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After returning from Podcast Movement in DC, we reflect on the pressures of adding video to your podcast, recognize the growing influence of advertisers and AI at major conferences, and discover how these shifts might impact you as an independent creator. Hear about our adventures and challenges at Podcast Movement in DC, including some humorous travel hiccups and our take on the contrasting vibes between Podcast Movement and PodFest.

Then, get insights into the latest from Apple Podcasts' web layout, the complexities of Patreon's new Apple App Store platform fees, and how these are shaping the future for creators. Plus, find out why we're supporting platforms like Pocket Casts and how you can contribute!

Sound-Off: What experiments have you run on your podcast and how did it turn out?

Links mentioned in the episode: 

• Katelynn's Pickleball Paddles (and Podcast!)
• Buzzsprout Meetup Pictures
• Apple Podcasts on the Web
• Read "How to install Apple Podcasts on Android" by Podnews
• App Store Fees Change for Patreon Creators
• Pocket Casts Adds Ratings

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We've wrapped things up at Podcast Movement just in time to get a recording in! Check out the new Apple Podcasts on the web and let us know what you think by tapping the link to send us a text.

Read "How to install Apple Podcasts on Android" by Podnews.

Don't forget to tell us if we should keep making "snapcasts" for our next sound-off segment!

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As we try to solve the mystery of fluctuating podcast downloads, we delve into a more serious conversation sparked by recent trends on the Buzzsprout platform. Could it be the ripple effect of Apple's auto-download adjustments, or is something else at play? We offer up some troubleshooting tips for fellow podcasters. 

The discussion continues with a look at Spotify's latest features, including transcripts and chapter markers. We'll share firsthand experiences and management strategies to help podcasters make the most of these updates.

Alban will be at the Podcast Movement Meetups next week! If you want to join in on the fun, RSVP here:

• DC Meetup
• Philly Meetup
• NYC Meetup

Plus, we pay tribute to an incredible member of our support team, Addie, as she embarks on a new chapter focused on family. Send in your cheers and warm wishes to support@buzzsprout.com as we celebrate her dedication to the podcast community!

Sound-Off Question: If you're using Fan Mail, how big is your podcast & have you been getting messages?

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In this bonus episode, Pat Flynn shares his top tips for creating a successful podcast, building a tribe of Superfans, and how to monetize with a small audience.

More resources from Pat:

• "Power Up Podcasting" Course
• "Superfans" Book
• Smart Passive Income Podcast
• Pat Flynn's YouTube Channel

Review Buzzcast in Podchaser or Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think of the show.

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In this episode, we discuss Apple Podcasts crossing 2 Million shows, the rumor mill on upcoming changes to both Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and dig into some listener questions

Links from today's episode

• Apply to work at Buzzsprout

Review Buzzcast in Podchaser or Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think of the show.

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• Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods

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In this bonus episode, Agnes Kozera (co-founder of FameBit and Podcorn) shares her top tips for how to pitch your podcast to brands and pricing your show.

Sign up for Podcorn and start securing sponsorships for your show today.

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In this episode, Alban shares his top tips for running an event on Clubhouse, we discuss the newest Buzzsprout features, dive into Apple's decision to abandon "subscribers," and Travis explains what went into creating the last episode of Buzzcast in only 3 days.

If you haven't listened to the last episode of Buzzcast, be sure to check out "The Day Podcasts Stopped."

New features from Buzzsprout

• Daily Downloads
• Episode Number Helper
• Images in Chapter Markers
• Dynamic Descriptions

Links from today's episode

• Podnews: Apple Podcasts to stop using "subscribe"
• Tom Webster: Subscription Confusion, Resolved
• Eric Nuzum, "Make Noise"

Special thanks to those how helped us promote our "How to Start a Podcast in 2021" video

• Carol Marks, "Carol Remarks"
• Greg Collins, "Substitute Teachers Lounge"
• Tom Raftery, "Climate 21"
• Eric Nordhoff, "Courage Cast - Build Your Belief"
• Dariush, "The denimheads podcast"
• Abdulrahman, "Civil Engineering Vibes"
• Richie Brand, "1 Star Recruits"

Review Buzzcast in Podchaser or Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think of the show.

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Go behind the scenes of the first DDoS cyber attack in Buzzsprout's history and learn what we're doing to prevent outages like these moving forward.

