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In this episode of Podtastic Audio, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Steven Gould, the creator of the hit podcast Things Police See, to dive into the secrets behind his incredible podcasting success. Steven shared his journey of growing a niche podcast from zero to tens of thousands of downloads per month, all while staying true to his indie roots. Here’s what you’ll take away from our conversation:

• Why focusing on a niche can help you connect with a dedicated audience.
• How Steven turned his passion for podcasting into an income stream with Patreon and sponsors.
• What he’s learned about navigating the challenges of download fluctuations (yes, we talk about the infamous Apple update!).
• The importance of mixing personal stories with guest interviews to keep your show authentic and engaging.
• Tips for staying consistent, motivated, and excited about your podcast, even when it feels like a grind.

If you’ve ever wondered how to grow your podcast, monetize it, and still keep your content authentic, you’re going to love this episode. Steven’s story is packed with inspiration and practical advice for any indie podcaster out there.

Chapter Timestamps:

00:00 Intro and Welcome

02:21 Steven’s Podcasting Journey

05:49 Growing a Niche Audience

10:59 Challenges and Sensitive Topics

17:45 From Zero to 40K Downloads

26:04 Why Solo Episodes Matter

38:01 Monetizing the Podcast

47:47 Programmatic Ads Explained

55:47 Podcasting as a Business

58:44 Final Thoughts and Where to Connect

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

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Welcome to the final episode of 2024! In this episode, I reflect on the highs and lows of the past year, from attending Podcast Movement Evolutions to personal challenges like my ear surgery. I also lay the foundation for podcast growth in 2025 by sharing practical tips to set achievable goals, boost audience engagement, and experiment with new formats.

Key Takeaways:

• My SMART Goals Framework: Focus on goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
• Audience Engagement Tips: It's not about numbers—it's about building trust and connection with your listeners.
• Fresh Ideas for 2025: Explore video podcasting, live streams, or collaborating with fellow podcasters.
• Monetization for Indies: Start small with affiliate links or crowdfunding and always offer value first.
• Networking Made Easy: Reach out to one new podcaster a month to expand your network and discover new opportunities.

Timestamp / Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and reflections on 2024.

01:32 - Attending Podcast Movement Evolutions: A podcaster’s dream.

02:47 - Traveling to NYC and Hawaii: Highlights of the year.

05:32 - Setting SMART podcasting goals for 2025.

09:46 - The power of audience engagement and connection.

11:48 - Experimenting with new formats and platforms.

14:56 - Practical tips for monetizing your podcast.

20:01 - Networking and collaboration in the podcasting world.

23:55 - Closing thoughts: Looking forward to 2025.

Join me as we kick off 2025 with a plan for podcasting success!

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

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Elevate your podcasting game with Riverside.fm's studio-quality recordings, lightning-fast editing, and enhanced streaming capabilities—try it today! Get 15% off with discount code Podtastic

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Merry Christmas, podcasters! In this festive episode of Podtastic Audio, we’re unwrapping holiday wisdom to elevate your podcasting game. From choosing the right gear to staying consistent and engaging with your audience, this episode is packed with advice to help you make your show shine like the star on top of the tree.

What You'll Learn:

• The truth about podcasting gear: Content vs. equipment.
• Why consistency is key—and how to achieve it with batch recording.
• How to gather valuable audience feedback to improve your show.
• Simple tips to make your podcast sound better without breaking the bank.

Timestamped / Chapters

00:00 – Intro: Holiday Podcasting Wisdom

00:26 – Welcome to Podtastic Audio

01:27 – Riverside.fm: Your Holiday Podcasting Partner

02:18 – Reflection: Evolving Your Podcast

03:59 – Gear Guide: Keeping It Simple

09:04 – Consistency Is Key: Tips for Staying on Track

13:33 – Feedback Matters: Engaging Your Audience

18:16 – Recap and Holiday Homework

19:01 – Closing: Your Christmas Gift from Podtastic Audio

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

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Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter

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In this episode, I share actionable insights to create podcast content that keeps your audience engaged and wanting more. From understanding your ideal listener to creating high-quality audio and leveraging repurposed content, I cover everything you need to grow your podcast.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The importance of knowing your audience and building content just for them.
• Striking the perfect balance between planning and spontaneity.
• Tips for maintaining consistent themes to build trust and loyalty.
• Why great audio matters more than you think (and how to achieve it).
• Engaging with your listeners to build a vibrant community.
• Smart ways to repurpose content across platforms for maximum reach.

