Épisodes

  • What’s the Best Way for a Small Podcast to Make Money?

    What’s the Best Way for a Small Podcast to Make Money?
    Dec 1 2025

    What if monetising a podcast was simpler than the usual laundry list of tactics suggests? A new model called the Three As breaks earning potential into three clear paths:

    • Audience, which includes supporter perks and light ads
    • Authority, which covers coaching, courses, and specialist services
    • Assets, which includes books, products, and affiliate income

    The aim is to choose the route that fits your show’s size and purpose rather than copy the strategies used by giants.

    Elsewhere, recent Independent Podcaster survey results show creators splitting into two broad groups. Audio-first shows follow flexible production routines, while video-led podcasts often feel the pressure of weekly uploads from platforms like YouTube. These differences show up in formats, production time, and a growing worry that video’s rise could narrow the types of stories podcasters feel able to make.

    There is also a look at the event season ahead and how to get more from it. The focus is on going in with clear intentions, using the space to meet potential guests, and treating each venue as a chance to make connections rather than sit through panels all day.

    The episode ends with practical studio advice. Creating depth behind you, shaping your light, and mixing fixed and angled shots can all lift your visuals without expensive gear. A bit of planning and a thoughtful layout often matter more than the camera you use.

    Podcraft is brought to you by Alitu and The Podcast Host
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    52 min
  • 100 Days of YouTube, 100 Podcast Listeners, and Why Both Matter (with Craig Hewitt)

    100 Days of YouTube, 100 Podcast Listeners, and Why Both Matter (with Craig Hewitt)
    Nov 24 2025

    In this conversation, Colin sits down with Craig Hewitt, founder of Castos, to discuss the shifting landscape of content creation. Fresh off completing a 100 Days of YouTube challenge, Craig shares why he chose video over podcasting during that time, what he learned about platform growth, and the powerful truths about podcast numbers versus engagement (where podcasting still shines!)

    They explore the convergence of audio, video, and email platforms, the challenges of monetization in podcasting, how AI is reshaping content workflows (without replacing creators), and why a few hundred engaged podcast listeners might be more valuable than 100,000 YouTube views.

    Guest

    Craig Hewitt - Founder of Castos, a podcast hosting platform. Recently completed 100 Days of AI on YouTube, growing from 250 to 11,000 subscribers. Find him at Castos.com or search "Craig Hewitt" on YouTube.

    Chapter Markers

    [00:00] Introduction & Catching Up

    [02:15] Has Podcasting Changed More in the Last Year?

    [05:30] What is Podcasting in 3-5 Years?

    [08:45] Craig's 100 Days of YouTube (And No Podcasting)

    [12:20] The Convergence of Content Platforms

    [16:00] Product Development: When to Expand vs Focus

    [20:45] Spotify as a Video Platform

    [25:30] Exclusive APIs and Platform Access

    [30:15] What Really Matters in Podcast Software

    [35:00] The Monetization Challenge

    [42:30] AI in Content Creation

    [48:00] Building AI-First Products

    [52:15] Craig's AI Learnings from 100 Days

    [56:45] Growing on YouTube: Concept is Everything

    [62:00] The 800 vs 11,000 Paradox

    [66:30] Small Audiences, Big Revenue

    Key Takeaways
    • Platform choice matters: Optimize content for one channel rather than trying to make everything work everywhere
    • Engagement beats reach: A few hundred loyal podcast listeners can be more valuable than 100K YouTube views for certain business models
    • AI is a tool, not a replacement: It amplifies human capability but requires strategic implementation
    • Concept is king on YouTube: Title, thumbnail, and mass appeal trump production quality
    • Podcasting works best for: Coaches, consultants, and anyone with high-ticket offerings and existing audiences
    • The industry irony: Even podcast hosting companies prioritize YouTube and blogs over their own podcasts
    Links & Resources
    • Castos: https://castos.com
    • Alitu: https://alitu.com (podcast editing and hosting)
    • The Podcast Host: https://thepodcasthost.com
    • Craig's YouTube: Search "Craig Hewitt Castos"
    • Creator Hooks: https://creatorhooks.com (mentioned for title/thumbnail generation)
    Notable Quotes

    "For certain types of people in certain situations, a podcast is by far the most valuable kind of marketing real estate they can have. The rub is that's not everyone or even most people." - Craig Hewitt

    "If you have 1,000 podcast listeners, you might convert 500 of them, but if you have 10,000 YouTube watchers, you might still only convert 500 of them." - Colin Gray

    Subscribe to PodCraft for more conversations about running a successful podcast in today's evolving content landscape.
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    50 min
  • Why Are Audio-Only Podcasters Spending MORE Time Than Video Creators?

