David Hooper's Blog: Build A Big Podcast

Should You Copy or Innovate?

Should you try to stand out or fit in—and can you do both at once? David shares how bringing your own voice and experience to podcasting is the real key to being noticed (without reinventing the wheel) in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...

Big Ideas in This Episode

Stand out: fitting in feeds your podcast's death Breaking rules? Learn them first, then rebel Mention your scars, but don’t parade them Your podcast voice: envy-worthy or echo chamber? Copy the crowd? Producer or star? Control your on-mic destiny Flaunt your skills quietly—power is subtle

Why You Should Listen

The strange power of standing out—even if you’re secretly terrified of being in the spotlight How to reap the rewards of success without ever going on camera (let your voice do the work) The single broadcasting mistake keeping you shouting into the void—and how to rise above the crowd Why “fitting in” could be strangling your podcast’s influence ... and the simple way to break free The forbidden shortcut: Skip years of trial and error by hijacking proven podcasting best practices How exposing a tiny flaw (not a trainwreck) makes listeners addicted to your show The overlooked law that lets average podcasters appear like industry “giants” Why trying to be the opposite of everyone else is a sucker’s trap ... here’s what to do instead The sad but true reason most wild innovators crash and burn (and how you can win by playing it smarter) The subtle art of “copying and twisting” ... how to profit by borrowing and bending what already works How a musician’s dirty secret can explode your audience size and keep you in control Why some podcasts get showered with fame while others languish ... unseen and unloved The little-known move podcast pros use to engineer unforgettable interviews (even before hitting record) How to use envy and authority to magnetize high-value listeners (without looking desperate) The real way to get noticed—without bragging, oversharing, or burning yourself out on social media

Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Have you ever seen a Prius with a “drill baby, drill” bumper sticker? Why David Hooper relates to contradictory identities—and what that reveals about podcasting. [00:01:16] “We’re raised to fit in with the crowd…” The bold argument for standing out as a podcaster—and why doing things your own way can be a double-edged sword. [00:02:35] The music industry myth: Why “not doing what everybody else is doing” could actually backfire in podcasting (and what tuning guitars has to do with your podcast). [00:04:24] Should you break all the podcasting rules? The surprising truth about best practices and why copying others might be your secret weapon. [00:04:48] The controversial debate: Are pre-interviews for guests a waste of time, or the key to a better show? David reveals what thousands of episodes have taught him. [00:06:37] From producing 200+ audiobooks to pioneering web audio before Spotify—how David’s unique background shapes his podcasting voice (and why it matters for you). [00:07:41] The Tesla and the Rolex: Why you don’t need to “showcase” your unique value, and what really makes you stand out to your audience.

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Oversharing Flaws and Failure Porn

Should you highlight your flaws to stand out, or does "failure porn" turn listeners off? David breaks down the difference and reveals what really makes your podcast matter in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...

Big Ideas in This Episode

Why “perfect” podcasts bore people ... and how to stop Oversharing your flaws? It’s failure porn Listeners crave authenticity, not your confessions Your podcast: church, cult, or community? Podcast hosts: main character or just a guide? Master relatability without wallowing in misery Is it about you or your listeners’ desires?

Why You Should Listen

Why “oversharing” could be killing your podcast’s credibility ... and what to do instead The one flaw top creators secretly use to make listeners hang on every word How to seduce your audience’s attention by being “rough around the edges” ... and why perfection could be costing you downloads When sharing your biggest weaknesses can backfire ... and turn your show into a punchline The dirty secret behind “failure porn”—are you accidentally making your podcast all about YOU? How to channel the envy of your audience into podcast growth (without being shameless) The subtle art of imperfection: use it to sound more authentic—and get listeners to trust you The difference between being relatable and wallowing in self-pity (most hosts get this dead wrong) The juggler’s trick for making your podcast more addictive (miss this and your episodes sound robotic) Why listeners crave “real” podcasts—but will tune out if you keep dropping the ball Unlock the gluttony for drama: how to sprinkle “dirt” into your show to keep them coming back Gain power over your competition by knowing exactly which flaws to reveal—and which to bury Are you suffering from Main Character Syndrome? Discover the truth about who your podcast should really be about The path to podcast riches: why focusing on the present (not your past pains) convinces listeners (and sponsors) to pay up The lazy podcaster’s guide to building a show that people miss when you’re gone (and beg for more)

