Prologue
What I Learned From Being Sued in Federal Court
Twenty years ago, I reached out to an attorney about some content I wanted to publish, to be sure I was legally OK to do so.
He said everything was good legally. So I released it.
Within a week, I received a cease-and-desist letter via certified mail. And a month after that, I found myself in federal court, facing criminal copyright infringement charges.
"Don't die on this hill."
I believed I was right, but it was going to take a while (and a lot of money) for the court to decide that.
I asked my father for advice and he told me two things:
- Never get into an argument with somebody who buys ink by the barrel.
- Don't die on this hill.
He was right about both. And, as a podcaster, these are things you should keep in mind.
While "ink by the barrel" isn't what it used to be, a huge audience on social media (or elsewhere online) is. And we're in a world where a single sound bite, headline, or social media message can spread quickly.
Some hills are worth dying on. But most of the time, it's better to do what you can, so what you live to fight another day.
So if you're feeling defeated, or ignored, or ineffective, chin up. Make your next episode and keep applying pressure.
I've got more thoughts and "the rest for the story" in the audio edition of this newsletter.
Sponsor
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.
Podcaster Opportunities
Hollywood Strike = Podcaster Opportunity
Hollywood actors are joining an ongoing strike by screenwriters in the industry's biggest shutdown for more than 60 years.
Here are my predictions ... First of all, I feel everything will work out fairly soon. Everybody in this dispute needs each other.
But until then:
- Streaming services will expand on non-US content (think Squid Game) from countries not affected by the strike.
- Existing, "catalog" content will be revisited.
- Studios will work with writers/creators from media not affected by the strike, including radio and podcasting.
This is an opportunity – not necessarily a good opportunity. But do be aware of it.
This is why you want to have your act together – you never know when opportunities will come up.
Need help? Let's work together.
Steal This Idea
Grow Your Podcast with Postal Mail!
Went to the post office to pick up my mail. There was a card in the box letting me know I needed to go to the desk to get a package.
As soon as the clerk came around the corner with it, I could see it was from Pedro Pena of My Stuttering Life. And we both had a laugh that it was a very fancy package.
Got it home, expecting a t-shirt or hat associated with the podcast, but opened it up to find a sea of orange pens, stickers, keychains, and other Whataburger merch. And also a "team member" name tag.
If you're thinking, "WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH PODCASTING??!!"
Nothing. Just an inside joke that I have with a guy from Texas about Whataburger coming to where I am (Nashville) and how I'll NEVER wait in line, because I'm vegetarian.
But also everything, because behind the mics and headphones, podcasters and podcast listeners are just people. And if you want the attention of these people, postal mail is a great way to get it.
Want more thoughts on using postal mail to grow your podcast? Listen to the audio version of this episode.
And if you really want to go deep, I've got an entire chapter on this in Big Podcast – Grow Your Podcast Audience, Build Listener Loyalty, and Get Everybody Talking About Your Show.
Podcasting Tools
Podcast Grader - How "good" is your podcast?
How "good" is your podcast?
This tool analyzes the audio quality of your podcast and provides feedback based on several key metrics. Its grading system is based on commonly-accepted audio quality standards, not just opinion, and an integrated Large Language Model (LLM) interprets these metrics and provides suggestions on how you can improve your audio quality.
Podcast Production
If You Podcast from Home ...
It's been over 20 years since I've worked a job, but I still remember wondering how I'd ever get anything done working from home.
The opposite happened – I ended up working all the time. And I think our tendency to do that can be even greater today, with video conferencing, computers that can produce quality audio and video work, and high-speed connections to transfer it all.
No more breaks ... even if the breaks we used to take were only quick runs to a post office.
I enjoyed this article with advice on how to create boundaries as a remote worker and think you'll find it helpful, even if you're not working from home.
Among the suggestions:
- Create your workspace
- Set and follow a routine
- Set work boundaries with your co-workers and household
- Take care of your mental health
- Set boundaries and enjoy work-life balance
I'll have more thoughts on each of these in the audio version of this newsletter, but for this issue, I want to focus on one – create your workspace.
I believe that it's important for serious artists/creators to have a dedicated workshop to create their work. It doesn't have to be fancy or perfect, but ideally, it's "permanent" and isn't something that you'll have to set up and tear down each time you want to do your job.
For example, as a podcaster, it's better for you to be in the corner of your walk-in closet, even if there's clothing hanging all around you, than another multiuse space you'd have to move in and out of, because your equipment would be in the way.
Where are you podcasting from? Send me a photo via Threads, Bluesky, or Mastodon.
Podcast Humor
Keep Going!
Related to what I said in the prologue ... KEEP GOING! Don't be like this guy.
But I get it – sometimes you need a break.
Are you still at it? Let me know.
Classifieds
Swell AI
Swell AI automates writing podcast summaries, articles, social posts, and more.
- Manage multiple shows in one dashboard.
- Build custom templates for each show.
- Connects with Google Drive, Dropbox, and Zoom.
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.
Caveday
Be more productive with Caveday, the virtual coworking solution used by creatives at Netflix, Spotify, and Amazon.
The Wrap Up
When you're ready, here's how I can help you even more ...
If you like the newsletter, you'll love Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program).
This personal coaching program has been designed to help you do three things:
- Grow your podcast audience.
- Get people talking about your podcast.
- Make more money with your podcast.
You can get details here.