Prologue
True Story
I live in a city with a lot of unhoused people.
I was in my car, waiting under a bridge for a light to turn onto the interstate, when a guy with a cardboard sign walked in front of me ...
I noticed his pants and did a double-take ... red sweats with CALL HER DADDY running down one leg.
It stood out.
I doubt he bought them online. Maybe somebody had donated the extra stock to Goodwill, like what happens with so much fast fashion?
The bottom line ... Merch isn’t just for superfans. It sends your brand out into the world to live its own life.
So make it good, make it bold, and remember: you don’t get to pick where your message lands. All you can do is make sure it’s worth noticing when it does.
Want help? Work with me.
Want to help? The National Coalition for the Homeless is made up of people, like you, who believe everyone should have a home. How you can get involved.
Sponsor
Big Podcast AMP
If you like the newsletter, you'll love Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program).
This personal coaching program helps you do three things:
- Grow your podcast audience.
- Get people talking about your podcast.
- Make more money with your podcast (and podcasting skills).
You can get details here.
Steal This Idea
Endurance Car Race Features $500 Vehicles
The 24 Hours of Lemons is an endurance race with a twist: The cars cost less than $500 and costumes are unlimited.
For example, a recent race saw a Toyota Yaris painted like a snail, and a team dressed as bees.
Limitations force you to be creative and attaching them to your podcast can be a fun way to engage both you and listeners.
For example ...
You have listeners suggest and vote on topics then, within two hours, produce and release an episode on the winning topic.
Or making a podcast with only $100 of equipment.
By embracing quirky challenges and creative constraints, you not only raise the stakes for yourself but also invite your audience to be part of the journey. These limitations aren’t roadblocks—they’re fuel for fresh ideas, inside jokes, and a genuine sense of community.
The best stories come from working with what you’ve got!
Podcast Marketing
Pins = The Best Merch for Fans?
Do you know about Disney pin trading? It's a big deal for Disney fans.
Marc Gunn has something similar for his music.
It's a very cool idea that could easily be used for your podcast. And for some podcasts, combined with "pin trading" to give listeners a unique way to connect with each other.
Podcasting Events
Empowered Podcasting Conference
I've never been to Empowered Podcasting Conference, so I can't give you my personal experience, but Marc Ronick has a solid reputation in the podcasting community and local/regional events are a great opportunity for podcasters to connect with other podcasters in a personal way.
Having produced my share of events over the year, I understand why "bigger is better" for getting sponsorship and making the numbers work. And it's easy to think that "bigger is better" for networking.
But there's something special about smaller, regional events, where you can really get to know somebody and build relationships within the community.
It's happening September 26-28 in Charlotte, NC.
Podcast Humor
Code Red
If you've done enough episodes, you'll relate to this.
Somebody says something on your podcast and it causes a problem ...
What do you do?
Got a story to share? Let me know via Bluesky!
The Wrap Up
More Help for Your Podcast ...
If you want the shortcut to building a podcast people care about, here’s how Big Podcast can help you …
Free of charge ...
- Big Podcast Extra – Short emails to help you build an audience, attract clients, and make money via podcasting
- Build a Big Podcast – The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters
- Podcast Growth Toolkit – The "Swiss Army Knife" of podcasting ...
For budgets under $750 …
- Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) – Personalized coaching for indie podcasters to help you grow your podcast audience and build your authority, brand, and reputation
For budgets of $3000 or more …
We offer a range of podcasting services including:
- Full-service podcast production and marketing
- Podcast and radio hosting
- Podcast launch and development services