David Hooper's Blog: Build A Big Podcast, page 2
June 27, 2025
20 Years in Radio (Insider 238)
Time-bending interview moments, 20 years in radio, using Cameo for podcast promotion, growing your email list with giveaways, and why your audience is your invisible co-host in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
Celebrate podcast milestones—what 20 years brings
Tap celebrity power: Cameo for podcast buzz
Forget the crowd, seduce listeners one-on-one
Make your audience your secret co-host
Grow your email list—get greedy with giveaways
Want clout? Invest in stories, not gear
Burnout or “rust-out”—hustle wins every time
Why You Should Listen
How “being present in the moment” can make your interviews fly by—and your listeners lust for more
The 20-year secret to podcast longevity most podcasters don’t want you to know
The “one to one method” proven to turn every listener into a passionate fan hanging on your every word
Why celebrating your wins (even if you hate celebrating) gives you unstoppable momentum
How a Hollywood celebrity can promote your podcast—without blowing your budget or your mind
A D-list hack: Let forgotten stars lend you their fame and turn envy into audience growth
The invisible co-host trick that makes your audience feel like they control your podcast (and love you for it)
The “audience as puppet master” principle for harnessing feedback and steering your show straight to profit
How to build a cult-like following by getting listeners to connect, collaborate, and crave each other’s attention
The single easiest way to supercharge your email list … with contests so addictive people beg to get in
The ruthless email-gathering secret no major podcaster will talk about in public
How to cut promotion effort in half by riding the power of giveaways and instant gratification
The tools you need to conquer your niche and devour your competitors—without spending a fortune
Why obsessing over the perfect mic is a sucker’s game—and where the real riches are created
The $60 setup that makes you sound like a broadcasting god while lazy podcasters waste thousands on gear
Episode Timestamps
[00:03] Why time speeds up (or slows down) on memorable podcast interviews—and how being “present in the moment” changes everything
[04:03] The accidental moment that launched David Hooper’s 20-year podcasting career and what you can learn from it
[05:23] How celebrating milestones—or not—can secretly impact your podcast longevity and mindset
[06:59] Lessons from joining SiriusXM: Why jumping into live national radio after years of syndication is a game-changer
[08:13] How to use celebrity shout-outs from Cameo to instantly boost your podcast’s credibility and listener buzz
[11:56] The “one to one method”—why podcasts fail when hosts talk to a ‘crowd’ instead of an individual listener (and how to fix it)
[17:58] The truth about spending money on your podcast—why upgrading your microphone probably won’t get you more listeners or credibility
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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 238 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.
Want more help growing your podcast audience?
Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program)
June 22, 2025
Too Hot for OnlyFans? (Insider 237)
Tracking what works (and what doesn’t) in podcast marketing, why live events are your secret growth weapon, how relatability beats perfection, mic myths busted, and smart ways to do "more, better, and new" in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
The “overnight” flood of listeners is a total myth
Why celebrity endorsements will never save you
Turn lonely dog groomers into loyal superfans
Being relatable trumps perfection—ask OnlyFans entrepreneurs
Revealed: $30 mic vs. $400 mic—can listeners tell?
How “fake it till you make it” actually pays off
Daily podcasting: pure genius or burnout bait?
Why You Should Listen
The quickest way to flood your podcast with loyal listeners—without begging for viral magic or celebrity handouts!
Why most “overnight success” stories are myths—and what real podcasters do instead to build cult-like followings (envy warning!)
How to turn a trickle of new listeners into a steady stream using the “multiple faucet” method no algorithm can touch
Are you sabotaging your own growth by praying for Apple or Spotify features? Discover the lazy way to win—no luck required!
The secret to making your podcast irresistible to strangers using the forbidden power of live events (and why almost nobody dares)
How to make your fans lust after your show by tapping into their deepest need: authentic, quirky, perfectly imperfect hosts
The “Dog Groomer Effect”: why creating a tribe around your podcast will grant you power over a loyal, obsessed audience
Why being too “perfect” will kill your show and the sneaky OnlyFans secret that makes you instantly relatable (even if you have a Christian podcast!)
What Taylor Swift and the Spice Girls know about podcasting success that top marketers would kill to steal
How Pat Flynn lost relatability with his audience (and what he did to get it back)
Can a $30 microphone make you sound like a pro?
