Send us feedback/questions via Text

Welcome to this holiday edition of Ask the Podcast Coach! I’m Dave Jackson, flying solo with special guest Chris Stone from Castahead.net. In this lively episode, we kick things off debating the most overplayed Christmas songs (sorry, Mariah Carey!), slide into podcast mic setups—covering everything from phantom power to Cloudlifters and USB/XLR combos—and share our biggest podcast merch mistakes.

Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?

Video Version (unedited)

Mentioned In This Episode

School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join

Podpage
http://www.trypodpage.com

Chris' Podcast Production

Castahaed.net

Dealcasters

https://www.podpage.com/dealcasters

Home Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.com

Podmatch Guesting Tool

https://supportthisshow.com/podmatch

Fourth Wall Merch

https://supportthisshow.com/fourthwall

Podcast Hot Seat (Podcast Audits)

https://www.podcasthotseat.com

Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/

Podcast Hot Seat Black Friday Deal

Not happy with your downloads? Get some honest, constructive, feedback to get your show going in the right direction AND get a free month at the School of Podcasting (now through the end of the year). Take advantage of this black friday deal and get your podcast going in the right direction. Go to podcasthotseat.com

Leave Your Question
Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show.

Support the show

BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

Send us feedback/questions via Text

Welcome to this week’s episode of Ask the Podcast Coach! I’m Dave Jackson, and I’m excited to be joined by my good friend Jim Collison as we kick back after Thanksgiving and dig into everything from surviving power outages as a podcaster to getting serious about connecting with your audience. We’ll swap stories from behind the mic, share practical tips for managing your listeners, debate the best batteries for your gear, and tackle questions about websites, live show feedback, and the ever-changing world of podcast tech. Let’s get into it!

Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?

Video Version (unedited)

Mentioned In This Episode

School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join

Podpage
http://www.trypodpage.com

Home Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.com

Kit Email List Tool
https://partners.kit.com/wcqdcqy9cu40

Substack Email Platform
https://substack.com/refer/davejackson

Aweber Email List Tool
https://podcastcoach.aweber.com/

Beehiv Email List Tool
https://www.beehiiv.com/?via=Dave-Jackson

Pabbly Automation Tool
https://supportthisshow.com/pabbly

Zapier
https://zapier.com/

ElfSight (Faq and other Scripts)
https://supportthisshow.com/elfsight

RSS.com Media Hosting
https://supportthisshow.com/rssdotcom

Captivate Media Hosting
https://supportthisshow.com/captivate

Buzzsprout Media Hosting
https://s

FEATURED SUPPORTER: Dr. Craig Van Slyke from AI Goes to College

Generative artificial intelligence systems, like ChatGPT, are transforming the world of higher education. AI Goes to College covers the latest developments in generative AI as they relate to higher ed. Each episode is filled with insights and practical tips that you can use to navigate an AI-enabled world.

Check it out at aigoestocollege.com

Podcast Hot Seat Black Friday Deal

Not happy with your downloads? Get some honest, constructive, feedback to get your show going in the right direction AND get a free month at the School of Podcasting (now through the end of the year). Take advantage of this black friday deal and get your podcast going in the right direction. Go to podcasthotseat.com

Leave Your Question
Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show.

Support the show

BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

Send us feedback/questions via Text

In this episode of Ask the Podcast Coach, Dave Jackson and Jim Collison dive into the evolving world of podcasting where authenticity wrestles against the growing pressures of monetization and consolidation. Are podcasts losing their unique spirit and turning into just another version of radio? Dave and Jim reflect on the rise of dynamic ads, syndication, and free hosting, dissect the pitfalls of “following the money,” and urge podcasters to stay true to their voices.

They also share hard-earned insights on:

• The realities of switching hosting platforms and how to avoid common traps
• Building and engaging a supportive community
• Motivation and consistency tips during slow growth phases
• Smart file management and backup strategies
• How to handle listener feedback, sponsorships, and measuring podcast success beyond downloads

Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?

Video Version (unedited)

Mentioned In This Episode

School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join

Podpage
http://www.trypodpage.com

Home Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.com

Other Websites Mentioned

Ralph Estep's New Show

https://www.contentcreatorscontent.com

Jodi Krangle

https://voiceoversandvocals.com/

Riverside - Remote Recorder, Editor, and Hosting(?)

This content may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I trust and believe will provide value to you. Thank you for your support!

