherry on top of a passion project?

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Editing can be one of the biggest time sinks in podcasting, but it doesn’t have to be! We're sharing practical ways to cut down on editing time without sacrificing quality. 

We dig into recording habits that make editing smoother, why clean audio at the source is the ultimate timesaver, and how planning outlines actually makes you more flexible in the moment.

You’ll also hear tips about cutting down on filler words, mic technique, avoiding crosstalk, using markers to flag mistakes, and when to lean on AI tools like transcript editors.

Our next episode will be about creating podcast superfans! So if you have a tip or a question about that, be sure to tap the Text the Show link! 

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This year's Podcast Movement in Dallas featured a fresh format with silent disco-style headphones and a dramatic shift in podcasting trends. Jordan tracked down some of the top speakers at Podcast Movement to give their podcasting advice and big takeaways from their session.

• Dave Jackson revealed Marc Maron made $215,000 monthly from subscribers paying for his back catalog
• James Cridland shared that Goalhanger generates one-third of their revenue from audience memberships
• Alex Sanfilippo emphasized proactively connecting with listeners through personal conversations
• Courtney Elmer identified podcast SEO as "lowest hanging fruit" for show discovery
• Daniel J Lewis encouraged podcasters to use publishing platforms that support Podcasting 2.0 features
• Tom Rossi highlighted the importance of comparing engagement metrics (90% podcast consumption vs 5% YouTube)
• Krystal Proffitt shared her PREPM method (Plan-Record-Edit-Publish-Market) to create content without burnout
  
  

Don't forget, next week we're discussing how to cut down on editing time, so if you have any tips or questions about that, be sure to tap the text show link to send it in.

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Have you ever worried you'll run out of podcast episode ideas for your show?  It's a fear almost every podcaster has, but we have tips to keep you going for hundreds of episodes!

Jordan and Alban welcome Dave Jackson from School of Podcasting to talk about how to keep your podcast ideas flowing year after year. You’ll learn:

• How to keep an ongoing bank of content ideas so you’re never stuck on recording day
• Why passion matters more than download numbers for long-term success
• The importance of hanging out where your audience is to find episode ideas
• Strategies for mixing up formats to keep things interesting (solo, interviews, Q&A, etc.)
• The difference between running out of ideas vs. running out of passion
• How audience engagement can fuel entire episodes
• Real-life examples of Dave’s own podfades, rebrands, and creative pivots

Plus: A quick detour into Taylor Swift’s surprise podcast appearance, what music shaped the hosts’ teen years, and why some fan encounters get awkward.

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We're excited for the upcoming Podcast Movement in Dallas! This event is like summer camp for podcasters, where everyone gathers to learn, connect, and celebrate podcasting together.

• Jordan will be speaking about monetization strategies on Wednesday at 9:30 AM in the expo hall
• Tom will present on understanding podcast statistics on Wednesday at 3:15 PM in Podcaster Stage 2
• Alban will also participate in Adobe's Podcast Primer on Monday from 1-3 PM for beginners!
• We're hosting a Buzzsprout meetup on Tuesday evening with food and drinks
• Attend the iHeart party at Chicken N' Pickle, a restaurant with pickleball courts
• Visit the Buzzsprout booth for swag and to join the text chain for event updates
• Psst...special swag may be available exclusively for Buzzcast listeners!

If you're going to Podcast Movement, tap the Text the Show link to let us know that we're going to see you there!

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We are breaking down everything you need to know about designing podcast cover art that actually attracts listeners! From choosing the right fonts and images to understanding episode artwork specs, we cover it all.

In this episode, we talk a lot about visuals, so we recommend you listen in a podcast app that supports chapter images! Here's a list of our recommendations:

• TrueFans 
• Podcast Addict
• Podverse
• Fountain
• Castamatic

Topics we cover:

• Why good podcast artwork matters more than you think
• Common design mistakes to avoid 
• Tools and templates to create stunning artwork in minutes 
• How to make episode and chapter art enhance the listener experience
• Tips on fonts, file sizes, and how to stand out in your category

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Buzzsprout/Canva integration
• OnlyPod's Podcast Cover Art Size Preview

Let us know for next time: How to keep coming up with episode ideas, content planning, and avoid podfade.