The little-known AI tool that turns your episodes into podcasts that practically promote themselves (plug in, sit back, and watch the magic)
Want to sound confident even when you’re terrified? The “Fake It Till You Make It” prayer ...
Unlock the dark art of “More, Better, New”—the greedy podcaster’s step-by-step path to outshining every competitor in your niche
How to hijack trending topics and current events to make your podcast impossible to ignore—even if you’re starting from zero
Episode Timestamps
[00:06:48] The unexpected fastest way to grow your podcast—and why everything you fantasize about “going viral” is probably a waste of time
[00:07:46] The real secret behind successful live podcast events and why small, intimate gatherings might actually work better than big ones
[00:10:11] What does your podcast have in common with OnlyFans? (It’s not what you think—and yes, even your church podcast!)
[00:12:34] How Pat Flynn lost his audience by being “too successful” and the revealing lesson about staying relatable as a podcaster
[00:14:50] Can AI really do your marketing for you? The $59 tool that claims to write your podcast promos, show notes, and more—instantly
[00:17:11] How one podcaster’s insane “daily episode” grind shocked the industry—and what happened to all the copycats who tried to keep up
[00:28:26] The dangerous trap of “failure porn” and why too much vulnerability can actually turn your audience against you
You want these links ...
Subscribe to Build a Big Podcast See Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistanceThe Newsletter for Podcasters
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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 237 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.
Want more help growing your podcast audience?
Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program)
June 17, 2025
Don't Do This (Insider 236)
Clever (and risky) marketing tricks, the truth about podcast gear and guests, essential pre-interview tips, AI voice options, and free podcast artwork templates in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
The dangerous cost of clickbait podcast titles
Why tricking listeners kills your show’s growth
Envy alert: how niche podcasters leapfrog celebrities
The seductive myth of “perfect” podcast gear
How AI voices tempt you—should you resist?
Sponsor dollars: easy money or creative handcuffs?
Confessions: the lies podcasters tell themselves
Why You Should Listen
The little-known “Free Beer” trick to fool an entire audience (and what it means for your podcast title)
Sneaky "bandit" signs: The dirty tricks musicians and marketers use to hijack attention (and how to turn their mischief into loyal listeners for yourself)
How a single word—hidden in plain sight—built million-dollar web traffic empires overnight (and how podcasters still abuse this today)
The “lost dog” heartstring ruse that tricks passersby—and why you should never deploy similar stunts on your show (unless you want hate-listeners)
How hiding your true podcast intent could backfire—and the smarter shortcut to building fan loyalty faster than your rivals
The #1 rookie mistake in podcast episode titles … and the foolproof way to turn curiosity into binge listening instead of anger
Why wasting the first 10 minutes catching up with your co-host is a crime against audience retention—and how to make every moment count
The seductive lie of "more time = great podcast"—and what the hustlers who thrive on deadlines know that you don’t
Booking “big name” guests: Will it rocket your podcast to the top—or could it ruin your chances at real influence? Discover the surprising answer
The dangerous myth of your “personal story”: Why sharing your tale rarely triggers mass subscriptions (and the secret story they’ll pay attention to instead)
How to transform a train wreck interview into gold—using David Hooper’s method for scavenging irresistible audio clips
Revealed: The gear-envy trap keeping broke podcasters broke, and why one simple microphone can level the playing field against media giants
The real path to high-end audio—why most “sound quality” advice is pure gluttony for your wallet (and the $0 solution that rivals studio perfection)
The ugly truth about podcast sponsorships: Why chasing advertisers could poison your show—and how to make real podcast profits instead
The forbidden hack for pre-interviews that 99% of hosts ignore—unlock the lazy shortcut to elite-level guest rapport and on-mic power plays
Episode Timestamps
[00:04:52] The musician who tricked Nashville with a “lost dog” QR code—and why it backfired
[00:06:21] Bait-and-switch marketing: fake dollar bills, Bible tracts, and why tricking people kills trust
[00:07:11] How misleading podcast titles are sabotaging your audience—and what not to do
[00:11:36] The myth that celebrity guests will make your podcast successful (and what really happens)
[00:13:51] Why your personal story won’t convince listeners to subscribe—and what does
[00:14:19] The dangerous “all or nothing” thinking that ruins podcast episodes (and how to avoid it)
[00:19:28] How a simple pre-interview can supercharge your podcast—plus what to do when guests say no
You want these links ...