Episode Timestamps

[00:01:40] Should you really showcase your flaws as a podcaster ... or is that terrible advice? [00:02:24] The danger of "failure porn": Why oversharing might be killing your credibility [00:03:18] What evangelical church testimonies teach us about content creation (and the real reason people fixate on flaws) [00:03:59] “We’ve all got a church” ... How the ‘Church of Big Podcast’ uses relatable flaws to build trust and loyalty [00:04:36] Are you making your podcast about you or your audience? The “main character syndrome” mistake even pro podcasters make [00:05:51] What juggling can teach you about podcast authenticity—and when dropping the ball just turns listeners off [00:06:17] The secret line between being “real” and being boring: Why perfect podcasts are forgettable but flawed ones are sticky

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Leveraging Your Story: Podcast Marketing Through Personal Experience

Your unique life experiences are the secret weapon to making a podcast that truly stands out—how to leverage them and why it matters in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...

Big Ideas in This Episode

Leverage your life—no one else has your story Scared to share? That’s your secret weapon ... maybe Don’t fake authority—audiences crave “been there” truth Outshine AI: machines copy, you live the story Turn failures and weird jobs into podcast gold Combine life lessons with your topic

Why You Should Listen

The dirty little secret behind broadcasting from a “tricked out closet”—and why million-dollar studios are just making you jealous. Why podcasters with less gear (and less cash) can dominate the industry anyway. The simple question that turns your most embarrassing or painful experience into podcasting gold—even if nobody else dares talk about it. The “been there, done that” edge: how living through hell gives your voice the one thing AI never can. The unspoken reason your podcast is bland—and how to inject an addictive dose of you that can’t be copied or replaced. How to ruthlessly milk your unique life story so listeners are hooked, loyal, and can’t stop binging your episodes. The shocking advantage of starting late in life (one podcaster did it at 69 and is crushing all the young guns). Outperform the experts: Why mixing skills from two totally different careers can make your podcast impossibly irresistible. How to turn failed marriages, dead-end jobs, and humiliating moments into podcast episodes that listeners crave. The fatal mistake most podcasters make when sharing “failures”—and how to do it in a way that boosts your credibility and power. The one thing AI and imitators can never steal from you (unless you let them). Want cult-like loyalty? Here’s how bringing real-life scars and battle stories into your show gives you ultimate control over the audience. Why “broadcast voices” and tech tricks are turning your competitors into background noise—and what to do instead. How to piggyback off Nashville’s music scene secrets (even if you’ve never touched an instrument) to make your show the epicenter of your niche. Steal this “edge-pushing” move to make your next episode impossible to forget—and impossible for competitors to rip off.

Episode Timestamps

[01:43] Why fancy equipment won’t make your podcast stand out—and what actually does [02:44] Growing up in a high-tech 1980s high school studio—what it taught me about making standout audio [03:59] The unbeatable advantage you have over every other podcaster (hint: no one’s experiences match yours) [04:37] Why a 69-year-old podcaster refused to hire help—and how it skyrocketed her authenticity [05:59] How connecting musician struggles to podcasting creates instant chemistry and trust [07:09] My challenge: Combine your most unexpected life experience with your podcast topic to make something nobody can copy [08:33] The real difference between you and AI—why your lived data is your secret weapon

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How to Develop Your Unique Podcast Voice

Sharing your true self, even what scares you, could be the key to standing out and connecting with your audience, and David explores just how to do it in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...

Big Ideas in This Episode

Nashville’s podcasting scene: a hotbed for success Scared to share? That’s your true voice ... maybe Stop hiding behind “old school” podcast masks Are you just another bland Manhattan coffee list? Share yourself—but don’t dive into “failure porn” Comfort expands: revealing more leads to more connection Manipulation vs. meaning: which are you podcasting for?

