Buzzcast

We're back from Podcast Movement in New York with thoughts on its new format, the talks we loved, and why some of our favorite moments happened outside the conference. We talk about what independent podcasters need from these events and what we'd do differently if Buzzsprout were to host one. We also go behind the scenes of an industry effort to tackle bot traffic. With AI bots impersonating podcast apps and video files driving up hosting costs, we discuss how verifying apps could help protect real listeners, improve podcast stats, and keep hosting affordable. Plus, Ira Glass's keynote gets us talking about what audio does especially well: helping us listen longer, judge less quickly, and connect with people we might otherwise dismiss. Watch Podcast Movement sessions and keynotes on YouTube (still updating as of publish date) Things That Podcasts Do Better, Ira Glass What 42,000 Consumers Told Us About Podcasting, Tom Webster Send us Fan Mail: Has a podcast ever changed your mind about a person or an idea? Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

We stop trusting browser-based remote recorders and explain why reliability matters more than features when you only get one shot at a great conversation. Kevin shares the Mac-only (for now) native app we’ve been building at Buzzsprout and how we pair it with Zoom or Google Meet while it records clean, local files. Send us a Fan Mail message if you want to test it out! Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

Your next conference talk is probably hiding in your podcast transcripts. As we get ready for Podcast Movement in New York, we walk through how Jordan used our Buzzcast archives and ChatGPT to develop a session pitch that got accepted (even when she barely had time to apply). We share the prompts used to uncover the strongest topics, find stories long forgotten, and shape those ideas into a focused, 20-minute talk. We also try the process with three listeners’ podcasts to show how it can work beyond podcasting conferences. Want help finding a talk idea in your own episodes? Send us Fan Mail with a link to your podcast, and we’ll help you brainstorm! Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

Your podcast can’t grow if listeners can’t find it! It's surprising how many of us never submit our shows to a directory and how many established podcasts are still missing from at least one listening app. We're talking about Buzzsprout’s latest improvements, including one-click submission to 16 podcast directories, smarter reminders for unfinished distribution steps, video players on Buzzsprout websites, faster and more searchable transcript pages, and new customization options for embedded players. These improvements help us reach more listeners by making it easier for people to find and listen to our shows wherever they already spend time. So whether you're launching a new podcast or have been publishing for years, it might be time for to check our directories page and make sure your shows are truly available everywhere! Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

Buzzsprout team member, Cara Pacetti, joins us to talk about how podcasting builds confidence, sparks creativity, preserves meaningful voices, and creates communities where people feel understood. We discuss elementary students running their own show, teenagers connecting across the globe, and a hospice patient whose wisdom continues to reach listeners after her passing. Then we get into Fan Mail about how to recognize meaningful traction when your audience is still small, and why embracing the quirks that make your podcast different may be the key to making it matter. Because when we start a podcast, we don’t just create something for other people. Podcasting changes us, too! Mentioned in this episode: Podcasting Q&A Tiger Talk This Teenage Life Advice 4 The Living Yasha Turning Casual Listeners Into Superfans Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

We want podcasts to stay weird! We're talking about how algorithms, growth advice, and an obsession with polish are making brands, social media, and podcasts feel increasingly alike. Plus, we share how podcasters can preserve the quirks, tangents, imperfections, and human touches that make a show memorable! Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

Spotify is giving listeners a new way to skip past ads, intros, and calls to action. Some podcasters are calling it the beginning of the end of podcasting, and some listeners are singing praises. We put the outrage in perspective, debate whether easier skipping could actually strengthen podcasting, and explore how creators can make sponsorships and calls to action too entertaining to miss. We’re also celebrating several big Buzzsprout launches, including streamlined video distribution to Spotify and YouTube, a major WordPress plugin upgrade, and one-click submission to iHeart. We also get into the EU’s new AI disclosure requirements, consider when podcasters may need to label AI-generated content, and explain what AI tools don't actually fall under the AI Act. Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