Subscribe to Build a Big Podcast See Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistanceThe Newsletter for Podcasters
Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter
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 236 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.
Want more help growing your podcast audience?
Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program)
June 14, 2025
Time to Quit Your Podcast? (Insider 235)
Zero-budget podcasting truths, signs it's time to quit your show, Spotify's new "Plays" metric, Audacity's 25th anniversary, and a pro trick for getting remote guests to show up in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
Can you really podcast with zero budget?
Your community: free content machine or wasted potential?
Are you secretly quitting your show already?
Audacity: free tool pros secretly rely on
Spotify “plays”: will your numbers embarrass you?
Doing it only for others? Beware burnout
Outsmart flaky guests with this ruthless trick
Why You Should Listen
Can you really build a high-impact podcast on a shoestring budget—and why some “zero dollar” shows secretly outperform the big spenders
What the most obsessive fans in your niche desperately want to give you—for free—that can boost your podcast overnight
The tragic mistake that exposes you as a non-believer in your own podcast ... and instantly destroys trust, influence, and momentum
The “secret weapon” tool billion-dollar media companies use (and you can too) to produce world-class audio at no cost
The seductive danger of podcasting for an audience you don’t care about—and how it poisons your creativity, your brand, and your will to win
How to know with chilling certainty if it’s time to quit your podcast (Don’t ignore these 7 dark warning signs!)
What to do when the passion is gone and your broadcast has turned into a soul-sucking grind
Why the silent killer of fading creativity may already be sabotaging your episodes, stealing your audience, and nobody has the guts to tell you
The toxic “slow quitting” behaviors every podcaster falls into—and the simple test that reveals if you’re infected
How to seduce guests into showing up on time and ready to deliver their best—using nothing but a well-timed digital “breadcrumb”
The envy-inducing way to grow a tribe of raving superfans who feed you story ideas, viral links, and juicy questions (while your competitors toil in obscurity)
Why showing your raw, embarrassing numbers on Spotify can spark insane jealousy—or merciless humiliation—and how to flip public metrics to your advantage
What podcasting’s oldest “free” software can teach you about outlasting the giants and still dominating your niche
The lazy podcaster’s roadmap: Set up automatic processes so even when you’re running on fumes, you still ship episodes and cash checks
The ruthless truth about “doing it for your community”—is your loyalty to the audience destroying your own happiness and profits?
Episode Timestamps
[00:00] The myth of the zero-budget podcast—what you really need to make your show compelling
[00:03:40] The Blockbuster shrink wrap hustle: Does saving money mean you don’t believe in your podcast?
[00:05:17] Why billion-dollar companies still use free tools like Audacity (and how you can, too)
[00:07:23] The 7 silent warning signs you’re mentally quitting your podcast before you hit “stop”
[00:09:56] The surprising truth: Why taking a break might reveal you’re ready to quit for good
[00:12:13] Spotify “plays” exposed: Why most podcasters shouldn’t sweat over public metrics
[00:16:36] The real reason Audacity is unfairly labeled “amateur”—and how it secretly shaped the podcasting world
You want these links ...
Subscribe to Build a Big Podcast See Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistanceThe Newsletter for Podcasters
Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter
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 235 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.
Want more help growing your podcast audience?
Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program)
June 10, 2025
Segments Will Grow Your Podcast (Insider 234)
Why you need podcast segments, what happens when you DM every fan, the power of 30-day challenges, smarter ad reads, and the secret to building deeper listener relationships in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Why You Should Listen
How to harness the power of podcast segments to multiply your audience and keep them hooked—no matter your experience level
The “lazy podcaster’s curse”—are you guilty of killing your own growth with long, rambling episodes?