Read the full DDoS Technical Post-Mortem Report on our Blog

Charities we supported:

• Feeding Texas
• Front Steps
• Project Vesta

Special thanks to:

• Jack Rhysider, host of "Darknet Diaries"
• Jordan Blair, host of "Dreamful"

Review Buzzcast in Podchaser or Apple Podcasts to let us know what you think of the show.

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In this episode, we'll share behind the scenes stories from our latest YouTube Behind the scenes, bad marketing, big stats, and brand-new tools. Alban, Kevin, and Travis break down how we shot our step-by-step How to Start a Podcast in 2021 YouTube tutorial (yes, Alban really sprinted behind a car), then unpack Vurbl’s “world’s largest streaming audio platform” claim and why spammy outreach is a terrible launch strategy.

Next, we dig into Buzzsprout’s January global podcast stats: what jumped, what dipped, and how many downloads put you in the top 50%. We also talk practical growth tactics (simple CTAs, paid placements in podcast directories/apps like Overcast and Castbox) and a game-changing Buzzsprout feature: manually importing stats from a previous host (Anchor, Libsyn, Podbean, SoundCloud, Spreaker, Blubrry, etc.) so your Buzzsprout account shows your true all-time numbers. Plus, a quick look at the new podcast location tag in your RSS feed for better discovery.

Topics we cover:

• Shooting the “How to Start a Podcast” video (and why entertainment matters in education)
• Vurbl’s questionable marketing email and smarter alternatives
• January download trends across Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more
• Paid promotion ROI inside podcast apps
• How to add episode downloads from an existing podcast to your Buzzsprout RSS feed without losing momentum
• Using the location tag to help listeners find shows about their city or niche place

Links from today's episode:

• Check out Keith's podcast "The Cordial Catholic"
• Buzzsprout Global Stats for January 2021

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In this episode, we check in with our Lake Stevens field correspondent, discuss the differences between Clubhouse and Podcasting, and hear from Josh Kaplan on how he grew Morning Brew's podcast "Business Casual" to more than 6 million downloads within 18 months of launching.

Links from today's episode

• Listen to "The Stoic Jew" podcast, hosted by Rabbi Matt Schneeweiss
• Listen to "Business Casual"
• Follow Josh on Twitter @jkaplan1
• Follow Kinsey on Twitter @kinseygrant

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In this episode, Krystal Proffitt from The Proffitt Podcast joins us to discuss the best ways to use Dynamic Content, shifts we noticed in Buzzsprout's December stats, and whether or not Clubhouse is the next big social media platform.

Links from today's episode

• Add Pre-Rolls and Post-Rolls with Dynamic Content (Video)
• Announcing Dynamic Content for All Buzzsprout Accounts (Blog)
• Buzzsprout December Stats

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In this episode, we'll dive into Buzzsprout's new Dynamic Content tool and look back at all the projects we rolled out in 2020.

Links from today's episode

• Learn more about Dynamic Content
• Subscribe to the Buzzsprout YouTube channel

Review Buzzcast in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

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In this bonus episode, Jordan Harbinger shares his top tips for interviewing guests, growing your podcast, and turning your show into a meaningful side hustle.

Links:

• Watch the conversation on our YouTube channel
• Listen to "The Jordan Harbinger Show"
• Jordan's mini-course on how to be a great interviewer

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This episode, we are revealing how we've made Buzzsprout Ads even better with a way for advertisers to have more control over what podcasts run their ads! Plus, we've rolled out Fan Mail for all Buzzsprout podcasters and are taking the time to answer questions about the new feature. Then, we toss around the idea of a Buzzsprout meetup in a town near you!

View the discussion thread on Twitter/X!

Sound-Off Question: Should we come to your town for a Buzzsprout meetup? 
 

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In this episode, we discuss the impact the global pandemic has had on podcast creators and listeners, why this year featured more company acquisitions than usual, and why the future is bright for podcast creators with Podcasting 2.0.

Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook for a chance to join the beta group for our newest feature.

Listen to Alban's interview with Colin Gray about podcast growth and marketing strategies on Podcasting Q&A.

Check out Podland, a new podcast about podcasting from James Cridland and Sam Sethi.

Subscribe to the Buzzsprout YouTube channel to watch gear reviews, software tutorials, and podcast strategy videos.

Review Buzzcast in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

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In this episode, we investigate why so many podcasters are seeing downloads from Lake Stevens, discuss the sudden drop in downloads from Apple Podcasts, and answer listener questions from the Buzzsprout Facebook group.