    Why Are Audio-Only Podcasters Spending MORE Time Than Video Creators?
    Nov 17 2025

    Our Indie Podcasters Report shows that once production goes past six hours, audio-only creators are the ones spending the most time in the edit.

    But why?

    The answer goes beyond workflow. Audio culture has always valued clean mixes, careful pacing, and detailed sound design, so creators tend to polish every moment. Video makers often move faster by embracing jump cuts and a simple top, tail, publish routine.

    That doesn't mean video is the easier path. It brings its own challenges, from codec issues and lighting problems to huge file sizes that slow everything down.

    In the end, this isn't a contest between formats. It is about understanding the differences so you can choose the approach that suits your skills, your time, and your goals.

    We also put our heads together to try and flesh out a USP for Colin's new podcast, discuss gear-related accessibility issues, and look ahead to the upcoming Black Friday deals season.

    Also Mentioned

    • Alitu: The Podcast Maker
    • Tella
    • aiCarousels
    • Genspark
    • Black Friday for Podcasters
    • Seedpace Kids Audio Player
    • The Podcraft Academy
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    53 min
  • Shaking Up Your Format, Smarter Chapter Markers, & the Habit That Transforms Your Hosting

    Shaking Up Your Format, Smarter Chapter Markers, & the Habit That Transforms Your Hosting
    Nov 10 2025

    Ever feel like your podcast has started to sound scripted rather than conversational? When the spark fades, it’s time to shake things up. This episode explores how relaxing your format can reignite creativity and flow, why over-scripting kills energy, and how a looser, more natural approach helps you sound sharper and enjoy recording again.

    We also dig into some practical podcasting essentials, from Apple’s new AI-generated chapter markers and what they mean for listener engagement, to one of the most powerful habits you can build: listening back to your own episodes. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s the fastest way to improve your delivery, catch unnoticed habits, and sound more confident every time you hit record.

    Mentioned

    • Independent Podcaster Report 2025
    • Crossing the 100-Download Mark: What Successful Indies Do Differently
    • Podcast Chapter Markers
    • Best Podcast Formats
    • The Podcraft Academy
    • Send Us a Voicemail
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    59 min
  • 6 Reasons to Record Your Next Podcast Episode on a Walk