Why You Should Listen

The Nashville advantage The untapped secrets to making your podcast impossible to ignore—even if you have zero celebrity guests How to instantly spot if your show sounds like every other vanilla, “10 Best Coffee Shops” podcast (and what to do if it does) The “scared to share” method: how revealing just the right amount can unlock rabid listener loyalty Why most podcasts are doomed by generic content—and a brazen shortcut to make yours magnetic Old-school radio tricks that top-tier stations never wanted you to know—now yours to steal The single most dangerous mistake podcasters make in trying to “find their voice” (and how to sidestep it for an unfair advantage) A backdoor way to make listeners feel like insiders—so devoted, they’ll never miss an episode The forbidden path to growing influence: should you use your deepest secrets to create irresistible content? How to turn wounds, hardships, and even your darkest moments into podcasting gold without coming off like a sob story Why “safe” podcasting keeps you broke—and what happens when you dare to go where others won’t The lazy podcaster’s hack for stumbling into authenticity without endless practice or fake “energy” How to use envy to your advantage—get listeners hooked by revealing what others are too scared to say out loud The uncomfortable power of parasocial relationships—and how to make complete strangers feel like they know you better than your own friends The secret weapon Nashville’s top podcast insiders use to turn everyday life into binge-worthy audio their competitors can only dream about

Episode Timestamps

[00:00:44] The inside scoop on why Nashville is the “Podcast City,” and what it really means for podcasters aiming to stand out [00:01:55] The harsh truth about generic content and why most podcasts risk sounding just like bland sponsored articles [00:02:43] Why “finding your voice” isn’t what you think—and why the common advice might be leading you astray [00:03:54] The musician’s secret to unforgettable podcasting: How living a great life outside the studio fuels stories that truly connect [00:04:47] The #1 thing you must do before you can “find your voice”—and the publisher’s advice that could change your creative direction [00:05:43] Should you reveal your personal struggles on air? A real-life decision and the dilemma of old-school radio secrecy vs. modern podcast openness [00:07:53] The dark side of “comfort expands”—what every podcaster must ask before sharing more (and the risky path from relatable stories to manipulative “failure porn”)

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Culture Wars and Podcasting

If you've ever worried about outrage, rebranding backlash, or haters coming for your podcast, here's how to handle the noise, protect your show, and keep your community strong in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...

Big Ideas in This Episode

Outrage sells: how brands survive culture wars Viral backlash? Build a spine, not just spikes Podcast mob attacks—will you stand or crumble? Ditch shallow trends; create legendary podcast status Cash grabs kill trust—choose sponsor partners wisely “Dance with the one that brung ya”—protect your core Controversy is a tax—pay only for real reach

Why You Should Listen

The sly, one-sheet “non-negotiables” trick that lets you dictate the rules and never let cancel culture own your show—command respect without groveling! How to spot the outrage merchants who want to hijack your podcast buzz for their own greedy clickbait empire (ignore this at your peril!) The little-known “community over controversy” method for outlasting every flash-in-the-pan influencer—while your rivals burn out chasing short-term spikes Why chasing viral outrage is a losing game—and how the best podcasters quietly build a rabid, loyal tribe that’ll follow them to the ends of the Internet The secret test every sponsor must pass before they get anywhere near your audience—get filthy rich without selling your soul to fly-by-night scammy advertisers The dark arts of manipulating “vanity metrics”—and the unsexy metric that powers the richest podcasters you’ve never heard of The real reason brands, personalities, and podcasts are eaten alive by culture wars—plus, a proven way to future-proof your own show (even if you’re a nobody now) How to profit from “performative outrage” (Kid Rock edition)—without ever getting burned or hijacked by poser mobs or fake boycotts! The brutally honest script for handling haters, outrage mobs, and trolls—just say this once and watch the entire mob melt away in silence Why platform-hopping is suicide for podcasters—and the dirty secret about “rented land” that defines who wins and who gets wiped out overnight The hidden formula for making your show legendary—not just a flash in the pan. (Hint: It’s despised by wannabe celebrities and algorithm chasers.) What to do the instant the “hot take industrial complex” comes for YOUR show (Don’t panic! Steal this 3-step crisis playbook instead) How to use “storm protocol” to turn controversy into cash and power—while your competition flails and cowers under Twitter dogpiles The irresistible storytelling trick that lets your audience see your greatness (no humblebragging or awkward “Do You Know Who I Am?” rants required) Why “Go Woke Go Broke” is a gambler’s lie—and the simple, ultra-controlling move that stops hidden-agenda mobs from sabotaging your future on their terms