Links from this episode:

• Reply All Podcast - Episode #53 In The Desert
• Buzzsprout Platform Stats for November 2020
• Buzzsprout Blog - How to Get the Best Sounding Audio for Your Podcast
• Learn more about Magic Mastering

Check out our new Buzzsprout merch store on Cotton Bureau.

Subscribe to the Buzzsprout YouTube channel to watch gear reviews, software tutorials, and podcast strategy videos.

Review Buzzcast in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

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How many podcast downloads does the average podcast episode get in the first 7 days? We’ve got the real podcast stats. Guest podcast host and YouTuber Tom Buck joins Alban and Travis to break down fresh, IAB-certified podcast metrics from every active Buzzsprout show in October so you can benchmark your own podcast performance without chasing vanity numbers.

We cover:

• The median episode downloads (28) and what that number of downloads actually means for a successful podcast.
• Which listening apps and podcast platforms dominate (hello Apple Podcasts, Spotify, farewell Google Podcasts) and how that impacts your podcast audience, listenership, and podcast marketing on social media and LinkedIn.
• Mobile-first listening vs. smart speakers, plus how to optimize audio for earbuds and cars.
• Apple’s new embed player vs. platform-agnostic players—and why host-provided hosting platforms matter for growth.
• A chat with Listen Notes founder Wenbin Fang about podcast metrics, podcast download numbers, Listen Score, Global Rank, and why gaming the system backfires—just make great content and attract new listeners.
• Sustainability tips for a weekly podcast, managing multiple shows, and juggling YouTube/video podcasts with a full-time job.

Whether you’re launching a new podcast, refining podcast titles for SEO, or planning to monetize with podcast ads or podcast advertising, this episode gives you practical benchmarks, context on the podcasting industry, and a mindset for long-term podcast growth—no matter your podcast genre.

Links from this episode:

• Subscribe to Tom Buck's YouTube channel
• Buzzsprout Platform Stats for October 2020
• Apple Embed Player
• Listen Notes

Check out our new Buzzsprout merch store on Cotton Bureau.

Subscribe to the Buzzsprout YouTube channel to watch gear reviews, software tutorials, and podcast strategy videos.

Review Buzzcast in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

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In this episode, we discuss our new "one click" Podcast Index submission, custom artwork for Visual Soundbites, an easier way to use custom domains for your Buzzsprout podcast website, and answer listener questions about everything from guest release forms to predicting what will happen in podcasting in 2021.

Click here to download a simple guest release form if you want to start using one for your podcast guests.

Check out our new Buzzsprout merch store on Cotton Bureau.

Subscribe to the Buzzsprout YouTube channel to watch gear reviews, software tutorials, and podcast strategy videos.

Review Buzzcast in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

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In this episode, Adam Curry joins the crew to talk about the origins of podcasting, what's going on with The Podcast Index, and what the future of podcasting looks like for independent creators.

Listen to Adam on the No Agenda podcast.

Subscribe to the Buzzsprout YouTube channel to watch gear reviews, software tutorials, and podcast strategy videos.

Review Buzzcast in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

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In this episode, we answer listener questions gathered from the Buzzsprout Podcast Community Facebook group. (Check the Chapter Markers to jump to a specific question)

Email sales@podlp.com if you're interested in running paid ads on PodLP to promote your podcast.

Subscribe to the Buzzsprout YouTube channel to watch gear reviews, software tutorials, and podcast strategy videos.

Review Buzzcast in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

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In this episode, Tom joins us to talk Buzzsprout stats, IAB Certification, adding Transcripts to the RSS Feed, and our reaction to watching "The Social Dilemma" on Netflix.

If you're an app developer or podcast host, here's Buzzsprout's spec document for adding Transcripts to the RSS feed.

Big shoutout to Brad and Jonathan who do a phenomenal job moderating the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook. Be sure to check out their podcasts!

• Gay Mystery Podcast hosted by Brad
• Halfwit History hosted by Jonathan and Kiley

Send an email to support@buzzsprout.com to let us know which stats you'd like us to discuss the next time Tom joins us for Buzzcast.

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In this episode, we'll tell you how to test drive Magic Mastering for free on your next episode, Alban gives us an update on Amazon Podcasts, and we discuss the value of the newly launched Podcast Index for the future of podcasting.

Watch Alban's breakdown of the Amazon Podcasts launch on the Buzzsprout YouTube channel.