The irresistible secret to creating podcast episodes people devour—without burning out
Why the Tim Ferriss “4-hour podcast” approach might be making your listeners secretly hate you
The absolute shortest episode length proven to trigger instant downloads (and why size really does matter)
The simple 30-day challenge that will have your listeners begging for more—and evangelizing your podcast everywhere
When to say “NO!” in podcasting—and why mastering this tiny word can skyrocket your reputation and income
How to turn a fleeting social media “like” into a hardcore fan, loyal friend, and raving evangelist
The DM experiment: what REALLY happens when you personally message every fan—and how it can unleash a tidal wave of attention
The “DIY Dumb Phone” trick—how to hack your productivity, outwork your competition, and get your life back (while everyone else is still doomscrolling)
Why most podcast interviews are disasters—and how to never bore, frustrate, or lose your audience again
The bulletproof method for attracting sponsors who beg to give you money (and keep coming back for more)
How to make advertisers crave your podcast—even if you don’t have a giant audience
The three insider rules that keep top sponsors obsessed with your show (and your bank account overflowing)
The ugly truth about feedback: why taking advice from the wrong people will destroy your podcast (and how to protect yourself with one simple question)
You want these links ...
Subscribe to Build a Big Podcast See Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistanceEpisode Timestamps
[04:37] Why most podcasters’ interviews are “just thrown up conversations”—and how this could be killing your growth
[06:53] 30-day podcast challenges: The trick that builds listener loyalty, compelling stories, and community—with examples for every niche
[09:58] What really happens when you DM every single person who likes your social media post (this guy actually tried it—and made money)
[12:39] The “drive-by comment” method: How a simple follow-up turns your social media lurkers into lifelong podcast listeners
[14:56] The “DIY dumb phone” challenge: What happens when you give your smartphone a lobotomy—and why your listeners might thank you for it
[16:05] The American Idol problem: Why taking podcast feedback from the wrong people will derail your show (and the hilarious test you should use instead)
[18:59] No more boring sponsor reads: How to turn ads into must-hear content—and the three secrets that keep those sponsorship dollars flowing
Big Ideas in This Episode
Shorter episodes steal more listeners, guaranteed
Four-hour podcasts: Tim Ferriss’s secret regret
Tempt your audience with irresistible 30-day challenges
DM everyone who likes your posts—get rich?
Your “dumb phone” controls you—flip the power
Feedback is gold… unless it’s fool’s gold
Why generic ads kill your sponsor money dreams
The Newsletter for Podcasters
Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter
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 234 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.
Want more help growing your podcast audience?
Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program)
June 7, 2025
Your Podcast in My New Book (Insider 233)
AI-powered artwork, voiceover cadence secrets, cable-saving hacks, Spotify controversies, and your chance to be featured in a new podcasting book in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Why You Should Listen
The secret to launching a podcast so memorable, your competitors will envy you for decades (and maybe beg to copy your plan!)
Why some podcasts vanish without a trace, and how you can create episodes that claw their way into listener’s memories (and wallets)
How to turn your “disposable” podcast into a permanent, irresistible addiction that fans lust after—week after week
The real AI artwork trick that’ll make your podcast’s cover look 10X better than your peers—no expensive designer required
The step-by-step podcast launch formula that makes your name echo in the minds (and social feeds) of influencers everywhere
How to engineer podcast content with a “half-life” most shows would kill for—so your episodes never fade or die
The “hungry ghost” problem: are you feeding the gluttonous content monster, or creating something that makes you truly powerful?
Secrets of seducing the media—using a media tour to fuel insatiable buzz and make your show un-ignorable
The dangerous mistake podcasters make with their cables—and the simple backstage technique to make yours last a lifetime (envy of every audio pro)
Are you subconsciously sabotaging your own show with a deadly dull vocal cadence? Here’s how to inject instant charisma and control your audience’s heartbeat
Turn your first 10 listeners into your first million—steal this real-world example of podcast growth that puts big networks to shame
Discover why old-school radio pros secretly fear podcasters—and the unfair “power moves” you can use to dominate them
The subtle social signal hidden in your show’s Spotify play count—and how to leverage it to own your niche (while rivals gnash their teeth)
Is your collection of microphones pure greed, or pure genius? Find out how owning just two can put you lightyears ahead
Why most podcasters cling to false hope and self-delusion about their reach—and the ruthless truth about how “success” really works in podcasting
You want these links ...