Publishing a video podcast shouldn’t mean juggling multiple platforms, logins, formats, and workflows. With Buzzsprout’s new video distribution to Spotify and YouTube, you can upload your video once and we’ll publish it to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and audio podcast apps all from one place! We also discuss early video stats from Buzzcast, and talk about why YouTube is such a powerful way to reach new audiences, while traditional podcast apps continue to build deeply loyal listenership. And we’ve got another distribution update to share: one-click submission to iHeartRadio. Video distribution to Spotify and YouTube is available on all Buzzsprout video plans, with 1080p HD included. Links mentioned: Ed Mylett's 21 days a week routine Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

We’re diving into how to script a podcast without ever sounding scripted so you can get the clarity and structure of a written plan while still keeping your natural voice! We break down the difference between scripts and outlines, which parts of an episode are actually worth writing word-for-word, how to prep guests without over-rehearsing them, and why reading your script out loud is one of the best ways to spot stiff language and tighten your message so you get to the point faster. Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

What does it take to publish 800 podcast episodes without burning out? Turns out, it's treating your podcast like a media supply chain. We’re talking about the biggest lessons from Buzzsprout podcaster Tom Raftery’s fine-tuned podcast workflow built through years of consistent publishing. In his blog, he explains why consistency comes from removing friction, how a foolproof pre-recording process can protect your time and energy, and why the right tools and responsive customer support matter most when something goes wrong. Read Tom's blog Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

A great podcast can still get ignored if the packaging doesn’t convince anyone to press play! Courtney Elmer, founder and CEO of PodLaunch and host of Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast, joins us to put Buzzcast through a live audit of the five Podcast Content Gatekeepers: cover art, podcast name, podcast description, episode titles, and show notes. Score your own podcast along with us, while she helps Buzzcast figure out where it may be losing potential listeners, and why small changes can make a bigger difference than chasing the latest podcast growth tactic. Links mentioned: PodLaunch Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast Bingeworthy Episode Title Cheat Sheet Podcast Health Score™ waitlist (Post show) Check out Courtney's AirBnB! Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

We're explaining why we originally pulled the podcast from Spotify, what changed, and why Spotify’s role in video podcasting finally brought us back. We also discuss our lingering concerns about open podcasting, targeted advertising, and what we’ve learned from working directly with Spotify’s podcast team. Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

We're talking through creating a healthy feedback filter so you can tell the difference between criticism that helps, confusion that needs clarification, and negativity that deserves to be ignored! We discuss where podcasters are likely to get feedback, why public comments can feel so much heavier than private messages, and how to stop one bad review from drowning out all the people who are cheering you on. Links mentioned in this episode: Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet This American Life: Everyone's a Critic Happy to Help: Using Psychology to Thrive in Customer Support with Melody Wilding Buzzcast: 8 Tips To Make Podcasting more Fun And Less Like A Chore Buzzcast: How To Get Listeners To Actually Do What You Ask Buzzcast: Creative Ways To Use Voicemail In Your Podcast Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

After a month of publishing Buzzcast as a video podcast, we have some real stats, workflow notes, and one very painful mistake to talk about. In this episode, we check in on our video podcasting experiment: how many people are actually watching, what Apple Podcasts video stats seem to tell us, and what surprised us most. We talk through what happened when a full video recording failed, why editing video is so much harder than audio, how difficult video files are to transfer, and why an audio setup is much easier than a video setup. Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

Finding a podcast co-host can make your show more fun, sustainable, and dynamic! But picking the wrong person can also make podcasting way harder than it needs to be. In this episode, we talk through where to actually find a good co-host, why a “anyone want to start a podcast?” post is probably not the strongest strategy, and what to look for before you commit to recording together. We also discuss how to test a potential co-host before making things official, why recurring guests or people in your life can become great co-hosts, and why writing down a few simple expectations early can save you from a lot of awkward conversations later. Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