    6 Reasons to Record Your Next Podcast Episode on a Walk
    Nov 3 2025
    On a recent episode of Podcraft, Neale James of The Photowalk talked about an email he once received from a listener who was housebound due to illness. They wrote that they could no longer go out for walks but hoped their life might change one day. For now, the sounds of Neale’s walks, even his grumbling at passing planes, reminded them that there was still a world out there.“That message taught me something important,” Neale said. “In a world that is increasingly shaped by AI, authenticity matters. People value the real and unpolished moments more than we sometimes realise.”'Walkcasting' wasn’t the only reason Neale was able to publish 500 episodes in five years and turn his podcast into a full-time living, but it played a big part.Even if you are not chasing those kinds of milestones, there is a lesson here. In an era where thousands of fully AI-generated shows flood podcast apps each week, authenticity and human connection have never mattered more. So how can a new podcaster stand out in all that noise?Neale’s story says a lot about why walkcasting resonates with so many people. There’s something special about hearing someone talk while they’re moving through the world. It feels real, unfiltered, and human. If you’ve never tried recording this way before, here are six reasons to give it a go.#1 Authentic ConnectionWalkcasts feel more like a conversation than a broadcast. The rhythm of footsteps, the background sounds, and the unpolished tone create a sense of presence, as if you’re right there with the host. Little imperfections, such as a breeze or a passing car, add warmth and texture, reminding listeners they’re sharing a genuine moment with a real person.That sense of authenticity does more than make a walkcast sound real; it also deepens the emotional bond between host and listener. The gentle movement and surrounding atmosphere make it easy to imagine walking alongside someone. Many listeners find this kind of audio comforting and companionable, especially when they’re out on their own walks or can’t get out for one themselves.#2 More natural, spontaneous thinkingWalking often sparks fresh ideas and clearer expression. It’s easier to talk freely when you’re moving instead of staring at a microphone in a still, silent room. That freedom often leads to more thoughtful, engaging moments, giving listeners a sense of the host thinking out loud rather than reading from a script.#3 Low friction, low pressureA walkcast takes very little setup. You don’t need a studio or expensive gear, so you can record whenever inspiration strikes. Since it’s meant to sound relaxed, there’s less pressure to polish every word. That simplicity means you can record and publish more often, keeping your connection with listeners alive.#4 Cost-effective productionYou can make a walkcast with nothing more than a smartphone and a small microphone. You don’t need expensive equipment or complex software, which makes it an easy way for anyone to try podcasting. And because you can record anywhere, it’s easy to capture ideas as they happen instead of waiting for the perfect setup.#5 Distinctive soundWalkcasts stand out because they feel so human. The unique mix of your voice, the pace of your walk, and the sounds around you can become part of your signature style. In an age of slick production and AI-generated content, that lived-in authenticity makes you sound unmistakably yourself.#6 Encourages mindfulness & healthy habitsRecording while walking is good for both body and mind. It turns screen time into fresh air and movement, helping to improve focus and lift mood. The slower rhythm of a walkcast encourages a calmer, more mindful approach to creating content. It offers a gentle alternative to the fast-paced world of digital media.Walkcast Tools, Equipment, & SoftwareIf you’re already reaching for your coat and lacing your shoes, brilliant. Make the most of that spark before the weather changes its mind.But you might suddenly worry that you don’t have the right gear or software for a walkcast. The good news is that you probably do. Neale records straight into his smartphone with no external mic. Phone audio has come a long way in recent years, and yours will likely do just fine.If it is calm outside or you tend to walk in sheltered spots like woodlands, you are good to go. It is worth adding a small windjammer for next time, though, as it will keep your audio clean on breezier days when the trees are dancing. If you are worried about what to say, a small notepad with 3-5 bullet points is enough to prompt you if you get stuck. If you head out with pages of detailed notes, you might be better off staying behind the desk.Your phone already has a built-in voice notes or voice memos app, and that's all you need to capture your recordings. You can buy or download other recording apps with extra features, but those are optional rather than essential.Remember, one of the biggest benefits of...
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    19 min
  • Growth on the Road: Building a Podcast While Living Off-Grid

    Growth on the Road: Building a Podcast While Living Off-Grid
    Oct 27 2025

    Ever wondered what it’s really like to grow a podcast while living off-grid and travelling full-time? Cara and James from Kerouac’s Cruising share how they’ve turned life on the road into a show about freedom, mindset and self-discovery. From dodgy internet connections to finding their voice as creators, they talk openly about what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how they’ve built a loyal audience one mile at a time.

    It’s a story about persistence as much as podcasting – learning new skills, fighting imposter syndrome, and embracing the slow, steady growth that comes with authenticity. If you’ve ever questioned whether to keep going with your show, or wondered how to make deeper connections with listeners, this chat offers practical insight and a healthy dose of encouragement.

    Also Mentioned

    • Alitu: The Podcast Maker
    • ScoreApp
    • Could short-form video clips cannibalise podcasters' real audiences?
    • Rephonic's 3D audience graph
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    45 min
  • Research as a Creative Partner, With Tom Webster of Sounds Profitable