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The cancellation of Stephen Colbert's show highlights a major shift in the media landscape as expensive TV production gives way to more cost-effective, audience-focused podcasting formats. When Stephen Colbert's show got axed, the immediate cultural response wasn't "start a YouTube channel" or "join TikTok". It was "launch a podcast." This reaction speaks volumes about where audience attention and creator opportunity now resides.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Why Colbert Got Canceled by Nate Silver
• 100 Best Podcasts of All Time

Our thoughts:

• The Late Show cost $100 million annually with 200 employees, making it financially unsustainable
• Traditional TV's aging audience (average 68 years old) doesn't appeal to advertisers seeking younger demographics
• Conan O'Brien's successful transition from TV (280,000 viewers) to podcasting (1.3 million listeners)
• Podcast production costs dramatically lower at $20,000 per episode for major networks, often under $100 for independents
• Creative freedom in podcasting allows hosts to maintain their authentic voice without network interference
• Many former TV personalities finding success in podcasting: Trevor Noah, Bill O'Reilly, Rosie O'Donnell, and Keith Olbermann, for example. 
• Podcasting becoming synonymous with independent media creation in public consciousness

Send us your podcast artwork questions for next week's episode by hitting the fan mail button to texting the show!

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We celebrate hitting 500,000 downloads for Buzzcast and discuss the most effective podcasting gear setups for different needs, from beginners to professionals. 

Check out Alban's Podcast Equipment Guide!

Mentioned in this episode:

Microphones

• Samson Q2U (USB/XLR dynamic mic)
• Shure SM7B (dynamic mic)
• Shure MV7+ (upgraded USB-C/XLR dynamic mic) 
• Zoom ZDM‑1 (dynamic mic)
• Earthworks Ethos (condenser mic)
• SE Dynacaster DCM8 (dynamic mic)

Audio Interfaces & Mixers

• RODECaster Duo
• RODECaster Pro 2
• Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
• Vocaster
• Zoom PodTrack P8
• Zoom LikeTrak L-12

Boom Arms

• Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP 
• Elgato Wave Mic Arm Pro
• OC White ProBoom Ultima 

 Headphones

• OneOdio A71
• Apple EarPods (wired)

In our next big episode, we'll be covering podcast cover art and want to hear from you what artwork you think really stands out! Feel free to send your tips or hot takes when it comes to creating cover art for your podcast, as well!

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It's a nice summer day, so Jordan and Kevin are recording this quickcast from the great outdoors and putting Power Clean to the test!

Today's discussion is about how YouTube is updating its monetization policies to combat AI-generated videos cluttering search results, addressing the growing problem of low-quality content flooding the platform.

Also, if you're attending Podcast Movement, find Jordan, Alban, or Kevin and mention you're a Buzzcast listener to receive special limited Buzzsprout swag!

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Podcasting is all about serving your audience, and finding the perfect guest who can provide value to your listeners is essential for a successful interview show. We explore what makes a great podcast guest and how to streamline the booking process with our special guest Alex Sanfilippo, host of Podcasting Made Simple and founder of Podmatch!

We also reveal two new features in Magic Mastering! 

Filler Killer: Cautiously detects and removes filler words like "ah" and "uhm" to achieve a high-quality listening experience.

Power Clean: For particularly bad recordings, Power Clean can remove complex noises like chatter, wind, traffic, or reverb.

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Apple celebrates 20 years of podcasting with a list of 20 influential shows that shaped the medium across four eras, highlighting podcasts that pushed boundaries and set standards for creativity and storytelling.

Check out 20 Podcasts We Love by Apple Podcasts, and find out why they made the list!

• 2005-2010 pioneering era includes 99% Invisible, This American Life, and Love + Radio
• 2011-2015 podcasting boom features Serial, Song Exploder, Mystery Show and Acquired
• 2016-2020 includes mainstream hits like The Daily and Call Her Daddy
• 2021-2025 showcases expert-led content like Huberman Lab and narrative journalism like Sweet Bobby

Text us your tips for finding guests and making sure they're a good fit for your podcast, and we'll share them on the next episode!

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The Buzzsprout team shares 10 essential podcasting tips gleaned from their collective 40+ years of experience behind the microphone. Drawing from personal insights, listener contributions, and industry observations, they reveal what truly matters for podcast sustainability and growth.

Your Podcasting Tips

1. Focus on listener experience, not download statistics, as quality content precedes numeric growth
2. Create podcasts that a hundred people will love rather than something thousands merely like
3. Pick a publishing cadence you can consistently maintain, starting conservatively and scaling up
4. Produce shorter, tightly-edited episodes that respect listeners' limited attention spans
5. Expect slow, non-linear growth with small "viral" moments rather than explosive popularity
6. Use podcasting as a networking tool to connect with people otherwise difficult to reach
7. When recording, restart entire sentences if you make a mistake to create clean edit points
8. Choose co-hosts who share your commitment level and enthusiasm for the project
9. Be selective about guests and don't feel obligated to publish every interview you record
10. Design your podcasting workflow to maximize enjoyment and sustainability

For our next full episode, text us your tips for finding, vetting, and working with podcast guests. We'll be sharing your insights on what makes someone a great guest and how to create memorable interview experiences.

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What determines whether celebrity podcasts succeed or fail, and what can indie podcasters learn from their mistakes? We explore the surprising patterns behind celebrity podcast success stories and the ever-growing celebrity podcast graveyard.

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