WWDC26 dropped a set of Apple Podcasts changes that could seriously improve how people discover and consume podcasts! We're talking about the few updates podcasters should know about. And if you have a story about how you found a cohost, or advice from your experience with a cohost, let us know by sending Fan Mail! Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

We're talking about the signs you might be ready to start another podcast, whether that means launching a second show, creating a limited series, or letting your current podcast evolve into something new. Check out examples like Potterless, The History of Rome, StartUp, and Presidential to see why some shows naturally reach a finish line while others become the starting point for the next big idea. So if you feel burned out: are you tired, trapped, or finished? If you’re tired, your show may still be worth continuing, but at a slower pace or after a real break. If you’re trapped, the topic, name, or format may be too limiting, and a few small experiments could help you find the spark again. And if you’re finished, it might be time to let the show stand as a completed body of work and put your energy into what comes next! We also talk about how the skills you build as a podcaster carry over into every future project, even if your next podcast serves a completely different audience. Plus, Jordan shares a tiny QR code podcast promotion idea involving Sasquatch, mini resin figures, and a very unexpected dentist’s office ad. Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

In this quickcast, we’re talking about the rise of AI-generated “podcasts” from companies like Amazon and Spotify, and why the word is getting stretched pretty thin. Amazon is turning product reviews into conversational audio. Spotify is experimenting with personalized AI audio experiences. And suddenly, a lot of things that feel more like chatbots, summaries, or audio briefings are being labeled as podcasts. So should podcasters be worried? We don't think so. Links mentioned: Amazon shopping podcasts Spotify Studio's AI Agent Alexa's generated podcasts Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

We’re joined again by Alex Sanfilippo from PodMatch to talk about one of our favorite podcast growth strategies: getting booked as a guest on other podcasts! We talk about why podcast guesting is valuable beyond promotion, including how it helps you sharpen your message, become a better communicator, and build real relationships with other podcasters. We'll also give tips on how to build a podcast guest profile that actually helps hosts say yes. We talk about why your guest profile should not read like a résumé, what hosts are really looking for, how to suggest episode ideas, what links and assets to include, and how to make your pitch feel authentic. We also answer listener questions about shared episodes across multiple feeds, and whether Apple Podcasts Video is worth trying if you are already making video for YouTube. Links mentioned: PodMatch Podcasting Made Simple Buzzcast episode: How to Find Great Podcast Guests: Expert Tips from PodMatch's Alex Sanfilippo Jordan's PodMatch profile Podcasting Made Simple episode with Tom Rossi: Creating a Brand That's Different Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

Small podcasts are often treated like smaller versions of big podcasts, but a niche audience is not just a tiny audience. It can be a more focused, more trusting, and more valuable audience. Inspired by an article in Podnews, we talk about why download numbers do not tell the full story of a podcast’s value. Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

Most podcast repurposing advice sounds the same: turn your episode into clips, blog posts, newsletters, and social captions. That can be useful, but it is not the only way to get more value from your podcast. In this episode, we look at creative ways podcasters are turning their existing content into something new: conversation cards, games, kid-friendly feeds, real-world meetups, field guides, downloadable resources, and more! We also talk about how to use AI to find themes hiding in your archive, why great repurposing starts with what your audience already loves doing, and how to create something additive instead of just changing the format. Plus, we share early stats from the Buzzsprout video launch! Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

We did something new…you can watch this episode as a video on Apple Podcasts! Make sure you're on the latest version (26.4 or higher). But the bigger story is that any independent podcaster can now publish video directly to Apple Podcasts through Buzzsprout! In this episode, we break down why this isn’t just “another place to upload video,” and how it’s fundamentally different from platforms like YouTube. We talk through the opt-in nature of podcasting, why that matters for creators who are tired of chasing algorithms, and where video actually fits into a sustainable podcast workflow. We also walk through how to publish video through Buzzsprout, what happens with your stats, and why this might be one of the easiest windows to get featured on Apple Podcasts. And if you try it, let us know! Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