    Research as a Creative Partner, With Tom Webster of Sounds Profitable
    Oct 20 2025
    Have you ever thought about publishing a report in your niche? A “state of the industry” piece that delivers fresh data, insights, and analysis to your audience.Original research can position you as an authority while sparking conversation, attracting media coverage, and opening new opportunities.But gathering and reporting data is both art and science, and common mistakes can quickly undermine your work.Fortunately, we’re joined by Tom Webster of Sounds Profitable, one of the most trusted voices in podcast research. With more than 30 years of experience, Tom shares practical advice on audience research and presenting original data. Whether you are planning a full industry report or simply running an audience survey, this conversation will help you avoid common pitfalls and prepare for success before writing your first question.Here are some of Tom’s key insights from our chat:Research Fuels Creativity“It’s always bothered me that people viewed the research and data side of things as not creative, when actually what it gives you is constraints. And constraints are really the key ultimately to creativity.”Far from being dry or restrictive, data gives you the boundaries that spark innovative thinking. By knowing how your audience reacts, you can sharpen your message, test new angles, and create with greater confidence.Ask Better Questions“Writing a question is one of those things that everybody thinks they can do and almost nobody does it well, because it requires a really bizarre way of thinking.”Good research starts with good questions, but survey design is a skill in itself. A poorly phrased question can confuse your audience or skew your results beyond usefulness.“Don’t start writing any questions until you’ve had conversations with listeners. Those chats don’t give you the final answers, but they show you what you should ask about.”Begin with real conversations - virtual coffees, quick calls, or informal chats. Use your audience’s own words to shape your survey options, ensuring the language resonates with them rather than sounding like a form filled out by a stranger.“If you ask a question and you don’t know what you would do with the result of any of the answers, don’t ask the question. Don’t waste people’s time.”This is the ultimate filter. Every question in your survey should serve a purpose. If you don’t know how you’ll act on the response, cut it.Research to Know vs. Research to Show"Broadly, there’s two kinds of research in anything. There’s research to show and there’s research to know. And I like to specialize in research to know."So what's the difference?“I would often be asked by people, I want to do a survey that shows this. I want to do a survey that shows that this product approach that our company uses is actually the best. That’s research to show. And I always tell people, be prepared not to get the answers you like.”True authority comes from being curious, not from trying to validate a pre-set agenda. If your findings surprise you, lean into that."If the research comes back credible, without obvious flaws, and it contradicts your original hypothesis, the best thing you can do is document it honestly. Share the story: explain what you expected, why you thought the outcome would be different, and then walk people through the actual findings. Reflect on what surprised you and what might have made the difference. That's the essence of thought leadership."Audiences and peers will respect you far more if you publish results that challenge assumptions, even your own.“…if you can’t tell a story with a particular data slide, then don’t include it. And that’s not necessarily cherry picking, that’s just this did not come back as an interesting finding.”Not every data point belongs in your final report. Great reporting is about focus: highlight what tells a meaningful story, and don’t overload your audience with filler.Be Transparent“The magic word is respondents. You can’t say ‘audiences say this,’ but you can say ‘53% of respondents said this.’ You’re never going to go wrong there.”Every survey has its limitations. Maybe your responses came from a mailing list, or from people who clicked a link in your podcast notes. That’s fine - just be clear about it. Transparency builds trust, while over-claiming erodes credibility."You don't have to denigrate your approach. You don’t have to talk yourself down. I’m just a big fan of just being very clear about what you did. Just tell them what you did."A simple "Methodology" paragraph in your report will do the trick. No need to get granular with the details, but what were the places, platforms or methods you focused on to collect responses?“…if you have a study that has 500 respondents, I think it’s just fine to say men say this and women say that. I think it’s probably just fine to say that 55 plus says this and 18 to 34 says that. But actually look ...
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    48 min
  • Lessons From 500 Episodes & 5 Years of Podcasting

    Lessons From 500 Episodes & 5 Years of Podcasting
    Oct 10 2025

    How do you keep a podcast going long enough to reach 500 episodes?

    Most shows fade away after a handful of recordings, but The Photowalk has just passed a huge milestone. This week, I’m joined by its host, Neale James, to explore what it really takes to stay consistent, build a community, and even turn a passion project into something sustainable.

    Read the full blog post on this too, here.

    Neale shares:

    • Why showing up every day matters more than waiting for inspiration
    • How listener nicknames, mailbags and “the other listener” helped build a loyal community
    • The role authenticity plays – including leaving in planes overhead and barking dogs
    • Lessons carried over from his BBC radio career into podcasting
    • How he’s pieced together monetisation with Patreon, sponsors, mentoring and photo tours

    If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your podcast alive and enjoyable well beyond launch, Neale’s story is packed with lessons you can take straight into your own show.

    Also Mentioned

    • Alitu: The Podcast Maker
    • ScoreApp
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    59 min