Prologue
Don't Do This
I saw this sign on the street this week. Actually, several of them.
I knew what it was, because similar signs are common in Nashville, but I went to the QR code on the off chance that I was wrong.
I wasn't ... it's an indie musician trying to get people to her Spotify page.
The message above the link says, "Gotcha! Thanks for your support."
Is it clever? Maybe. But it's also a good way to piss people off.
It's like a Bible verse disguised as a dollar bill ... you immediately take somebody from one emotion to another when the truth is revealed.
Nobody likes to feel like a sucker. Keep this is mind with your podcast.
NOTE: I blocked the QR code to keep you from feeling like a sucker ... and also because I'm petty.
Sponsor
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If you like the newsletter, you'll love Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program).
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- Grow your podcast audience.
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Podcasting Tools
220+ Lifelike AI Voices
Google is the latest company to get into AI voices. Its text-to-speech tool gives you 220+ natural-sounding voices across 40+ languages and variants.
Worth a look.
Podcast Production
The Lies Podcasters Tell Themselves
Have you been telling yourself one (or more) of these?
- Having more time would allow me to produce a great podcast.
- Booking [GUEST NAME] would make my podcast successful.
- Telling listeners “your story” will convince them to subscribe.
- An episode is either perfect or a complete disaster.
- Producing good episodes isn’t possible without [PIECE OF GEAR].
- A larger budget would improve my sound quality.
- Landing that sponsorship is the key to making my podcast thrive.
- Pre-interviews aren’t necessary.
- Getting in front of [INFLUENCER NAME] is essential for growth.
Podcasting success doesn’t come from external factors like gear, guests, or influencers—it comes from consistently creating valuable content that resonates with your audience. Break free from these myths and focus on what you can control: your creativity, preparation, and connection with listeners.
By shifting your mindset and embracing progress over perfection, you’ll be equipped to grow your podcast sustainably—and enjoy the process along the way!
More thoughts in the audio edition of this newsletter ...
Podcast Artwork Templates (and More)
Apple has just released some new design resources, including downloadable templates, best practices, and guides to help create your podcast cover art, episode art, and more.
Podcast Humor
Your Favorite Piece of Gear
What's your favorite piece of podcasting gear? Let me know via Bluesky ...
If I only had $100 to spend on gear, I'd get this.
If I had $1000, I'd spend $449 on this and $149 on this.
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