We break down why “crowded” is usually a clarity problem, not a competition problem, then map the difference between a podcast category and a real niche. We also study five popular business story shows to prove how audience, format, tone, and payoff make similar topics feel completely different! Read Jordan's mention in the WSJ: Why People Who Listen To Podcasts Are Suddenly Feeling Left Out Topics discussed: • Defining category versus niche through audience, format, tone, and promise • Using promise and payoff to stop sounding generic • Reframing "oversaturation" as "demand" and "popularity" • What makes shows fade into the background, from unclear positioning to recycled guest circuits • Case study breakdowns of business story podcasts and how each one niches down • Practical steps to write down and refine your niche over time Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

Publishing more often can help your podcast stay top of mind, get more downloads, and keep your audience engaged. But if you increase your cadence the wrong way, it can also make podcasting feel heavier, more rushed, and a lot less fun. In this episode, we answer a listener question from Rich (Two Guys on a Plane) about moving from biweekly to weekly episodes and break down what has actually worked for us. We talk about the benefits of adding shorter episodes, why quick wins can sometimes perform just as well as longer releases, and how publishing more often has helped us stay in practice without doubling the workload. We also get into the real risks of pushing your schedule too hard, including burnout, lower-quality episodes, missed deadlines, and losing the energy that makes a podcast worth doing in the first place. Listen for different ways to make a higher publishing frequency sustainable, including lighter episode formats, Q&A episodes, bonus conversations, two-part episodes, and experimenting without feeling locked into a forever commitment. Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

Where do listeners actually find new podcasts? We're breaking down the biggest ways people discover new shows today, from podcast apps and search to word of mouth, social sharing, and AI-driven discovery. We also talk about why being easy to recommend matters more than ever, how podcast titles and transcripts can improve discoverability, and why trying to be everywhere online is usually the fastest path to burnout. In this episode: What Alban learned from editing a full episode himself in CapCut Why podcast apps are still one of the biggest discovery channels How search inside podcast apps helps listeners find specific episodes Why word of mouth now includes social shares, guesting, and promo swaps What makes a podcast easy for listeners to recommend How transcripts can help with search and AI-powered podcast discovery Why social media works better when you focus on one or two platforms Listener reactions to new voicemail, Fan Mail, and chapter marker tools A surprisingly practical answer to “what happens to my podcast when I die?” Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

Jordan is out sick, so we talk through Voicemail and why hearing a listener’s voice can change the energy of a show. We share practical ways to collect, edit, and feature voicemails without turning the episode into a messy mailbag. If you'd like your voice featured on the podcast, leave us a voicemail and tell us how you found your latest, most favoritist, podcast episode. Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

We're digging into improved podcasting tools that can make your show easier to manage, easier to discover, and easier for listeners to engage with. (And the best part is its all built into your Buzzsprout account!) Learn how better transcripts can help surface your episodes in search and AI tools, why chapter markers are getting more and more practical to use, and how listener interaction through Fan Mail is getting a big bump with replies and voicemail! Discussed in this episode: Automatic transcripts for more podcasters: why transcripts matter more than ever for accessibility, productivity, and discoverability Back catalog transcript generation: how to add transcripts to older episodes so your full archive becomes more useful Chapter markers inside the transcript editor: an easier way to add and adjust chapters while reviewing your transcript Bulk chapter editing: a faster workflow with the Express Chapter Editor for podcasters who already keep timestamps or chapter notes in their editing tools Fan mail replies: how to respond to listener messages without turning your podcast into another full-time inbox Listener voicemail submissions: a simple way for your audience to send voice messages you can feature in your episodes Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

We break down how to make a call-to-action that listeners actually complete without turning your podcast into a list of chores. In this episode, we cover: • defining a podcast call to action and why it matters across platforms • avoiding stacked asks by choosing one priority • planning CTAs during the outline so they feel intentional • preventing listener selective hearing by varying the wording and prompt • using the Benjamin Franklin effect to ask for help in a compelling way • following the why, what, where formula for clearer direction • testing CTA placement with listener retention and drop-off data • simplifying everything by sending listeners to one website landing page Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