Episode Timestamps

[00:01:05] Why outrage—and not genuine belief—drives today’s biggest social media controversies (including brands like Cracker Barrel, Target, and Bud Light) [00:03:26] The untold story of a podcasting conference that lost its core audience chasing short-term profits—and what every podcaster must learn from it [00:06:32] The myth of “owning your audience”: Why building your podcast on rented platforms can destroy your career overnight (feat. YouTube horror stories) [00:09:09] “Dance with the one that brung ya”—How chasing trends almost always leads to losing your die-hard fans [00:11:50] The dark side of podcast sponsorships: Why saying yes to easy money (pills, potions, and crypto) might destroy your brand for good [00:14:02] Kid Rock’s performative outrage and the secret reality behind viral boycotts that listeners never see [00:17:12] Why controversy is a tax on clarity—and how embracing community over clicks is your unfair advantage as a podcaster

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Dead Air

Everything can go wrong when the clock is ticking on live radio, even for veterans. How David handled 28 seconds of dead air and what every podcaster can learn from it in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...

Big Ideas in This Episode

What 28 seconds of dead air teaches power Dead air: your biggest fear, greatest opportunity The broadcast clock doesn’t care—control or chaos? Mistakes: your shortcut to true podcast authority Why desperation for guests destroys your show Skip apologies: your absence drives listener envy Solo hosting mastery—the control freak’s secret weapon

Why You Should Listen

The one radio disaster even seasoned professionals dread—and how mastering it will make you unstoppable as a podcaster The counterintuitive reason why “dead air” can seduce your listeners into craving more of you (and how to use silent power for maximum control) Why your podcast episodes MUST have clockwork precision if you want envious audiences hanging on your every word The #1 psychological trigger old-school radio used to dominate—and how to inject it into your podcast so people can’t stop listening How podcasting gives you total freedom—but can tempt you into lazy habits that kill your momentum (the gluttony trap to avoid!) The cult-secret backup strategy top hosts use to ensure they never lose a dollar or a second—how you can steal this today When everything breaks, here’s how “over-preparation” gives you godlike power over any broadcast crisis How a simple mistake can turn into the most memorable, talked-about moment in your show’s history (envy follows those who dare) The embarrassing error David made live on air—and why making your gnarliest mess-ups public can boost your authority Why relying on guests is the ultimate weakness—and the habit that gives you the seductive power of going solo anytime you want The secret stash: A lazy podcaster’s cheat-code for never running out of compelling episode ideas again The “Storyworthy” method for turning your most boring day into a podcast people can’t stop talking about How mastering silence, disaster, and on-the-fly recoveries will make your competitors writhe with jealousy as you build an indestructible reputation What to say the instant you’re caught screwing up on air to flip audience irritation into raving loyalty (beating your critics to the punch)

Episode Timestamps

[00:05] Why live radio is more exciting—and magical—than podcasting [03:01] The intense pressure of hitting the "Welcome to the show" hot key at the exact second—what happens if you miss it [06:08] The nightmare of dead silence: When nothing works live and every second stretches forever [07:36] “Even on the best days, you’re going to get a curve ball”—why being over prepared is essential [09:48] The hidden blessing of technical disasters and how they force you to level up fast [13:02] The truth about podcast consistency: Do you really need to explain or apologize to your audience for taking time off? [17:49] Why some on-air screwups can become the most talked-about, memorable moments—and how to turn mistakes into magic

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11 Commandments of Podcasting (Insider 241)

AI's impact on podcasting, why genuine connection matters more than ever, the rise of AI-generated bands, strategies for releasing episode clips, and the 11 Commandments every podcaster should know in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...

