Prologue
Your #1 Job as a Podcaster
I got into radio because of my work in the music business, which for a few years was running a record label.
I was in my 20s and passionate about music. And I made the assumption that everybody felt that way.
That assumption was wrong.
Needless to say, I got kicked in the teeth more than a few times when releasing albums or promoting live shows. And there were definitely days when it felt like nobody cared.
Want stories? Get the audio version of this newsletter, because I've got 'em.
For now, let's talk about "the big lesson" that I've learned from basically being ignored – this will help you with your podcast.
Not everybody will care. But people are watching you and, if you keep showing up, a lot of those people will eventually join you.
Not everybody, but enough to make this worth your while.
Your job is to show up. Then keep showing up. When you do that, the rest falls into place.
Your job is not to convince people or otherwise "force" them to like what you do. Get the audio version of this newsletter for stories of this also.
Do your thing and invite people to come along.
More thoughts in this issue of Big Podcast Insider. And if you want to go even deeper with this, check out Big Podcast AMP.
Podcast Marketing
Bad Words for Describing Podcasts (and Your Podcast Content)
This article was written with products in mind, but everything he mentions applies to podcasts as well.
Look at these words ...
- Fast, quick
- Easy, effortless
- Modern
- Best, top
- Simple
- Powerful
- Beautiful
- Flexible
Podcasters use these words (and others like them) to describe their podcasts ...
But what do these words mean?
Not much – especially since "everybody" uses them. And because of this, it's easy for anything you describe this way to be lost.
There's a common sales technique known as FAB. This stands for:
- Feature
- Application (sometimes Advantages)
- Benefit
Rather than using well-worn adjectives to describe your podcast, consider the FAB model to explain what you do and why it matters.
For example, "short episodes" is a feature. Who cares? Only the people who understand the AB part of this – how to use these short episodes and how they'll be helpful.
"You can listen to them on a short commute. And turn 'dead time' into something productive and helpful." – this is a much better way of saying this.
Consider FAB when describing your podcast or selling anything within it, including the ideas you talk about.
Get the audio version of this newsletter for more thoughts.
Podcast Hosting Skills
3 Tips for Sounding Better on Your Podcast
I used to take singing lessons from an opera singer, not because I like opera, but because I knew it would help me be a better rock singer.
In this video, Jessica Hansen, an actress, director, voice-over artist, and vocal coach, shares three common problems with vocal delivery and teaches helpful exercises to improve vocal energy and breath support
Do you have vocal fry? Do you sound scripted? You'll be helped by this.
Problem 1: Low Vocal Energy Low vocal energy can be caused by poor breath support.
Exercise: Pretend to be different kinds of dogs to open up the rib cage and focus on breath support.
It sounds crazy, but it works. And it's no more crazy than me singing “Voi che sapete.”
Problem 2: Breath Control
Exercise: Hold a finger and pretend it’s a birthday candle, try to blow out the flame in five equal breaths to improve breath control.
Any kind of cardio exercise will also help with this.
Problem 3: Vocal Fry
Vocal fry is not physically harmful to the health of your voice, but can be grating to some listeners.
Exercise: Perform a lip trill by trilling the lips with a deep supportive breath to keep the voice forward and avoid strain.
Problem 4: Sounding Scripted
Sounding scripted can be improved by imagining a specific person as the audience and adopting their tone.
Exercise: Read a story in different styles, such as a cowboy, a toddler having a tantrum, or an opera singer to find new places for the voice to go. Or ditch the "radio guy" voice and talk into the mic like you would talk with a friend.
To build a strong vocal presence for audio storytelling, you should practice a daily warm-up routine that involves body, breath, and voice. I also recommend a podcast using the sausage factory format to get you behind the mic working on your delivery, energy, and transitions.
Podcasting Events
PodIndy in Indianapolis - November 4
PodIndy is a one-day podcast training and networking event for independent podcasters. If you're near Indianapolis, this is a great way to connect with other podcasters in the area.
As "big" podcasting events focus more and more on corporate podcasting, rather than indies, it's my hope that we'll see regional events like PodIndy popping up around the country.
LOOKING FOR A SPEAKING GIG? Reach out to Brad via the contact form on the page.
Podcasting Tools
AI Podcast Jingle Creation
AI Jingle Maker is an interesting tool you might find helpful for a tag or other audio imaging for your podcast.
What I like about it:
- inexpensive (audio imaging for around $1)
- quick
- easy
- quality of voices is pretty good
- quality of SFX is pretty good
What I'd like to change:
- more options on how voice tracks are manipulated (for example, a "dry" option)
- more styles for SFX - most sound like 90s pop radio
Still, a good deal for the price and fun to play with. Your first one is free, so try it. And if you get something you like, or even if you don't like it, reach out on Pebble, Bluesky, or Mastodon.
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.
Sticker Mule - $10 Credit!
$10 to spend on custom stickers, magnets, buttons and more for your podcast.
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.