David Hooper's Blog: Build A Big Podcast, page 14

Vegetarians and Hamburgers – A Lesson for Podcasters

Key takeaways from this episode:

1️⃣ One sentence can have a massive impact: Bob Barker's sign-off reminder to "help control the pet population, have your pets spayed or neutered" saved countless animal lives. 

As podcast hosts, we have the power to use our platform and voice for important messages that align with our values and make a difference.

2️⃣ Make choices that reflect your values: Whether it's through the guests we bring on our shows or the conversations we have, we can align our podcasts with our philosophies and make a positive impact on our audience.

3️⃣ Sneaking up on your audience: Just like a message about animal population control on The Price is Right, sometimes the most impactful messages are the ones that subtly reach and surprise your audience. It's an opportunity for us as podcast hosts to share important messages that go beyond the main topics of our shows.

Want 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.​

         

In a (Podcasting) World ... (Big Podcast Insider Issue 143)

Topics covered in this episode:​

World building and its importance in podcasting What your audience thinks "podcasting" is 30+ ways to use AI in podcasting Custom soundtracks for podcasts The 1331 Workshop Method for monetizing podcasts Classified ads, products, and services for podcast growth

Episode Timestamps:​

[00:00:23] The Table of Contents

[00:03:12] Setting the scene for impactful podcasting.

[00:06:18] Want big opportunities? Start small first.

[00:12:14] Non-insiders won't understand RSS or podcasting. So what!

[00:13:13] "Raw tape" (and just tape in general)

[00:16:01] A way to monetize your podcast with workshops.

[00:19:42] Three options to subscribe to Build a Big Podcast

The Newsletter for Podcasters

Big Podcast Insider - Podcasting Newsletter ​

This episode 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 143 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.​

         

Don't Host a Podcast Like This (Big Podcast Insider Issue 142)

Topics covered in this episode:​

Why Spiderman almost didn't happen (and an opportunity for podcasters) Recognizing ideas ahead of their time. Interview Comfort - how to set up your studio to get the best episodes. Podcasters no longer have to convince publishers or gatekeepers to publish our work, but we've got another problem ... There are still opportunities in podcasting Doing "The Work" in podcasting

Episode Timestamps:​

[00:06:00] Fluorescent lights and your podcast studio

[00:08:59] Improving guest comfort: consider turning off video.

[00:11:09] Describe buys Squadcast

[00:18:30] A podcaster joke – are you living it?

[00:20:48] Connecting with guests (and listeners) through energy and emotion.

[00:23:38] Never miss an episode of Build a Big Podcast

The Newsletter for Podcasters

Big Podcast Insider - Podcasting Newsletter ​

This episode 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 142 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.​

         

Guest Booking Simplified (Big Podcast Insider Issue 141)

Topics covered in this episode:​

My $79 computer and how it gets the job done Fancy or expensive equipment is not necessary for great work Equipment vs "The Work" One string, millions of views ... A new social network from an ex-Twitter employee (not BlueSky) Episode notes on steroids, a database of everything mentioned in each episode Guest booking simplified Overcoming writer's block 

Episode Timestamps:​

[00:05:29] Track popular podcast topics with episode notes on steroids.

[00:09:40] 15 Guest Booking Principles

[00:11:38] Guests must know their subject matter ...

[00:18:50] Podcast Humor

[00:21:49] Want to spread better messages?

[00:22:43] Never miss an episode ...

The Newsletter for Podcasters

Big Podcast Insider - Podcasting Newsletter ​

This episode 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 140 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.​

         

Lesson From a #1 Drag Queen (Big Podcast Insider Issue 140)

Topics covered in this episode:​

The #1 drag queen Ideas becoming stronger through discussion and debate Importance of considering all platforms for podcast distribution Discussion on microphones and sound quality Remote sessions with poor audio quality and background noise AI-powered tools for podcast episode creation The role of the host in capturing and maintaining listener attention Historical background of Apple's popularity among creatives How negative press can be used to one's advantage Using bad podcast reviews to promote specific items or content on a website

Episode Timestamps:​

[00:00:21] Spiky point of view

[00:05:30] "Negative" publicity (and how to take advantage of it)

[00:08:18] Opinion vs fact, entertainers vs lecturers

[00:12:10] Great mics for crystal clear sound.

[00:14:05] AI-powered tools create podcasts

The Newsletter for Podcasters

Big Podcast Insider - Podcasting Newsletter ​

This episode 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 140 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.​

         

You First 1000 Podcast Subscribers

What does Taylor Swift have to do with your first 1000 podcast subscribers?

When you look at how she grew her own audience (and reputation), a lot.