Big Ideas in This Episode

AI bands: millions of streams, zero humanity Turn fake connections into real podcast fans Clips before full episodes: seduce the algorithm Feel cheated? Audiences crave authentic hosts 11 commandments: banish burnout and finish projects Superstition in podcasting: 666 and success myths Deep podcasts flop—will short bursts win hearts?

Why You Should Listen

The sneaky reason your podcast is more valuable than ever! AI can’t replicate human connection (and how you can exploit that!) How an all-AI band racked up millions of streams ... and why they’ll never take what’s truly yours The “connection craving” nobody’s talking about ... make listeners crave YOU, not just your content Are you throwing money away on production? Here’s how to shortcut your workflow with one tiny (AI-powered) trick The costly mistake of trusting fake followers, bots, and playlists to boost your podcast ... here’s the dark side nobody will warn you about Why making your show “real” is the new status symbol ... outsmart the algorithms with raw, honest content that keeps fans addicted The envy-inducing “community cult” method that turns casual listeners into loyal superfans (they’ll beg to be part of your tribe) Podcasts that game the system get forgotten ... how to make sure you’re remembered (while others fade to nothing) The “release clips early” loophole that can hack the algorithms and poach new followers before your full episode drops 11 “Commandments” for podcast domination—even legendary creators can’t beat #7! The one piece of old-school advice every podcaster must internalize to avoid burning out ... and losing everything Why trend-chasing is killing your influence ... discover the slow-burn path to podcast power and control The brutal truth about switching up your format ... how one shift can destroy (or supercharge) your following overnight Secrets of the deep-and-infrequent podcast trend: Can you hypnotize listeners with 4-hour episodes and zero guests? The silent killer of podcast growth: Why most hosts will never make the impact (or money) they crave ... unless they fix this one thing

Episode Timestamps

[00:03:16] Why your podcast matters more than ever—why connection always beats downloads, and how fakes get found out [00:07:37] The explosive story of a 100% AI band racking up millions of Spotify streams…and the backlash that followed [00:09:13] From Village People to Spice Girls: The surprising truth behind “fake bands” and what listeners really crave [00:11:07] Should you release podcast clips before the full episode? The data-backed theory every creator needs to hear [00:12:26] The 11 Commandments of Podcasting ... David’s bold, no-nonsense rewrite of classic creative advice for podcasters [00:20:14] The superstition episode: How license plates, bad luck, and performing rituals reveal hidden challenges for creators [00:21:59] Will “deep and infrequent” podcasts work? What happened when a bestselling author released 4-hour, guest-free episodes (and the numbers that say it all)

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This episode of Build a Big Podcast is brought to you by Riverside ...​

Riverside is online recording software that makes it easy for podcasters to record studio-quality interviews from anywhere. Try it free and, if you like it, get 15% off any membership plan when you use the code BIGPODCAST.​​

About this episode of Build a Big Podcast:​

This is the audio companion to Issue 241 of Big Podcast Insider. If you're interested in more info on what I talk about on this episode and also links, that's where to go. On this episode, I dive into where the money is made in podcasting. how to get more reviews (and subscribers) for your podcast, podcast hosting, and more.   ​

Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​

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Starbucks and Podcasting (Insider 240)

Bold podcast promo strategies, psychological triggers from Starbucks, three essential interview question types, and how to add real impact (and "teeth") to your show in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...

