Prologue
Next week is a fresh start for you (and your podcast)
I love the new year and what is symbolizes—hope, dreams, and a fresh start.
What went well for you this year? What are you looking forward to in the upcoming year? Let me know via Mastodon, Bluesky, or Threads and I'll include you in the audio edition of this newsletter.
My focus was on writing this year, with the launch of my daily newsletter on podcasting and a lot of work on my upcoming book, Podcast Launch Plan.
A note about the book, which I think you'll relate to ...
The original release date for this book was October 2022—it's over a year "behind."
Can you relate?
I'll share more thoughts in the audio edition of this newsletter.
I hope you have a great end to 2023 and I'm looking forward to working with you in 2024. Want to do that at a high-level? Check out Big Podcast AMP.
Sponsor
Big Podcast AMP
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.
Steal This Idea
Guest Confirmation Page
Want better interviews with guests? You've got to let them know what you expect from them!
This is the guest confirmation page that Jay Clouse uses for his podcast, Creator Science.
On this page, he breaks down what guests can expect and should prepare for, including:
- Who is listening
- Recording tips (and how to show up)
- How to use the recording software
- Advice for "making a remarkable episode"
This format would be easy to modify and use for your podcast.
What's the first thing you do when a guest books an interview on your podcast? Let me know via Mastodon, Bluesky, or Threads and we'll make that happen!
Podcast Hosting Skills
When interviewing sources, transparency is the key to trust ...
These "best practices" from NPR editors and producers will help you set clear expectations for what happens during and after an interview.
It's easy to forget how much time we spend behind the mic and doing interview-type things. Depending on the topic of your podcast, you may be doing interviews with people who have never had this experience before and, in some cases, never had anybody even ask them for an opinion.
The advice:
- Explain even the basics
- Clarify the pre-interview process
- Set boundaries up front
I've got a story for you, which I'm sharing on the audio edition of this newsletter about a couple of guys I was set to interview and how each blew up.
Want to share your interview (or almost-interview) story? Reach out to me via Mastodon, Bluesky, or Threads. I would love to include you in the audio version of this issue.
Podcast Production
A Month In A Day
We're just a couple of days from January 1st, so now's your chance to get a ton done before the calendar switches to 2024.
Does this sound familiar?
- You've got a ton of things to do.
- These things have been sitting on your to-do list for months.
- They've declared a permanent residence in your brain and draining valuable energy.
Josh has something he calls a "Monthly Day" (read about it here) that may help you.
Want to do it with me? Let me know via Mastodon, Bluesky, or Threads and we'll make that happen!
Podcasting Deals
Automated Podcast Outlines and Episode Notes - Only $29
As its name suggests, this tool takes your speech and organizes it into one of 30+ formats (see list below). And it's only $29 right now ... for life.
These are the automated, one-click output formats:
- LinkedIn Post
- Twitter Thread
- Instagram Caption
- Instagram Carousel
- Instagram Reel Script
- Youtube Video Script
- Quora Answer
- Youtube Recipe
- Academic
- Journalistic
- Medical
- Technical
- Legal
- List
- Book Notes
- Formal Email
- Narrative
- Casual Memo
- Poetic
- Casual Email
- Business Memo
- Descriptive
- Email Newsletter
- Daily Journal
- Minutes of Meeting
- SEO Friendly Blog
- Kid Friendly
- Stream of Consciousness
- Text a Friend
- Humorous
- Simple Clear
- Simple Summary
This is a very good deal for podcasters!
Podcast Humor
New Year, New Podcast?
Got big plans for the new year? Personally, I've decided to continue my daily newsletter on podcasting, but only after successfully doing a 60-day trial, just to be certain about what I'm getting into!
New things fail because we don't know what we're getting into.
If you're inspired to try something new with your podcast in 2024, my advice is to commit to a somewhat significant, but not "crazy" amount of time. One month, two months ... That will give you an idea of what's involved and, should you decide to keep going, allow you to retool things in a way that will let you be successful.
Set yourself up to win!
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.
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.