FEATURED SUPPORTER: Dr. Craig Van Slyke from AI Goes to College

Generative artificial intelligence systems, like ChatGPT, are transforming the world of higher education. AI Goes to College covers the latest developments in generative AI as they relate to higher ed. Each episode is filled with insights and practical tips that you can use to navigate an AI-enabled world.

Check it out at aigoestocollege.com

Podcast Hot Seat Black Friday Deal

Not happy with your downloads? Get some honest, constructive, feedback to get your show going in the right direction AND get a free month at the School of Podcasting (now through the end of the year). Take advantage of this black friday deal and get your podcast going in the right direction. Go to podcasthotseat.com

Leave Your Question
Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show.

Support the show

BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

Send us feedback/questions via Text

First up, I share some behind-the-scenes updates, including my recent move from a lifetime video hosting deal that went south to Voomly, and how AI tools like ChatGPT are helping me generate show notes and summaries more efficiently. We also discuss the mysterious rise of EM dashes in AI-generated writing—did anyone use them before AI took over our grammar?

We talk about what’s happening at Libsyn, including some big changes in leadership and strategy, and my insider thoughts about their direction and features (or lack thereof). If you’re as confused about Descript’s new billing system as I am, you’re not alone! We chat about the challenges podcasters are facing as media hosts race to add features and AI tools—sometimes at the expense of clarity or affordability.

Our special guest, Ray Arnott from Around the Layout, comes on to ask how to best encourage guests to promote their episodes. Jim and I brainstorm practical ways to make it easier for your guests—everything from pre-written social posts to follow-up routines and even link tracking so you know who your real MVPs are.

Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?

Video Version

Mentioned In This Episode

School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join

Podpage
http://www.trypodpage.com

Home Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.com

Other Websites Mentioned

Voomly - Video Hosting

Descript

Buzzsprout

Captivate

Libsyn

Riverside

AI Goes to College

Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/

Podcast Hot Seat
Grow your podcast audience with Podcast Hot Seat. We help you do more of what is working, and fine tune those things that need polished. In addition to the podcast audit, you get a FREE MONTH at the School of Podcasting (including more coaching). Check it out at https://www.podcasthotseat.com/store
Your Audience Will Thank You!

Support the show

BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

Send us feedback/questions via Text

Ever wonder if daily podcasting helps or hurts? We break down how to use November-style challenges to build reps without burning yourself out, and why the best consistency is consistently delivering value. From there, we get real about “reality” podcasts: celebrity banter can skate by on fame, but most shows need a promise listeners can feel—make them laugh, teach them something, or save them time. If your friends love hanging out, great. If strangers stick around, you’ve got a show.

We also dive deep into AI as a workflow multiplier. Show notes, chapters, and summaries can be generated in seconds, but they’re drafts you must refine. We share practical prompts, why FAQs boost discoverability, and the non-negotiable habit of checking links AI invents. Then we zoom out into platform hygiene: remove dead Google Podcasts links, test your contact form, and make your subscribe page obvious. Quiet fixes compound growth.

Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?

Video Version

Mentioned In This Episode

School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join

Podpage
http://www.trypodpage.com

Home Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.com

Other Websites Mentioned

• Pod Indy (Podcasting Event)
  URL: podindy.com
• CDN – Bunny.net (for self-hosting media files)
  URL: bunny.net
• Podcast stats – OP3
  URL: op3.dev
• POD Chapters (Daniel’s chaptering tool)
  URL: podchapters.com
• Bible Bites (Randy Black’s podcast)
  URL: bible-bytes.com
• Shooting It Straight (Randy Black’s podcast)
  URL: shootingitstraight.net
• Content Creators Accountant (Ralph’s show)
  URL: contentcreatorsaccountant.com
• Podcast Hot Seat (Dave’s feedback/review service)
  URL: podcasthotseat.com
• PodPage (Website builder for podcasts)
  Try PodPage:

Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/

Podcast Hot Seat
Grow your podcast audience with Podcast Hot Seat. We help you do more of what is working, and fine tune those things that need polished. In addition to the podcast audit, you get a FREE MONTH at the School of Podcasting (including more coaching). Check it out at https://www.podcasthotseat.com/store
Your Audience Will Thank You!

Support the show

BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

Send us feedback/questions via Text

What happens when your listener’s device can generate a personalized podcast on command—your voice, their preferences, zero friction? We dig into a bold forecast from Joe Pulizzi and use it as a springboard to map what creators must do now to stay essential. The headline: you have time, but not to waste. The next three years will reward human connection, not just output.