Timestamps/Chapters

00:00 – Intro: Making Content That Truly Connects

01:16 – Why Audience Research Is a Game-Changer

03:36 – Defining Your Listener Avatar

06:00 – Planning vs. Spontaneity: Striking the Right Balance

10:48 – The Power of Consistency in Podcast Themes

14:09 – How Audio Quality Impacts Listener Retention

18:26 – Engaging Listeners: Building Community Through Feedback

20:42 – Repurposing Content: Maximizing Your Podcast’s Reach

24:52 – Wrapping Up: Getting Listeners to Subscribe and Stay

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

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Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter

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Elevate your podcasting game with Riverside.fm's studio-quality recordings, lightning-fast editing, and enhanced streaming capabilities—try it today! Get 15% off with discount code Podtastic

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In this episode of Podtastic Audio, we explore how to make your podcast stand out in a crowded space. From finding your unique voice to experimenting with creative formats, I’ll share tips to help you build a podcast that connects with listeners and reflects your personality. Plus, with the holiday season here, it’s the perfect time to refresh your branding and try something new.

• Discover Your Superpower: Identify what makes your voice and perspective unique to captivate your audience.
• Experiment With Formats: Try holiday themes, guest panels, or mini-series to keep things fresh.
• Polish Your Branding: Ensure your cover art, descriptions, and overall presentation match your podcast’s vibe.
• Engage Your Audience: Use listener feedback to guide your content and build loyalty.
• Seasonal Inspiration: Add festive touches to your episodes for timely engagement.

Timestamps/Chapters

00:00 - Introduction: Finding Your Unique Podcasting Voice

00:18 - Sponsor: Recording with Riverside.fm

01:22 - Reflecting on 2024: Why Your Voice Matters

02:50 - What Makes Your Podcast Unique

03:38 - Tips for Tapping Into Your Passions

05:46 - Showcasing Your Personality

07:40 - Experimenting with New Formats

10:17 - The Importance of Branding

13:24 - Refreshing Episode Artwork

15:13 - Final Thoughts: Standing Out by Being Yourself

17:04 - Call to Action: Connect and Share

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

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Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter

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Happy Thanksgiving! This episode is all about gratitude and making your podcasting journey easier. I’ll share a fantastic free tool for embedding chapters into your MP3 files that can help take your episodes to the next level. Thanks to Paul O'Flaherty!

Special shoutout to Dan LeFebvre from Based on a True Story for his expert advice on MP3 encoding. He explains why Constant Bit Rate (CBR) is essential for podcasters and how it ensures a seamless experience for your listeners.

Whether you’re learning about chapters, tackling MP3 tips, or just looking for podcasting inspiration, this episode is packed with actionable advice to improve your craft.

What’s Inside:

• Why podcast chapters matter and how to add them easily.
• Dan LeFebvre’s tips on MP3 encoding (CBR vs. VBR explained).
• The importance of learning from mistakes (yes, I skipped Episode 177!).
• A big THANK YOU to you for being part of this journey.

Links Mentioned: MP3 Chapters Tool

Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 Thanksgiving Greetings – Reflecting on gratitude for listeners and the podcasting journey.

00:24 Welcome to Podtastic Audio – Helping podcasters create better shows.

00:43 Why Podcasts Fit Busy Lives – How audio podcasts are perfect for multitasking.

02:11 Lessons from My Journey – Sharing challenges, mistakes, and what I’ve learned.

04:13 Episode Numbering Tips – Why numbering episodes can help you and your listeners.

07:21 Discovering MP3 Chapters – A free tool to add chapters to your podcast.

10:34 Embedding Chapters Made Easy – How to embed chapters directly into MP3 files.

12:08 Dan LeFebvre on MP3 Bitrates – Why CBR is crucial for podcast quality and compatibility.

17:45 Gratitude and Reflections – Thanking listeners and celebrating the podcasting community.

19:35 Closing Thoughts – Encouragement to keep creating great podcasts.