Can AI actually help you make a better podcast??? This week, we break down how to use AI to analyze your podcast episodes, transcripts, titles, and back catalog so you can spot patterns, improve your content, and plan stronger future episodes. Kevin shares how he used ChatGPT to review Buzzcast’s episode titles, downloads, durations, and transcripts to uncover what topics perform best, what kind of conversations create the most engagement, how each host contributes to the show, and where there are opportunities to improve. Along the way, we talk about why back catalog optimization matters, why transcript access is such a big unlock for podcasters, and how AI can be a genuinely useful tool for creators. Steps to run your own podcast analysis: 1. Start with the data: Copy your episode list, including publish dates, titles, durations, and downloads Export or collect your podcast transcripts Upload both into an AI tool like ChatGPT inside a single project so it can reference everything together 2. Then give it some context: Tell the AI that older episodes naturally have more downloads because they’ve had more time to accumulate plays. Ask it to account for that before comparing old episodes to new ones. 3. Analysis prompts we used: Broad analysis “Look at all the episode titles, durations, and downloads. What patterns do you see?” “Based on this data, what questions should I ask if I want to improve my podcast?” Title analysis “Look at my podcast episode titles and downloads and tell me what title patterns perform best.” Transcript and format analysis “Analyze my podcast transcripts and identify patterns in the conversations.” “What types of segments appear most often?” “Which segments create the best conversations?” Host dynamics / speaking analysis “Analyze the speaking distribution across my podcast transcripts.” Future episode planning “Based on my best performing episodes, suggest new episode ideas.” Links mentioned in this episode: 6 Episode Title Tips for Podcast Growth How to Rank Higher and Get Discovered on Apple Podcasts 25+ Creative Podcast Marketing Ideas How to Choose the Right Monetization Strategy for Your Podcast How I Make Money Podcasting blog post Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

We unpack data from Buzzcast's 217-episode archive and a Reddit case study to show how clarity, timing, and structure turn titles into growth engines. We share what actually moves downloads, why length is not the problem, and how to lead with listener outcomes. Tips we discuss: Why clear, benefit-driven titles outperform clever or vague phrasing The myth that shorter podcast episodes perform better (and what the data actually shows) How timely quickcast-style episodes can help you capitalize on trending topics Why search-friendly keywords can improve discoverability How numbers and list-style titles make episodes easier for listeners to scan and click Why leading with the listener’s benefit is more effective than focusing on features or announcements Next episode, we're diving into how to gather and analyze data for your own podcast! Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

This week, we're discussing audio content editing! This isn't the typical audio editing of noise reduction or EQ settings, but how to edit the dialogue and story so your interviews feel tighter, clearer, and way more listenable. We talk about how to “get good tape” (even when a guest gives you a non-answer), what to cut that annoys listeners, and how to remove preambles, filler words, repetition, and random environmental detours without making your show feel robotic. Then we dig into frankenbiting: what it is, why it works, and where the ethical line is, because there’s a big difference between creating clarity and making a fake narrative. If you want your episodes to move faster, land better, and keep the thread from hook to conclusion, this one’s for you! Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

Apple’s newest announcement promised that “video arrives this spring,” but the bigger question is what actually changes for creators who aren’t sitting on network budgets or ad deals. We break down Apple Podcasts’ new HLS video support, why launch partners are all ad-driven networks, and what dynamic video ads could mean for revenue sharing. More importantly, does this shift help independent podcasters grow, or does it mostly refine the playback experience for audiences you already have? Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

In this episode, we sit down with Badr Milligan, host of The Short Box Podcast and co-founder of JAX Podcasters United, to talk about how a simple meetup in 2018 turned into a 500+ member podcasting community. We're covering: How to start a local podcast meetup (even if you’ve never hosted an event) Why bars and restaurants want your group there How to market your event using Eventbrite, local news, libraries, and word-of-mouth When to add workshops, education tracks, or even a charity element How to keep events free without burning out (or selling your soul) Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