Big Ideas in This Episode

Bands bribe radio station with fireworks for airplay What would you delete from your podcast—today? Is your gear obsession secretly holding you back? Starbucks-style choices: why too many repel listeners Sunk cost trap: why you keep bad podcasts alive Steal “Metal Shop’s” teeth: make your show addictive Never let a “hit-and-run” guest hijack your episode

Why You Should Listen

The shockingly simple “firework effect” for making your podcast utterly unforgettable—borrowed straight from outrageous music industry stunts! The single question that reveals what’s secretly suffocating your podcast’s growth (and how to break free, fast) The 3 “fear stories” holding you back from podcast riches and recognition—plus, how to silence them for good How to instantly ditch the drudgery and force others to do your dirty podcast work for you (editors will secretly envy you!) “Pre-interviews”: the lazy man’s way to higher quality, hypnotic conversations—spend 10 minutes and watch your guests spill their best secrets The Starbucks psychological trigger that will keep your audience hooked—ignore it and lose your listeners to the competition How endless choices can secretly sabotage your show (and the two-option “milk or water” hack that keeps listeners loyal and powerless to leave) The sunk cost sin: why both YOU and your listeners will keep returning to your podcast—even when you bore them to tears (use this, get rich) The one tiny change that makes people greedily share your podcast with friends—viral growth, the easy way! How to sneak addictive self-care into your episodes, so fans lust after every new release (and brag online about your show) The “signature segment” strategy: create one killer feature and listeners will come crawling back for more (even if the rest is garbage) Why you MUST give your podcast “teeth”—and the 3 mysterious methods Metal Shop radio used to dominate a rabid cult audience What 90% of podcasters get wrong about interview questions—and how to ask so your guests hand you gold on a silver platter Expose your guests’ hidden greed, fears, and fantasies with these dangerously fun “novelty questions” that make even stone-cold CEOs open up The little-known trick for slashing time-wasting “hit and run” guests—gain absolute control, eliminate ramblers, and make every episode binge-worthy

Episode Timestamps

[00:00] The wildest things bands send to radio stations—fireworks, tombstones, and the desperate quest to get played [00:04:42] Three brutally honest questions every podcaster should ask to find true “podcasting freedom” [00:08:51] Why Starbucks writes your name wrong on purpose—and what that lesson means for your podcast [00:12:47] The shocking power of sunk cost fallacy: why podcasters (and listeners) stay loyal long after the fun stops [00:16:53] “What are you really bad at that you wish you were good at?”—Uncommon questions that spark unforgettable interviews [00:19:59] The Metal Shop secret: How one syndicated show kept listeners on their toes and what your podcast can steal from them [00:24:43] The dark side of podcast guests: How to deal with “hit and run” talkers who waste your time and tank your show

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This episode of Build a Big Podcast is brought to you by Riverside ...​

Riverside is online recording software that makes it easy for podcasters to record studio-quality interviews from anywhere. Try it free and, if you like it, get 15% off any membership plan when you use the code BIGPODCAST.​​

About this episode of Build a Big Podcast:​

This is the audio companion to Issue 240 of Big Podcast Insider. If you're interested in more info on what I talk about on this episode and also links, that's where to go. On this episode, I dive into where the money is made in podcasting. how to get more reviews (and subscribers) for your podcast, podcast hosting, and more.   ​

Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​

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Episode 666

Podcast burnout, making bold changes to stay inspired, lessons from top podcasters, and plans for new directions and deeper dives in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...

Big Ideas in This Episode

Burnout: when podcasting’s dream turns to nightmare "Hot wife, nice car ... still empty" Podcast success: crave more, never satisfied Why podcasters secretly fear real change Breaking down your podcast: destruction before growth “Deliver what people want” or perish Relaunch your show: controlled chaos fuels massive growth

Why You Should Listen

The secret mindset shift that turns podcast burnout into a superpower (and why most podcasters will never do it)

Is your show a “devil in disguise”?—why what glitters on the outside could be draining you dry on the inside

Why successful podcasters with hot cars and hotter spouses still wake up dreading the mic—and how to make sure it’s not you

The hidden cost of popularity: The shocking reason top podcasters like Mark Manson and Marc Maron burn out—and what to steal from their epic pivots

Why your refusal to change is the #1 reason you’re not making more money (and what you can do TONIGHT to fix it)

