Prologue
A Big Black Man in a World of Skinny White Women
André Leon Talley was a stylist, fashion journalist, and editor-at-large of Vogue magazine.
He was 6'6" and a very big man, who made it in an industry full of people who looked nothing like him.
And after he "made it," he changed it, so people who did look like him would have more opportunities. Much of the diversity we see in fashion today is because of his work.
He said this about his industry:
"You cannot live your life in the elitist world of fashion and not step out or you're disconnected. You have to realize that fashion is not the endgame."
I feel the same way about podcasting. Especially right now, with so many "What's Hot" lists and "New Year Predictions" being released.
What kind of world are these people living in? And what kind of world are we living in if we follow this advice without questioning it?
André Leon Talley didn't become a legend in his industry by following trends—he set trends. And, using fashion, he created the world he wanted to see.
We can do the same with podcasting.
This year, are you going to follow what somebody says is "hot" in podcasting or decide that for yourself? Are you going to do the podcast that lights you up or chase trends?
What would André do?
Sponsor
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If you like the newsletter, you'll love Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program).
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Steal This Idea
What I Learned by Taking a Month-Long Break From Email
If you've thought about ditching email, this experiment is something to consider.
If you feel like a month without email is too much, maybe start with a week or two? A day?
Personally, I absolutely suck as email. Right now, I've got over 3200 messages in my inbox and the only reason the number isn't higher is because I started using Clean Email, which has helped with some of the volume, usually via sorting or auto archiving (for things like receipts).
But emails still come in daily ...
The result is that I have a "break from email" by default—I get to them when I get to them. And I can tell you that you won't die if you do this, although it's uncomfortable to feel like people are waiting on you.
The big takeaways from this experiment were:
- Email is Addictive, But it Doesn’t Have to Be
- An Overwhelming Majority of Emails Aren’t Important
- People Will Applaud You for Taking an Occasional Break
- Email Makes Us More Passive
- Email Has Become an All-In-One Utility Far Beyond Its Originally Intended Use
- A Periodic Sabbatical Works Wonders on the Ego
If you decide to take a break from email yourself, let me know about your experience! Reach out via Mastodon, Bluesky, or Threads.
Podcasting Events
21-Day Podcast Jumpstart – Free for You!
If you're feeling stuck with your podcast, listen up ...
Right now, I'm doing a 21-Day Podcast Jumpstart and you can join for free.
I'll run you through some small, but important things you can do to:
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- Make more money with your podcast
If you're ready to do the work, I'm ready to help you. Start now.
Podcasting Tools
10 Gmail Tips and Tools I Use Daily
If you use Gmail, you'll love this.
Easy ways to:
- Clean up your inbox
- Access multiple accounts (without logging out)
- Filter and organize emails
- Schedule your emails
- "Undo" a sent message
What's your best email trick? Reach out via Mastodon, Bluesky, or Threads and let me know!
Podcast Production
NPR Editor’s Interview Checklist
This is a downloadable checklist for interviewers that will help you make sure you GET THE TAPE!
It breaks everything down "getting the interview" in various stages including:
- Before the interview
- During the interview (live or taped)
- After the interview (taped)
- After the edit
It's worth a look, especially the "after the interview" part, since this part of the process is often neglected and this is where "good" interviews can become "great."
Related ... If you're doing any kind of audience survey, where you ask listeners about the interviews you do, this checklist has some great questions to use!
Podcast Humor
What's Your New Year's Resolution?
I used to have a friend who worked at a gym and said that most of the "new year" people were gone by within six weeks.
I used to be an "all or nothing" guy. I was going at 100% or not going at all—there was no middle ground.
As I've gotten older, I'm approaching things with sustainability in mind. For example, my daily newsletter on podcasting is only five days a week.
That still counts as daily, right? Find out.
Classifieds
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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 ...
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We offer a range of podcasting services including:
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