We talk through the real costs of a bad interview and share when to publish, when to pass and how to protect your feed without burning bridges. From SmartLess canceling a big-name taping to our own not-so-good experiences, we give practical tips for handling awkward recordings. Special thanks to Kevin of Grit, Grace, and Inspiration for our custom Buzzcast song! (Stay until the end to hear it!) If you have any tips or questions about hosting a meetup, let us know before the next episode. Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

When you first start a podcast, everything feels exciting! But somewhere around six months in, that feeling can change. Recording starts to feel routine. Metrics feel heavier. Deadlines creep in. And podcasting slowly starts to feel more like work than a creative outlet. We are talking honestly about what happens when podcasting stops being fun, and how to bring that joy back without quitting your show. If you’ve been feeling stuck, uninspired, or just tired of hitting publish, there are small, realistic shifts that make podcasting feel lighter, more creative, and more sustainable. 8 Tips to Make Podcasting More Fun Stop letting metrics decide whether you’re enjoying podcasting. Use stats as feedback, not validation. Find the right amount of pressure for you. Too much kills creativity; too little leads to boredom. Lower the bar when you need to. “Good enough” can keep your show alive during busy seasons. Identify what’s draining you and streamline or cut it. Not every task is essential. Play with your format instead of trapping yourself in it. You made the rules and you can change them. Bring your personal interests into the show. Fun increases when the work overlaps with what you love. Change your environment to change your energy. Small physical shifts can unlock creativity. Build community so you’re not podcasting alone. Connection makes the work feel worth it. Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

We’re back from Podfest and this year felt different in some ways. We're recapping our favorite moments from the conference, from reconnecting with Buzzcast listeners and hosting our meetup to surprising industry shifts on the expo floor. We talk about what stood out, what was missing, why the sessions felt more creator-first than salesy, and get into frozen hallways, cold showers, Hall of Fame moments, and one legendary birthday party! Links mentioned in this episode: Join the Buzzsprout Facebook Community Group or the Reddit Community 2026 Podcast Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Tom Webster: What Would You Do If You Actually Loved Podcasting? Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

This episode, we start with a quick look at Apple’s new Creator Studio announcement and what it could mean for podcasters (plus some thoughts on GarageBand, Logic Pro, CapCut, and pricing across creator tools). Then we dig into realistic, healthy podcasting goals. We asked listeners what success would look like for them in 2026, and the answers weren’t about chasing downloads or quitting day jobs. Instead, podcasters talked about consistency, letting go of perfection, building skills, listener engagement, and slowly working toward monetization. Links mentioned in this episode: Apple Creator Studio Alban's Podcast Goals Short Video Buzzcast: Top 5 Motivations To Keep Podcasting Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at Buzzsprout’s most ambitious yearly recap yet! Learn how it was built, why it’s animated, and how it’s designed to help podcasters celebrate their work and share it easily. We dig into favorite stats, surprising listener data, and creative ways podcasters are using playback on social media. Podcast Playback Breakdown We're doing a giveaway for $4,000 in Buzzsprout Ad credits! Find out how to participate: Playback Giveaway Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

Want to know how to start a podcast? We're running an experiment in (almost) real time to see if we can create a brand new podcast in one Buzzcast episode. Megan from Buzzsprout Weekly joins us as we work through her concept and niche, to format, equipment, software, artwork, and launching. We walk through the exact decisions we’d make if we were starting a podcast today! If you’ve been sitting on a podcast idea, feeling overwhelmed, or trying to convince a friend to finally hit publish, this episode shows you exactly how doable starting a podcast really is! Links mentioned in this episode: Buzzsprout About Us Page (can you find Sparkling Dee?) Sign up for Buzzsprout’s upcoming Start Podcasting Cohort for additional support launching! How to Start a Podcast Guide Buzzcast Episode: Never Run Out Of Episode Ideas Podcast Equipment Guide Podcast Name Generator 10 Places to Get Free Music for Your Podcast Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