The Joe Budden Podcast with Rory and Mal - Episode 375 | "View from the SPOT"
(Start at around 64 minutes)

Send an email to support@buzzsprout.com to let us know which stats you want us to discuss next time we bring Tom on the podcast.

Subscribe to the Buzzsprout YouTube channel to watch gear reviews, software tutorials, and podcast strategy videos.

Review Buzzcast in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

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In this episode, Tom Rossi (co-founder at Buzzsprout) joins us to talk about the new Visual Soundbite feature and help breakdown how many downloads the average podcaster in Buzzsprout gets in 2020.

Total number of downloads in the last 30 days

• 98 downloads puts you in the Top 50% of podcasts
• 302 downloads puts you in the Top 25% of podcasts
• 982 downloads puts you in the Top 10% of podcasts
• 2,373 downloads puts you in the Top 5% of podcasts
• 14,959 downloads puts you in the Top 1% of podcasts

Top Podcast Apps

1. Apple Podcasts - 50.8%
2. Spotify - 18.3%
3. Castbox - 3.1%
4. Podcast Addict - 2.7%
5. Overcast - 2.5%
6. Stitcher - 2.2%

Top Devices

1. Apple iPhone - 57.9%
2. Android Phone - 23.1%
3. Windows Computer - 4.3%
4. Apple Computer - 2.3%
5. Apple iPad - 1.3%

Subscribe to the Buzzsprout YouTube channel to watch gear reviews, software tutorials, and podcast strategy videos.

Review Buzzcast in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

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In this episode, Krystal Proffitt joins us to discuss the newest long distance recording solution, Spotify's change of heart regarding formatted show notes, and Amazon's new podcast directory.

Check out AvantLink to find affiliate programs for your podcast and use the Brand Mention feature in Buzzsprout to easily add affiliate links to your episode show notes.

Send an email to support@buzzsprout.com and let us know how you'd like us to intro the next episode of Buzzcast.

Subscribe to the Buzzsprout YouTube channel to watch gear reviews, software tutorials, and podcast strategy videos.

Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook, so you don't miss out on the "Free Year of Descript" contest we plan on running soon.

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Buzzsprout's latest feature delivers listener love straight to your phone — Fan Mail! We dive into how we've been secretly testing this new tool and how you can turn it on for your own podcast. Then we discuss the difference between IAB certification and compliance, to celebrating the grind behind content creation success stories like Marques Brownlee.

View the discussion thread on Twitter/X!

📣 Sound-Off Question: Turn on Fan Mail for your podcast and let us know what you think! To have your response featured in our next episode, tap the link above to shoot us a text!

Links mentioned in this episode:

•  IAB "Compliance" and "Certification - the difference
• MKBHD tweet
• School of Podcasting: Podcasting's Deep Connection with Alban Brooke

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Enjoy this bonus podcast episode where we went back through the Podcasting Q&A and 5 Minute Mondays archives to find the top 10 things we wish we knew before starting a podcast.

10 Tips (Check the Chapter Markers for time stamps)

1. Focus on audio quality
2. Podcast intros
3. Ideal podcast length
4. Go on other podcasts
5. Guest promotion tips
6. Use templates
7. Format your show notes
8. Do you need a website?
9. Promoting on social media
10. Batch your episodes

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Want a real podcast monetization strategy that fits an indie show? In this episode, we unpack three monetization options inside Buzzsprout and how to use them in your show notes, workflow, and stats.

1. Affiliate marketing (easy, fast, scalable)

We show you how to add both Buzzsprout’s built-in affiliate marketplace and your own affiliate programs . You’ll hear tips on brand fit, disclosure language, and using “Add a Brand Mention” so your podcast listeners see the right link every time.

2. Podcast sponsorships (beyond CPMs)

CPM isn’t the only model. We explain flat-fee podcast sponsorships, smart ad placement (pre-roll, mid-roll, post-roll), and how Buzzsprout’s Podcorn integration helps you pitch brands, verify metrics and demographics, and negotiate deals that match your loyal audience size. 

3. Listener support & subscriptions

From a simple “Support the Show” link to Patreon, Buy Me a Coffee, or PayPal, we cover inviting listener support without being pushy. Use it to fund better gear, offer ad-free or exclusive content, early access, bonus content, or even limited merch (t-shirts, stickers) for your community.