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

Podgagement Link

Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter

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Elevate your podcasting game with Riverside.fm's studio-quality recordings, lightning-fast editing, and enhanced streaming capabilities—try it today! Get 15% off with discount code Podtastic

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In this episode of Podtastic Audio, I have the pleasure of chatting with Kevin Chemidlin, creator of Grow the Show, a podcast dedicated to helping podcasters thrive. Kevin shares his journey from launching the successful show "Philly Who" to building a platform that teaches podcasters how to grow and monetize effectively. Whether you're looking to expand your audience, keep listeners coming back, or make money from your show, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Discover why many podcasters mistakenly believe they have a growth problem, the critical importance of retention, and how to create a sustainable content strategy. Kevin also introduces his Podcast Ladder framework, a step-by-step guide to creating a successful podcast that grows and generates revenue. Tune in for expert insights, practical tips, and a refreshing perspective on what it really takes to succeed in podcasting.

Key Takeaways

• Why Retention Matters: Most podcasters don't have a growth problem—they have a retention problem. Learn how to keep your listeners coming back.
• The Podcast Ladder Framework: Four levels every podcaster must climb to achieve sustainable growth and monetization.
• The Power of a Clear and Unique Premise: Why your podcast needs to focus on what it does for the listener, not just what you do on the show.
• Growth Strategies That Work: The importance of leveraging social media, collaborations, and swaps with other podcasters.
• Understanding Monetization: Kevin breaks down how every podcast ultimately monetizes by getting listeners to buy something.
• Avoid Burnout: Why rushing to monetize can hurt your podcast's long-term potential—and what to do instead.
• Consistency Beyond Publishing: Why consistent marketing is just as important as publishing episodes regularly. This episode will leave you inspired and equipped with practical tools to grow your podcast effectively. Let us know what you think, and happy podcasting!

Timestamps / Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and what to expect in this episode

02:06 - The biggest struggles podcasters face today

03:35 - Meet Kevin Chemidlin and his journey from Philly Who to Grow the Show

06:33 - How Kevin discovered common podcasting pain points

10:11 - Why podcasting is harder to grow compared to other platforms

18:27 - Two essential strategies to grow your podcast

33:15 - The Podcast Ladder: Four levels to podcast success

44:38 - What it really means to monetize your podcast

49:56 - Kevin's personal journey and lessons from podcasting

53:13 - Final thoughts and where to find Kevin Chemidlin's resources

54:23 - Outro and next steps for your podcast journey

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

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In this eye-opening episode of Podtastic Audio, I’m diving into the underbelly of podcasting scams and sharing everything I wish I’d known when I started. From personal stories—like my sister’s recent, gut-wrenching $15,000 loss to scammers—to the crafty tricks targeting new podcasters, this episode is packed with insights to keep your podcast and hard-earned cash safe.

I break down the major scams hitting our community, from fake “listener boost” services to phony sponsorships and sketchy guest booking offers. You’ll learn the classic red flags, the psychology behind these scams, and why legitimate growth takes time and authenticity. Plus, I’m sharing practical, scam-free strategies to help you build a successful podcast that lasts. If you’re a new or independent podcaster eager to grow, don’t miss this episode—it might just save you from becoming the next target!

Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to podcasting scams targeting newcomers.

01:19 – The allure of fast podcast growth and the dangers of "too good to be true" offers.

02:01 – Personal story: my sister’s $15,000 scam experience.

03:24 – Breaking down how scammers pressure with urgency and fear tactics.

08:01 – Recognizing general scam tactics and emotional manipulation.

10:25 – Fake listener boost services: How they lure podcasters and the risks involved.

13:39 – Emphasizing that podcast growth takes time and dedication.

14:25 – Bogus sponsorship offers and red flags to identify them.

17:22 – Why legitimate sponsors don't ask for personal financial details.

19:14 – Guest booking scams targeting new podcasters.

21:59 – Avoiding payment requests for guest appearances.

24:01 – Promotion and marketing scams promising unrealistic reach.

27:24 – Practical, genuine strategies for promoting your podcast.

30:09 – Final tips on verifying offers and avoiding scams in podcasting.

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

Podgagement Link

Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter

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