Episode Timestamps

[00:00] “666” — Why podcasting can feel like hell on the inside, even when things look good on the outside

[00:02:24] The hidden truth about burnout and depression in podcasting — and why you’re not alone

[00:03:37] Why top podcasters like Mark Manson and Marc Maron walked away from hugely successful shows

[00:06:01] “I just want more listeners, more money ... but I don’t want to change anything” — The hard truth about podcast growth

[00:08:11] Why most podcasters stop short of real change (and how David plans to break the cycle)

[00:09:15] The secret power of launching and relaunching — and why a hard deadline can change everything

[00:12:04] “People should change. Podcasts should change.” A challenge to every podcaster feeling stuck

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Audio vs. Video (Insider 239)

Spotting biased podcasting advice, the truth about audio vs video growth, how to get more listeners (and subscribers), Betty White and Bea Arthur’s backstage drama, and tips for handling tough co-host dynamics in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...

Big Ideas in This Episode

Podcast “experts” lying to push their own agenda

Don’t trust advice from people with hidden motives

The dark side of Golden Girls: real backstage feuds

Unlock podcast growth—even in “shrinking” markets

Why most listeners never learn to subscribe

Feuding hosts? Turn drama into irresistible content

Craving validation? Dodge it for real podcast growth

Why You Should Listen

The dirty little secret behind “expert” podcasting advice – discover who’s really pulling the strings (and how their hidden agendas can sabotage your show)

The truth about audio podcasting’s “death” – why the YouTube push is making millions of creators rich … and millions more look like suckers

How to grow your audience—even if the world says your podcast niche has “peaked”

The single biggest mistake podcasters make when trying to get listeners hooked (and how a book-selling trick can double your downloads overnight)

How showing your audience exactly what to do can create an army of obedient fans…without lifting a finger

The Golden Girls’ ultimate backstage feud and the priceless lesson for every co-hosted show (ready to weaponize friction?)

What Gavin Newsom knows about podcasting for power and how political beasts are using this platform to bypass the gatekeepers and reel in more control

How to flip tension and drama into irresistible, binge-worthy content (just like top politicians and TV shows)

The ugly truth about asking “What do you think of my podcast?” and why most podcasters are begging for the wrong praise

How to extract brutally honest feedback and turn it into your podcast’s secret growth weapon (while your competition avoids the mirror)

Why some of the world’s biggest podcasts survive even when the hosts hate each other’s guts and how you can swipe their method to keep the money rolling in

The “step-by-step” video hack that nearly guarantees more subscribers, reviews, and rabid listeners (even if they don’t know how to use a podcast app)

Podcasting publishing frequency exposed: Is more always better, or will flooding your feed turn listeners into zombies?

How to tap into the seven deadly sins—envy, greed, lust for power—to engineer episodes nobody can resist sharing

How to use your podcast to overthrow traditional media, silence your critics, and build a cult-like audience that follows your every word

Episode Timestamps

[04:27] The truth behind “audio is dead”—why a well-known podcasting expert says it (and why you shouldn’t trust him)

[05:45] What LASIK eye surgery and disposable diapers can teach you about podcast growth

[07:33] The shockingly simple way to double your audience (and why most podcasters never do it)

[09:55] Behind the scenes at The Golden Girls: Betty White and Bea Arthur’s secret feud—and what it means for your podcast partnerships

[13:15] How political enemies create viral podcast moments—what Gavin Newsom and Charlie Kirk can teach you about tension on your show

[15:57] The hidden danger of asking, “What do you think of my podcast?”—and what most podcasters really want to hear

[20:55] The doctor’s visit nobody wants to talk about: why hearing harsh truths is the key to leveling up your podcast

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About this episode of Build a Big Podcast:​

This is the audio companion to Issue 239 of Big Podcast Insider. If you're interested in more info on what I talk about on this episode and also links, that's where to go. On this episode, I dive into where the money is made in podcasting. how to get more reviews (and subscribers) for your podcast, podcast hosting, and more.   ​

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