In this episode, I talk about a simple way to grow your podcast audience. So simple that many people skip it. But that's because it's also difficult and will require you to do some work as well as face rejection.

Is it worth it? Yeah.

Like to read? More thoughts on getting your first 1000 podcast subscribers.

Like the podcast? 

Subscribe now and never miss an episode of Build a Big Podcast.

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

         

The Anti-Social (Media) Podcaster (Big Podcast Insider Issue 139)

Topics covered in this episode:​

Taking advantage of the post-pandemic and post-social media urges Organize a meetup related to your podcast topic "Special effects" in podcasting – not necessary (if the storyline is compelling) Rules of engagement for interviews The importance of avoiding podcast and social media "shovelware" Different content for Facebook vs. podcasting Directly connecting and engaging with the audience through live events Meta's guide for Reels  Ensuring your guests sound good Adapting questions if certain topics are off-limits How Dolly Parton handles "personal" questions

Episode Timestamps:​

[00:01:27] Tips, best practices, and classified ads.

[00:04:57] Meetups: The ultimate audience growth strategy.

[00:06:58] Good storyline beats special effects in movies (and in podcasts).

[00:11:24] Avoid shovelware. Customize your content for each outlet.

[00:15:22] How to format your podcast episodes.

[00:17:42] Rules for podcast guests.

[00:19:42] Boost your podcast audience, buzz, and revenue.

The Newsletter for Podcasters

Big Podcast Insider - Podcasting Newsletter ​

This episode 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 139 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.​

         

Don't Let "Amateur Guests" Stop Your Pre-Interview

Pre-interviews are an important part of producing a great podcast. You know that. 

But sometimes guests push back on doing a pre-interview, thinking they're not important or otherwise not needed. 

While it’s understandable that some guests may feel confident enough to wing it or may simply "not have the time" for a pre-interview, it’s crucial to explain why this step is so important.

Here are some strategies you might find helpful:

Emphasize on Mutual Benefit: Explain that a pre-interview is not just beneficial for the host but also for the guest. It allows them to clarify their thoughts, prepare their anecdotes, and understand what to expect from the conversation.

Assure Them It’s Not a Rehearsal: Some guests may feel that a pre-interview takes away from the spontaneity of the podcast. Reassure them that it’s not about scripting the conversation, but rather about setting a loose framework.

Promote It as a Time Saver: A well-prepared interview often takes less time than an unprepared one. Detailing this might appeal to guests who are concerned about time commitments.

Highlight Previous Successes: Share examples of past episodes where pre-interviews resulted in a great conversation, fun anecdotes, or insightful revelations.

Offer Flexibility: If time is a constraint for the guest, offer to conduct a shorter pre-interview or do it via email or text. The goal is to at least get some preparation in.

Remember, podcasts are about engaging conversations and shared experiences. Ensuring both parties are prepared will only enhance the final output.

Want More?

Subscribe to Build a Big Podcast here.

         

Barbie DreamPod (Big Podcast Insider Issue 138)

Topics covered in this episode:​

Dolly Parton and her Imagination Library program "Hate listeners" and spreading a message Barbie boycotts and your podcast Engaging the listener through vivid descriptions Experiencing the Malibu Dreamhouse and encountering a character Young girls and the future of society Successfully getting a message across during a difficult interview

Episode Timestamps:​

[00:00:29] Barbie, video comments, Dolly Parton

[00:06:05] Message spreading brings satisfaction, regardless of actions.

[00:06:49] "Hate Listeners" bring benefits

[00:12:11] Sneaky messages that change the world.

[00:14:07] Leverage others on social media for attention.

[00:19:03] Barbie (with music).

[00:21:58] Dolly Parton's faces judgment during interview.

[00:24:35] A really hot podcast ...

The Newsletter for Podcasters

Big Podcast Insider - Podcasting Newsletter ​

This episode 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 138 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.​

         

Oops! Lessons From a Federal Court Lawsuit (Big Podcast Insider Issue 137)

Topics covered in this episode:​

Oops! A Lawsuit in Federal Court  Bad Legal Advice? Hollywood Strike: Updates and Predictions for Resolution Recording from Home in a Closet Analyzing Audio Quality with Podcast Grader The Importance of Prioritizing Goals over Engaging in Arguments on Social Media Using Postal Mail to Promote Your Podcast

Episode Timestamps:​

[00:06:09] Legal actions may not be worthwhile.

[00:12:52] "Opportunities happen, be ready."

[00:15:57] Promoting your podcast via postal mail 

[00:17:51] Remote work "rules" for podcasters

The Newsletter for Podcasters

Big Podcast Insider - Podcasting Newsletter ​

This episode 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 137 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.​