New in Buzzsprout:

• Achievements in Stats – Gamified milestones (downloads, podcast episodes published, podcast age) to keep you motivated and shareable on social media.
• The Monetization tab – A single home for sponsorships, affiliates, and support links inside your podcast hosting dashboard so you can optimize your revenue stream as you grow.

We also shout out Anna Jaworski (Heart to Heart with Anna) for today’s opener and swap recent podcast recs—from Naval’s bite-size series to Dithering’s 15-minute tech hits.

Podcast Recommendations:

• Naval
• Dithering
• Creating a Brand

Here's the video Alban mentions in the episode when we're talking about how to effectively pitch yourself to brands.

Check out our affiliate links below and go to the podcast website for this episode to see how our sweet custom graphics look!

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In this episode, we'll discuss this week's big acquisition, Spotify's new podcast charts, and the ADA compliance lawsuit filed against Gimlet Media for failing to provide closed captions or transcripts of their podcasts.

Send an email to support@buzzsprout.com and let us know how you'd like us to intro the next episode of Buzzcast.

Check out how easy it is to add transcripts to your podcast in Buzzsprout.

Articles referenced in this episode:

• SiriusXM to Acquire Podcast Platform Stitcher for up to $325 Million
• Get discovered with Spotify’s new podcast charts
• Kahlimah Jones vs Gimlet

Subscribe to the Buzzsprout YouTube channel to watch gear reviews, software tutorials, and podcast strategy videos.

Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook, so you don't miss out on the "Free Year of Descript" contest we plan on running soon.

Review Buzzcast in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

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In this episode, we'll discuss India's newest podcast app PodLP, dive into Pandora's quirky stats package, chat about the importance of podcast transcripts, and explain how you can add chapter markers to your episodes in Buzzsprout.

Submit your podcast to PodLP

Learn more about Magic Mastering and what it can do for your podcast's audio quality.

Articles referenced in this episode:

• Podcast transcripts: who's in control? feat. Kevin Finn
• Pandora for Podcasters Introduces New Podcast Analytics Features for Creators

Subscribe to the Buzzsprout YouTube channel to watch gear reviews, software tutorials, and podcast strategy videos.

Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook, so you don't miss out on the "Free Year of Descript" contest we plan on running soon.

Review Buzzcast in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

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In this episode, we weigh the pros and cons of the new Podhero app (will it actually help podcasters make more money?) and work our way through the recent spate of podcast company acquisitions to discuss their impact on independent podcast creators.

Check out Rabbit Hole, our new favorite podcast at Buzzsprout HQ.

Articles referenced in this episode:

• Meet Podhero - The Easiest Way to Support Podcast Creators
• YouGov - How many Americans are willing to pay for podcasts?
• SiriusXM Acquires A Podcast Management and Analytics Platform
• Spotify strikes exclusive podcasting deal with Kim Kardashian West
• Hand Over Advertiser Info or Be Taken Down: Ximalaya Shocks Podcasters

Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook, so you don't miss out on the "Free Year of Descript" contest we plan on running soon.

Review Buzzcast in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

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In this episode, we announce the five winners of our Buzzsprout Podcast Community 10k Member contest, discuss Buzzsprout's new Descript integration, sit down for a chat with Heather from Descript, and ponder why Amazon is considering getting into the podcast game.

Check out our full Descript review and walk-through.

10k Facebook Group Winners:

• Cullen Reeves, We're Here For The Boos
• Mark Jacob Halberg, The Fandom Effect
• Martin Cowan, Movie Probe: With Stewart and Martin
• Keila Cash, WrestleSoapTopia
• Professional Use Only Podcast

Join the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook, so you don't miss out on the "Free Year of Descript" contest we plan on running soon.

Articles About Amazon Podcasts:

• "Amazon’s Audible Goes Beyond Books to Chase Spotify in Podcasts," Bloomberg
• "Scoop: Amazon's local podcast play," Axios

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In this episode, we do a deep dive into the bombshell that Joe Rogan will soon be exclusively available on Spotify, what worries us about Podcast Addict getting kicked out of the Google Play store, the new Buzzsprout Transcripts feature, and some of our favorite podcasting tools for taking your show to the next level.

Read the official press release put out by Spotify and Joe Rogan about the new $100 Million deal.

Watch Travis' session from the Outlier Podcast Festival on the Buzzsprout YouTube channel.

