Prologue
Your Podcast in My New Book?
I'm very close to finishing the manuscript for my upcoming book, a podcast launch (or relaunch) plan. I expect to be done with this part in about four weeks.
You can see a mockup cover here.
I'm mentioning this now, before the manuscript is done, because I always use indie podcasters as examples and you might have the perfect podcast to be included in this book.
When I need a specific example, I need it quickly, because I'm working on a specific section and want to move on. So I send out requests in a couple of different ways ...
- The "podcast toolkit" mailing list - get more info (and your free podcast toolkit here
- Bluesky
Examples of what I'll be looking for ...
- Podcasts that launched with a giveaway
- Podcasts that launched with a media tour
- Podcasts that launched with a live event
NOTE: These are just examples ... not what I'm specifically looking for right now. But I may be soon, when I get to these specific sections in my writing.
Would love to get you in, if you're a match.
I'm excited to get this book in your hands. There will also be an audiobook version and a companion guide/workbook (for the overachievers).
Sponsor
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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
Can AI Design Your Podcast Artwork?
Here’s a workflow to design art using ChatGPT o3 that I made based off a guy who did something similar to create a LinkedIn banner.
10 Steps to AI-Generated Podcast Cover Art
- Sketch your banner. Ugly is fine, Just make sure it's legible.
- Upload sketch to GPT o3 and use this prompt: “Provide me with an Ideogram prompt to create podcast cover art from my sketch.”
- Copy the output prompt. This will become your base for image generation.
- Go to Ideogram. Paste the GPT o3 prompt. Set aspect ratio to 1:1.
- Add brand colors. Select them in the style panel.
- Generate art options. Ideogram gives you four to choose from. Pick the one you like the most.
- Remix your favorite (optional) - this will give you visual variations.
- Download and import to Canva. Resize to 3000x3000 pixels for your podcast cover art.
- Use Magic Grab in Canva. Remove unwanted elements. Add your logo if needed.
- Tweak, export, and upload to your podcast media host
All you need to get going is a rough sketch and a clear prompt.
What did you (and AI) come up with? Send it to me via Bluesky!
Podcast Hosting Skills
The Art of Voice-Over Cadences
Vocal cadence is the rhythm, speed, and inflection of your voice as you speak. It’s what keeps listeners engaged, makes your audio sound professional, and helps your personality shine through.
Whether you’re telling a story or interviewing a guest, strong cadence can turn a flat delivery into something dynamic and memorable.
Three things podcasters can do right now to improve their vocal cadence:
- Record and Listen Back: Take a short segment of your show, record yourself, and listen critically. Pay attention to any monotone stretches or awkward pauses, then mark areas where you can vary your pitch or pacing.
- Practice Reading Aloud with Emotion: Pick a news article or script and read it out loud, exaggerating different emotions (excited, serious, surprised). This helps you discover new ways to emphasize words and break up your rhythm.
- Use Pauses for Impact: Deliberately insert short pauses after key points or before punchlines. This not only gives listeners time to process but also makes your delivery feel intentional and confident.
If you're not already doing a daily "sausage factory" podcast, here's how to do one.
Want more on vocal cadence? Read this and watch the attached video.
Podcast Production
Make Your Cables Last Longer
The over/under cable wrap method is a technique used to coil cables in a way that alternates the direction of each loop. it prevents twisting and kinking, which can damage the internal wires and drastically reduce the cable's lifespan.
By using the over/under method, cables lay flat when uncoiled, reducing tangles and making setup or teardown much faster and more professional. Properly wrapped cables also maintain better signal integrity and save money in the long run by avoiding frequent replacements.
Podcast Humor
Too Many Microphones?
It depends on who you ask ...
My divorce attorney has assured me that the size of my collection is perfectly reasonable.
I kid, I kid. I only have a handful of microphones and primarily use two:
RELATED: The price of the SM58 has increased ... for the first time since the 90s.
The Business of Podcasting
Podcasters Are Mad at Spotify ... Again
Spotify is making "play" info public, meaning that everybody and his brother will now see how popular your podcast is on platform.
I think the big issue for most indies is so much of "success" in podcasting is smoke and mirrors mixed with self-deception. It's hard to look honestly at yourself and even harder when everybody else can see it too.
It's much more fun to pretend.
James Cridland of Podnews made a good point (one of many) that this is a self-serving move in that podcasters who want "more plays" on Spotify will drive people to the platform.
But isn't it this way with any platform? For example, one of the ways to move up Apple's charts is to drive all your traffic to Apple, rather than spread it out between "wherever you find podcasts."
What are your thoughts? Let me know via Bluesky.
Classifieds
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
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