Subscribe to Build a Big Podcast See Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistanceEpisode Timestamps
[00:00] The grueling reality of recording an album as a five-year-old studio musician—and the lessons it taught
[00:01:20] Fast fashion, “hungry ghosts,” and the dark side of disposable content in today’s podcasting world
[00:05:14] How your podcast could become a real-world example in David’s upcoming book—and why you shouldn’t miss your shot
[00:09:22] Launch secrets revealed: Live events, media tours, and the inside scoop on getting your podcast noticed from day one
[00:14:52] Terry Gross, never hearing her own voice—and what selfie culture has changed forever about broadcast talent
[00:19:11] How Rush Limbaugh did radio—addicted, nearly deaf, and still dominating the airwaves with a single secret weapon
[00:24:55] Are you less successful if your Spotify numbers are low? The hidden danger of “success” metrics and what they truly mean for podcasters
Big Ideas in This Episode
Is your podcast a fast-fashion throwaway?
Join my book: Immortalize your podcast success
Why podcasters envy radio’s secret skills
The dark art of vocal seduction: cadence
AI as your greedy new podcast designer?
Spotify’s power move: exposing your real numbers
Are you hoarding microphones—or stories to tell?
The Newsletter for Podcasters
Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter
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 233 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.
Want more help growing your podcast audience?
Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program)
May 24, 2025
The Best Merch for Fans (Insider 232)
A wild journey through podcast merch mishaps, creative constraints that boost your show, pin trading for superfans, and what to do when a podcast moment needs a "code red" fix in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Why You Should Listen
The bizarre afterlife of your podcast merch—why a homeless man might be your brand’s next billboard (and why that’s pure opportunity)
How your podcast episode can worm its way halfway across the country—and what to do when you spot it in the digital “used bin”
The unstoppable, profit-pulling power of true “fast fashion” in podcasting (and why your superfan isn’t always your final destination)
The one thing every podcaster fears: a guest’s secret blurted on-air—then the desperate call begging you to erase it (here’s how to turn disaster into gold)
Why rejection and resale could supercharge your audience—envy the reach you can’t control
How to turn podcast pins and stickers into rabid collector’s items—triggering fandom lust you never thought possible
The forbidden, dirt-cheap podcast setup that rivals the big guns—how your “$100 studio” could earn you kinglike respect (and listeners)
Little-known tricks to harness limitations and make your podcast infinitely more creative…while your rivals weep
Why mistakes and on-air blunders spawn cults of true believers—here’s how to harness shame, missteps, and embarrassment for viral growth
What the most loyal Disney pin traders know that most podcasters don’t (and how you could use it to steal the hearts ... and wallets ... of your listeners)
The overlooked “Code Red” rule for survival: when the phone rings with a nightmare edit request, how the savvy podcaster turns panic into power
How to make your merch irresistible—even if it winds up on the “uncool” or the unsuspecting—and why that’s a secret weapon
Turn podcast events from ghost towns into gold mines: how local, “small-time” networking leaves the mega-conferences trembling
The grudge you didn’t know you carried: why it’s better to have your logo in Goodwill than in a landfill (and how to twist it for public envy)
The crazy, backstory-packed secret behind “Baba Booey” and how your own accidental inside jokes could fuel an underground movement of rabid fans
You want these links ...
Subscribe to Build a Big Podcast See Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistanceEpisode Timestamps
[00:04] The bittersweet story of finding your own CD in a dollar bin—and the unexpected life of what you put into the world
[04:53] The surprising encounter with a homeless man wearing “Call Her Daddy” podcast merch—and what that reveals about your brand’s reach
[05:49] Why podcast merch isn’t just for superfans—and how it can spread your message in ways you never anticipated
[08:09] How a $500 endurance car race is a perfect metaphor for podcasting on a shoestring budget—and why creative constraints can make your show better
[10:07] The hilarious radio origin story of the Howard Stern Show’s “Baba Booey”—and how legendary podcast moments are born from on-air mistakes
[12:48] The weird world of Disney pin trading, and how podcast pins can turn listeners into obsessed collectors (and what you can learn from music merch)
[19:00] “Code Red”: When a guest wants you to pull their wild on-air confession, and the sticky situations that happen after you hit publish
Big Ideas in This Episode
Where your merch really ends up—embrace it
Why your cast-off swag can create new superfans
Turn limitations into podcasting gold
Borrow this $500 car race stunt for your show
Pin trading secrets: make your podcast irresistible
The inside story of Baba Booey’s immortal nickname
Code Red: what to do when guests overshare
The Newsletter for Podcasters
Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter
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 232 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.