Review Buzzcast in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

Have an idea for something we should talk about? Submit a topic in our Listener Suggestions form or post it in the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook

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In our first-ever live-streamed episode, we revisit the new Magic Mastering feature in all its glory, Alban shares his experience as a guest on Smart Passive Income, and we dive into Google Podcasts Manager.

Claim your podcast on Google Podcasts Manager.

Check out Alban's guest appearance on the Smart Passive Income podcast. (Emergency Episode #4)

Livestream Software:

• Ecamm Live
• Restream
• Squadcast.fm

Places to find podcasting gear:

• B&H Photo
• Sweetwater
• Crutchfield
• BSW

Review Buzzcast in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

Have an idea for something we should talk about? Submit a topic in our Listener Suggestions form or post it in the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook

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• Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods

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In this week's episode, we'll discuss exciting the videos and podcasts coming soon from Buzzsprout, all the projects we wrapped up in our last work cycle, and chat with JJ about what makes Goodpods a great opportunity for podcasters to grow their audience.

Download Goodpods from the Apple app store (Currently available in the US and Australia)

New Content from Buzzsprout:

• Audacity Tutorial series on YouTube
• 5MM Rebrand into Podcasting Q&A
• Hindenburg Tutorial

X-Ray Cycle Projects:

• New subscribe buttons added to podcast episode pages
• More functionality on our mobile website
• One-click submission to 4x new podcast directories
• Magic Mastering

Review Buzzcast in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

Have an idea for something we should talk about? Submit a topic in our Listener Suggestions form or post it in the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook

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• Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods

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In this week's self-quarantine edition of Buzzcast, we discuss Kevin's new podcast recording studio, whether or not podcast downloads are bouncing back, what we think of Podtrac's newest data product, and why Hindenburg is the best software you've never heard of.

Check out Kevin's write-up detailing his home podcast studio build-out.

Watch our Hindenburg Journalist Pro tutorial on YouTube.

Review Buzzcast in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

Have an idea for something we should talk about? Submit a topic in our Listener Suggestions form or post it in the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook.

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Alban is back from Podcast Movement Evolutions in Los Angeles! We discuss all the big stories and takeaways from the week, including how podcast downloads are down but listening is up, what YouTube's up to with podcasts, and why video is killing more podcasts now than ever before.

View the discussion thread on Twitter/X!

📣 Sound-off question: What are your thoughts on adding video to podcasting? Is it a good thing or a bad thing for the industry? To have your response featured in the next episode, use the link above to send us a text message.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• George Tries to Avoid a Break-Up "Believe it or not, George isn't at home"
• Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee: Sarah Jessica Parker "Bill Take"
• Biden, Clinton, and Obama to Appear on Smartless
• Podcast Standards Project
• The Infinite Dial 2024
• YouTube's Keynote at PME
• All Podcasts Are Shows; Not All Shows Are Podcasts
• The Truth About "Video Podcasts" on YouTube
• LiquorStoreGuy Convinces Alban to see the eclipse

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Forced out of the same room by COVID-19, the hosts prove you can still make a high-quality podcast from home. In this episode, we breaks down remote podcast recording basics: gear, software, and workflow, so beginners and pros alike can keep turning out studio-quality shows. 

We also cover what to do when your internet connection or wi-fi flakes out, why headphones matter, and how to salvage quality recordings from a shaky recording session with remote guests or a phone call.

Expect practical tips for remote interviews, video conferencing, video recording, even a quick nod to live streaming or launching a video podcast if that fits your podcast production goals. We run through podcast recording software settings, transcription options, and a smooth podcast editing workflow so your podcast episodes still sound like the best podcast you can make.

Then we pivot to Google’s brand-new Google Podcasts app for iPhone—why it launched on iOS first, how the search function handles show notes, links, and Spotify-style limitations, what’s missing (CarPlay, playlists, gated RSS feeds), and what this means for podcast hosting, discovery, and cross-platform listening.

Highlights:

• Remote podcast recording 101: mics, local recording, remote recording software, and quality recordings without the studio.
• Double-ender explained (and why SquadCast automates the hard parts).
• Quick fixes for echo and background noise when you can’t be in-person.
• Managing audio files, post-production, and keeping high-quality audio with limited internet.
• First impressions of Google Podcasts on iPhone—and how podcasters can use it to reach new listeners.

If you’re adjusting your workflow, dealing with remote recording tools, or just trying to keep your intro tight while your kids crash the call, this episode will help you keep creating a high-quality podcast that serves your audience.