We break down why live shows build a moat AI can’t cross: people show up to participate, not just consume. That interaction turns casual listeners into community, and community into staying power. We also get real about costs. AI features rarely come free; they come with higher monthly bills and massive energy needs. From new data centers to rising rates, we unpack how an “AI bubble” could reshape tools and pricing—and why consolidation doesn’t mean the end, just a different landscape.

Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?

Video Version

Mentioned In This Episode

School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join

Podpage
http://www.trypodpage.com

Home Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.com

Conent Inc Episode
https://www.contentinc.io/hey-content-creators-our-three-year-window-is-here-518/

Podcast Clothes
www.podcastclothes.com

AI Goes to College
www.aigoestocollege.com

Live Well and Flourish
www.livewellandflourish.com

Become and Awesome Supporter (Starting a $5/month)
https://podcastcoach.supercast.com/

Podcast Hot Seat
Grow your podcast audience with Podcast Hot Seat. We help you do more of what is working, and fine tune those things that need polished. In addition to the podcast audit, you get a FREE MONTH at the School of Podcasting (including more coaching). Check it out at https://www.po

Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/

Podcast Hot Seat
Grow your podcast audience with Podcast Hot Seat. We help you do more of what is working, and fine tune those things that need polished. In addition to the podcast audit, you get a FREE MONTH at the School of Podcasting (including more coaching). Check it out at https://www.podcasthotseat.com/store
Your Audience Will Thank You!

Support the show

BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

Send us feedback/questions via Text

The feed isn’t “social” anymore—it’s an endless parade of AI-recommended video. So why are we still hoping a 30-second short will magically convert strangers into hour-long listeners? We pull back the curtain on what the platforms actually reward, why shorts are best used for brand awareness, and the specific moves that help listeners cross the bridge to your long-form show.

We talk about the algorithm reality—how little time people spend with actual friends on major platforms—and what that means for podcasters betting on reels to drive growth. From hooks that stop the scroll to chapters that make episodes navigable, we break down a conversion path that respects your audience’s time. We also dig into platform control and fragmentation, from Spotify pushing video to Netflix to creators leaving YouTube, and why owning your domain and a simple “/follow” page reduces friction across the board.

Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?

Video Version

Mentioned In This Episode

School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join

Podpage
http://www.trypodpage.com

Home Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.com

No Agenda Show
https://www.noagendashow.net/listen/1808

Podcast Hot Seat
Grow your podcast audience with Podcast Hot Seat. We help you do more of what is working, and fine tune those things that need polished. In addition to the podcast audit, you get a FREE MONTH at the School of Podcasting (including more coaching). Check it out at https://www.podcasthotseat.com/store
Your Audience Will Thank You!

Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/

Podcast Hot Seat
Grow your podcast audience with Podcast Hot Seat. We help you do more of what is working, and fine tune those things that need polished. In addition to the podcast audit, you get a FREE MONTH at the School of Podcasting (including more coaching). Check it out at https://www.podcasthotseat.com/store
Your Audience Will Thank You!

Support the show

BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

Send us feedback/questions via Text

What happens when AI gets good enough to sit in the co-host chair—but not good enough to replace a heartbeat? We dig into the real trade-offs behind AI in podcasting, from research assistants and auto-summaries to voice cloning, live translation, and whether anyone actually wants a synthetic sidekick. The conversation is honest and a little contrarian: yes, the tools are powerful and getting better by the week; no, they can’t carry the weight of human curiosity, risk-taking, and the messy surprises that make a show worth hearing.

We also tackle the question so many podcasters ask at the 200‑episode mark: should I quit? The answer starts with purpose, not downloads. If your show brings in clients, sharpens your thinking, and gives your current audience real value, that’s success. If burnout is the real problem, take a strategic break or switch to seasons—use themes for deep research, group similar content for discovery, and protect your energy without ghosting your listeners. On the flip side, there’s a strong case for consistency: when you occupy a loyal spot in someone’s weekly routine, missing a release can invite another show onto their “first string.” Choose the path that fits your goals, then communicate it clearly.

Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?

Video Version

Mentioned In This Episode

School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join

Podpage
http://www.trypodpage.com

Home Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.com

Featured Supporter: Shane from Spybrary
We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/

Podcast Hot Seat
Grow your podcast audience with Podcast Hot Seat. We help you do more of what is working, and fine tune those things that need polished. In addition to the podcast audit, you get a FREE MONTH at the School of Podcasting (including more coaching). Check it out at https://www.podcasthotseat.com/store
Your Audience Will Thank You!

Support the show

BE AWESOME!
Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome