Prologue
Are You Really Listening to Your Guests?
It's common for new podcasters to think a podcast interview is the same as a conversation.
It's not. Interviews have more focus than conversations.
The same is true for one for of the most important skills of a podcast interviewer—listening.
Think about the conversations you've had this week. Few people really listen.
Great interviewers don't just ask questions—your podcast isn't a police interrogation and you're not just looking for "facts." Great interviewing begins before the first question is even asked, when you create an environment where guests feel respected, understood, and free to speak their truth.
When you have these things, "interviews" take care of themselves.
As long as you listen.
To be a better listener, you must fully engage, empathize with the speaker's emotions, and respond thoughtfully. To develop these skills, I highly recommend taking a look at the Imago dialogue framework, which can easily be modified to work with podcast interviews.
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Steal This Idea
Inbox Zero Trick - Start Fresh with Your Email
Inbox Zero is something most people think of at the first of the year. However, you may find it helpful to do a mid-year review, just to make sure things don't get out of hand.
There are a lot of ways to achieve "Inbox Zero," but I love this one, since it's instant and will immediately allow you to keep tabs on new messages as they come in.
In other words, you can have a fresh email box within the next ten minutes and, when you go to bed tonight, it will be empty.
How great would that feel?
Make it happen, then let me know via Mastodon, Bluesky, or Threads.
Podcasting News
How a Glitch in Descript Drew Me Into the Disturbing World of OpenAI
This is an interesting story that gives some insight into how AI tools gather data to work with.
Is your podcast being used for AI content without you even knowing it?
Maybe.
Even the people at OpenAI know this is a legal grey area. Still, I think it's important for us to keep in mind that these "legal grey areas" are how innovation occurs.
Uber and Lyft? These were legal grey areas. Same for AirBNB.
Technology moves quicker than our laws.
What is OpenAI saying about you? Ask it for your bio and let me know via Mastodon, Bluesky, or Threads whether you think it's accurate.
RELATED: If you want OpenAI to say something nice about you, feed it something nice about you.
Podcast Humor
Let's Talk About Your Holiday Plans
Independence Day for the US is next week.
Have you thought about how you'll be spending your time?
I love to see dedicated podcasters who do whatever it takes to get an episode out on schedule. But ... remember that it's good for both you and listeners to take an occasional break.
Nervous about skipping a week? If you're looking to test the waters, a holiday is a great way to do that.
And if you need a funny way to let listeners down easy, feel free to swipe this meme! ;)
Podcast Monetization
Podcast Advertising Delivers 4.9 Times ROI and Outperforms Traditional Media, According to New Study
The study reveals that podcast advertising not only surpasses other media in brand building. but is also highly effective in generating long-term sales.
If you're selling ads on your podcast, take note of this and add it to your pitch!
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Castmagic - Automated Episode Notes
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The Wrap Up
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