In this quick episode, we take a step back to appreciate how much podcast listening apps have improved and why that’s such a win for listeners and independent podcasters. Updates from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Overcast, and Fountain, had three big themes: Discoverability: making it easier to find new shows you’ll actually want to listen to Interactivity: likes, comments, and recommendations that help great episodes spread Quality of life: smarter playback controls, enhanced dialogue, chapters, and fewer accidental taps It feels like podcast apps are finally competing on listening experience and we think that’s a really good sign for the future of podcasting! Don't forget to send in your tips as we start planning an episode on how to start a podcast in 2026. If there’s something you wish you’d known when you started, send it our way! Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

In this episode, we turn Buzzcast into a mini help desk: listeners wrote in with their biggest podcasting pain points and bravely submitted their shows for honest, constructive feedback. We dig into things like tightening edits without making conversations feel “too clipped,” keeping loudness consistent across episodes, making dynamic content transitions feel natural, and using your show title and cover art to instantly communicate who your podcast is for. We also talk strategy: How creators with big audiences (especially on YouTube/IG) can guide casual viewers into becoming true podcast subscribers and getting guests to actually share their episode. Podcasts we give feedback to: 7:20 Wander Worldschool 16:50 Two Guys on a Plane 27:58 Midlife with Courage 31:56 Confessions of a Recovering Micromanaging Perfectionist Martyr 37:57 How to Start Up 48:33 This Is How You Think Links mentioned in this episode: Answer the Public Buzzsprout Name Generator Podcasting Q&A: How to Get Guests to Promote Your Podcast with Kate Casey Question for next episode: What do you wish you knew when you started your podcast or what tool exists today that you wish you had back then? Tap the text link in the show notes and send us your answer. Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

A small moment on Podnews Weekly Review sparked a chain reaction: episode shout-outs, listener fan mail jumping in, and a wholesome engagement loop that social media rarely delivers. We also share that Buzzsprout’s annual year-in-review is back with a new name and it’s coming in January (so it includes 100% of your year). Download the Buzzsprout mobile app so you don’t miss it! Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

Whether you’re producing your first episode or your 300th, a smooth, sustainable workflow is the key to a long-lasting podcast. In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the full podcasting process: from capturing ideas and outlining, to recording, editing, and finally publishing! We share the practical habits, tools, and systems that keep Buzzsprout podcasts running week after week. We cover how to avoid bottlenecks, the most common places creators waste time, how to protect your recording schedule, and why templates, quick-capture idea systems, and consistent team habits make all the difference. We’re also discussing recording setups, triple-ender workflows, remote guest tips, calendar discipline, how to streamline episode prep using AI tools, and the biggest workflow mistakes that lead to burnout or podfade. Shoutout to 2025 ARKAST Award winners, Tiger Talk! We hope they inspire more kids to start podcasting! Don't forget to take part in our Buzzcast holiday help desk! Send in something that is a pain point in your podcasting journey and we'll try to find a fix! Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

We explore why filler words exist, when they help, and how to replace the noisy ones with breath, pause, and clean sentence endings. We share fast tools to calm nerves, better mic habits, and a pacing strategy that makes you sound confident without rushing. Watch the full Huberman Labs episode: How to Speak Clearly & With Confidence | Matt Abrahams Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

Monetizing your podcast doesn’t have to mean chasing sponsors or hitting massive download numbers. We break down what podcast monetization actually looks like for indie podcasters and how to choose the strategies that genuinely fit your show. We cover: When you’re truly ready to monetize How sponsorships actually work Affiliate marketing as a simple testing ground Subscriptions options: listen to the full Buzzcast episode Listener support and why it works for every podcaster How to talk about money without feeling awkward Why the future of podcast monetization is all about value and community Read the monetization blog: How I Make Money Podcasting (What Still Works In 2025) Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!