Prologue
The Good, Bad, and Ugly of "AI Podcasting"
I just watched a presentation about "the future of podcasting." Part of it was guy coming up with an episode script, episode notes, a script for a promo video on Instagram and TikTok, and various one-liners for Twitter.
It sounds great in theory, but it wasn't something that would actually work in the real world.
Don't get me wrong. I love AI tools for podcasters. I'm a huge fan of both Castmagic and Swell AI for post-production work and ChatGPT is great for helping with pre-episode research.
But if you think "AI" is going to get you out of doing the work necessary to produce a great podcast, you're mistaken. If anything, using AI tools actually adds to your workload.
The problem is that AI output, the "content" it delivers to you, is boring – it lacks the personality you bring to your podcast.
But this is a great opportunity for you.
With more and more podcasters trying to shortcut things by using AI (and getting "boring" content), this is your opportunity to step things up as far as bringing personality to what you do.
Keep reading for more thoughts on how to best use AI tools for your podcast ...
Sponsor
ThriveCart
Create high-converting cart pages, funnels, affiliate campaigns, courses, and more ...
Exclusive "lifetime" offer available for a limited time – pay once and never again!
Podcasting Tools
Shots - Free Mockup Tool
Shots is a cool (and free) tool you can use to make mockup-style, promotion images for your podcast.
Want to see it in action? I used it for the Podcast Jumpstart (which you should totally do, by the way – it's also free).
Lots of nice "mockup" options, including:
- Screenshots
- Web Browser
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 13
- iPad Pro
- MacBook Air
- iMac 24
If you do anything with this tool, share it with me via Twitter or Mastodon, and I'll share your example with others.
Podcast Production
"My old job is now done by a team of 20 ..."
One of the reasons people use AI is to get more done. But what did we do before AI?
This is a helpful thread on productivity that will give you some ideas to help you speed up your podcast production.
Some highlights:
Overwhelmed by Email? He recommends setting up Mailman, which is an excellent tool that I also use to control my inbox, block problem senders, and when needed, "pause" mail delivery.
Set One "Main" Goal Daily For example, getting an important interview recorded or episode edited. This may sound counterintuitive, and it's easy to put more than one thing on a list, but that often leads to overwhelm and nothing on the list being completed.
Work Like a Lion He says, "Lions find food in bursts while cows graze all day." I refer to this method as "the pulse" and got it from musicians that I worked with. Jeff Sanders from 5AM Miracle Podcast calls them FBOTs – "focused blocks of time."
Whatever you call it, you basically set up everything where you can focus on it without switching between different tasks. For example, an extended block of time for interviewing, one for editing, one for promotion, etc.
Get the full list of tips here.
Which one is your favorite? Reach out and let me know via Twitter or Mastodon.
Podcast Humor
AI Doesn't Edit
The image is a joke, but the topic is serious.
If you're using AI to produce your podcast, there's even more editing that you need to do.
I'll give you an example ...
I just released a new episode of Build a Big Podcast with Podcasting Lessons from Tucket Carlson and FOX News. I ran the audio through Castmagic and it gave me a list of episode "highlights" along with their timestamps. I also got a nice episode "description" as well as a related Twitter thread.
The raw output is OK. But like your podcast itself, to get the best results, everything should be edited.
Yes, it's more work for you, but it's a very high-leverage activity, because you'll save time for every single listener who hears you. Beyond that, a tightly-edited podcast is more likely to be shared by listeners as well as guests you interview.
Don't know where to start when it comes to editing your audio files? Check out this course on how to use Audacity.
Podcast Monetization
Your First Podcast Sponsor
Joe Casabona makes $35,000-50,000 per year from podcast sponsorships with a relatively small audience.
He's put together a self-paced mini course that gives you everything you need to do the same thing, starting with a step-by-step process you can follow to find, pitch, and win your first podcast sponsor.
I once "bragged" to Joe that I do $200 CPM on niche podcast ads.
He told me, "I get $300."
Classifieds
Your Ad Here – Only $35!
I believe in podcasting and independent business. Because of this, I've made discount ad slots available for independent companies who support podcasters.
If you'd like to reach an audience of dedicated podcasters via both this newsletter and its audio edition (sent out via the Build a Big Podcast feed), get current availability and book your slot.
Missinglettr
Missinglettr is an all-in-one promotion platform that turns podcasts into engaging social media posts and helps you solve distribution by finding the best influencers in your niche.
Riverside - Remote Recording Studio
Riverside records high-quality audio (and video) directly from your browser. No special equipment is needed and connecting with your guest is as simple as sending a web link!
You can try Riverside free (no credit card is needed) and, if you like it, save 15% on any paid plan by using the coupon code BIGPODCAST.
The Wrap Up
Like this newsletter? Subscribe to the podcast!
If you like the newsletter, you'll love the podcast. It's called Build a Big Podcast and it will help you do three things:
- Grow your podcast audience.
- Get people talking about your podcast.
- Make more money with your podcast.
You can subscribe for free.
On a desktop? Use your phone to scan the QR code above to make it easy on yourself! Or call me at 615-488-4321 and I'll send you the link via text.