Want more help growing your podcast audience?
Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program)
May 20, 2025
Embrace the Enemy (Insider 231)
Viral myths, the power of naming your enemy, 100+ ChatGPT prompts for podcasters, embracing imperfection, and how to make your Blue Yeti sound amazing in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Why You Should Listen
The dirty little trick pro wrestlers and radio jocks use to hypnotize audiences—and how you can steal it to make your show irresistible
Why obsessing over that “one thing” is killing your podcast dreams (and the liberating secret that leads straight to viral growth)
Make your podcast the envy of your niche—here’s the real reason audiences flock to certain shows (hint: it’s not just sound quality)
The dark art of identifying an “enemy”—and how this psychological trigger makes listeners glue themselves to your content
The copywriting secret politicians use to seize power (and how you can use it to control how listeners see you—no matter your size or budget)
Are you making this fatal marketing mistake? The hidden danger in oversimplifying complicated podcast topics
The forbidden magic of ChatGPT—100+ prompts to outwork, outsmart, and outpace your competition, even if you’re lazy
The path to a perfectly imperfect show: why chasing “flawless” is keeping you broke and stuck in podcast obscurity
How to transform embarrassing podcast mistakes into rabid fans (and why your screw-ups may be your greatest weapon)
The 5-step ritual that turns the “worst mic in podcasting” into a secret weapon for lush, studio-quality sound
Why most podcasts are happily ignored—and how to make your show impossible to forget
The little-known workaround to make even your blandest episodes go viral (your competitors will hate you for this)
How to seduce your audience by speaking their language, then lure them up to your level of mastery (while your rivals stand in the dark)
The shameful truth about your listeners’ attention spans—and how you can exploit their laziness to rack up downloads
What every beginning podcaster secretly gets wrong (and how early-stage imperfection can put you on the fast track to podcasting power)
You want these links ...
Subscribe to Build a Big Podcast See Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistanceEpisode Timestamps
[00:03:53] The “enemy” trick: How politicians and pro wrestlers use a single narrative to win massive support—and how you can use it to attract listeners.
[00:06:11] Why every podcaster needs a “villain”—the surprising psychology behind how having an enemy (even as a joke) instantly grows your audience.
[00:07:24] The secret to connecting with listeners who aren’t “on your level”—why bringing your audience up (not talking down) is the key to loyalty.
[00:09:34] Embrace imperfection: The three little-known truths every obsessive podcaster needs to hear about mistakes and “getting it right.”
[00:11:25] The best time to mess up: Why making rookie mistakes at the start of your podcast journey is a superpower—not a failure.
[00:12:41] The Liver King cautionary tale: What happens when your podcast (or personal brand) finally blows up—and the dark side of having everyone watching you.
[00:14:03] Blue Yeti redemption: Why the most-mocked mic in podcasting isn’t the enemy after all—if you know how to use it.
The Newsletter for Podcasters
Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter
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 231 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.
Want more help growing your podcast audience?
Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program)
May 14, 2025
The First 10-Minutes of Your Podcast (Insider 230)
How to spot and fix hidden holes in your podcast, why natural talent is a myth, making your first ten minutes unskippable, plus AI tools for pro-quality audio and automated blogging in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Why You Should Listen
Why editing yourself—even if it feels painful—could be the missing key to creating podcasts nobody can resist The sinister holes EVERY podcaster has in their show that secretly repel listeners—find them before they ruin you The “SWOT analysis” trick: Truth serum for your podcast that exposes your deepest weaknesses (and hidden superpowers) What professional dancers and FM radio DJs know about performance that every podcaster envies … and how you can steal it The shockingly simple way to create magnetic vocal variety—no natural talent required (shuts down monotone forever) How letting your “life story” leak out in mysterious, seductive bits gets more listeners hooked and coming back for more The ultimate revenge on boredom: How to banish small talk and compel curiosity in the first 60 seconds A dirty little secret about “natural talent”—and why raw beginners can surpass the so-called gifted with this mindset The overlooked tactic for instant power: Make listeners desperate to keep listening by teasing your juiciest secrets Envy the ultra-smooth pros? Discover how editing your own audio turns you ruthless (and rich) Instant audio upgrade: How AI tools let even the laziest podcaster sound like a million bucks (without the work) Automation greed: Effortlessly turn every episode into a seductive blog post that lures fresh fans to your podcast feast The forbidden formula top podcasters use to get reviews that sell—while amateurs beg for worthless “5 stars” Why your bloated intro is bleeding away listeners by the thousands (and how to steal them back, instantly) The unpopular truth about failure: How the most envied podcasters get rich (and powerful) by failing relentlessly … in publicYou want these links ...
Subscribe to Build a Big Podcast See Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistanceEpisode Timestamps
[00:01:56] Why your podcast has hidden holes you can’t hear—and the surprising way to uncover them before your listeners do [00:04:12] What is a SWOT analysis and why do smart podcasters secretly use it to leap ahead of the competition? [00:07:22] The myth of “natural talent” in podcasting—why even the best hosts sound terrible when they start [00:08:43] The editing trick from a radio legend that instantly makes your mistakes invisible to the audience [00:11:22] The dangerous trap inside your podcast’s first 10 minutes—and four easy steps to keep people listening [00:14:21] “Don’t spoil the surprise”—the invisible art of revealing (not telling) that you can use to make your interviews more interesting to listeners [00:21:15] The worst podcast review ever written, why it goes viral—and the template for reviews that actually gets you new listenersThe Newsletter for Podcasters
Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter
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 230 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.
Want more help growing your podcast audience?
Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program)
May 5, 2025
The Darkside of Influencers (Insider 229)
Media responsibility for podcasters, viral news hijacks, building true audience connection, and creative ways to generate standout episode ideas in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Why You Should Listen
How a simple shift in your podcast’s “role in the media” can make you unforgettable—and impossible to ignore The slippery slope that transforms average creators into sellouts (and how to harness this for influence, not regret) Why you should treat your guests like rare treasures—discover the subtle move that makes powerful people beg to work with you The sinister side of influencer stardom—and how you can legally “hack” this playbook for massive podcast growth The jaw-dropping rumor about Taylor Swift that exposes the dirty secret behind industry success—and how to use it to engineer your own “overnight” stardom The “steak sauce” news hijack: how one brand turned a public mistake into millions in free publicity (and how you can too, from your closet studio) The copy-and-paste social media trick that forces big brands to hand you viral attention—no PR agency needed Why most podcast audiences are starved for connection—and the forbidden trick to make them cling to your show like family The overlooked conversational hack that extracts irresistible stories from strangers—turning even a mailman into podcast gold The “insider’s secret” to getting guests and stories competitors can only dream about The savage reality of podcast success: why hype, not talent, wins … and how you can buy your way to the top (yes, there’s a price—discover what it is) How to forge a cult-like community that does your marketing for you—urging listeners to recruit friends, family, and enemies The lazy podcaster’s guide to endless episode ideas—just walk outside and watch the content flood in How price hikes and tariffs are secretly making your podcast more valuable (and how you can exploit this for profit, envy, and more) The bulletproof strategy to transform “passive listeners” into a rampant, loyal audience that obeys your every call to actionYou want these links ...
Subscribe to Build a Big Podcast See Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistanceEpisode Timestamps
[04:08] The slippery slope: Why money in media quietly changes your boundaries—and the jaw-dropping story David just witnessed yesterday
[07:27] The Taylor Swift rumor you won’t read anywhere else—did 100,000 “sold” albums secretly jumpstart her superstardom?
[09:25] Why David Hooper has an OnlyFans account (yes, really)—and what that reveals about podcasting and boundaries
[11:31] The million-dollar steak sauce mistake: How Linda McMahon’s “A1” flub handed A1 Steak Sauce a viral goldmine (and what podcasters can copy)
[15:31] The secret reason your podcast is “family” to some listeners—and a proven playbook for turning silent strangers into superfans
[18:00] DJ Bobby Bennett’s lost art: How instant shoutouts and surprise requests forged unbreakable listener loyalty (and how you can steal this move)
[22:44] The untapped gold mine for episode ideas: Why talking to your mail carrier or a neighbor (not just podcasters) could land your next viral story
The Newsletter for Podcasters
Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter
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 229 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.
Want more help growing your podcast audience?
Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program)