Affordable sound treatment to improve your audio quality:

• 2" Foam Panels
• Bass Traps
• Sound Blanket

Remote recording software solutions:

• Squadcast
• Zoom
• Skype

Blogs to help you podcast from home:

• How to Record Long-Distance Podcast Interviews
• How to Record Phone Calls for Podcasts
• Acoustic Treatment for Podcasters: How to Prepare Your Home Studio Without Spending a Lot of Money

Review Buzzcast in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.

Have an idea for something we should talk about? Submit a topic in our Listener Suggestions form or post it in the

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This week we recap this year's Podfest Expo, dive into the monetization strategies that are currently working for indie podcasters, and share about several companies we like that are innovating in the podcast space.

Review Buzzcast in Podchaser and Travis will listen and review your podcast as well!

Download Alban's slides from Podfest on "How to Monetize a Podcast with less than 10,000 Listeners."

Companies we like a lot:

• Podchaser
• Squadcast
• Goodpods

Have an idea for something we should talk about? Submit a topic in our Listener Suggestions form or post it in the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook.

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This week we recap the new Buzzsprout features we released in our Whiskey work cycle, take a moment of silence to commemorate the discontinuation of the Audio-Technica ATR2100, and reveal the innovative podcasts we've been listening to recently.

Join our free How to Start a Podcast online course.

Check out the Samson Q2U, our new most recommended microphone for new podcasters.

Download Travis' slides from the Spark Christian Podcast Conference on Understanding Your Analytics (and sign-up for the Digital Access Pass to watch the keynote).

Here's a list of the projects we wrapped up during the Whiskey work cycle:

• Advanced Podcast Statistics
• Public Support Ratings
• "How to Start a Podcast" online course
• Untitled Episode dies
• Custom Episode Webpage
• Skip Audio for Now

Podcasts we mention in this episode:

• The Kid Critics
• Panic Podcast / Episode 2: Pantscast
• Naval Podcast (Tweet-storm episodes)
• 1619 by The New York Times
• Impeachment, explained by Vox
• Pod Save America: On the ground in Iowa

Have an idea for something we should talk about? Submit a topic in our Listener Suggestions form or post it in the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook.

Disclosure: Some of these product links are affiliate links, which means Buzzsprout might receive a small commission if you decide to purchase them.

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This week we talk about Buzzsprout's Podfest Party at Disney World, 2020 podcast trends across all of Buzzsprout's users, and answer an RSS feed question from Alex.

Learn more about Feedburner and Apple's Mirror Links if you're interested in controlling your RSS feed outside of your podcast host.

Have an idea for something we should talk about? Submit a topic in our Listener Suggestions form or post it in the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook.

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• Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods

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This week we talk about the launch of Buzzsprout's Advanced Podcast Statistics and how to leverage them to grow your podcast audience.

Get early access to Buzzsprout's new advanced podcast stats by subscribing to our YouTube channel.

If you know you'd benefit from working with a podcast coach, get on the waitlist for Krystal Proffitt's "Proffitt Podcasting" course and get early access to her podcast book coming out later this year.

Check out our recently revamped How to Start a Podcast guide if you're new to podcasting.

Have an idea for something we should talk about? Submit a topic in our Listener Suggestions form or post it in the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook.

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• Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods

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In this special bonus episode, Travis sits down with one of the godfathers of podcasting - Eric Nuzum.

Eric created and developed podcasts such as TED Radio Hour, Invisibilia, Fresh Air with Terry Gross, and many others and he shares that wisdom and expertise in his new book Make Noise: A Creator's Guide To Podcasting And Great Audio Storytelling.

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• Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods

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This week we talk about Spotify's new podcast ad tracking (ugh), early 2020 podcast conferences we'll be going to, and why podcast critics shouldn't be in your target audience.

Get early access to Buzzsprout's new advanced podcast stats by subscribing to our YouTube channel.

Q1 Podcast/Marketing Conferences:

• PM Evolutions
• Spark Christian Podcast Conference
• Podfest Expo 2020
• Traffic & Conversion Summit 2020

Check out our recently revamped How to Start a Podcast guide if you're new to podcasting.

Have an idea for something we should talk about? Submit a topic in our Listener Suggestions form or post it in the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook.

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• Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods

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This week we took a deep dive into stats and trends we're seeing across all of our Buzzsprout podcasters from 2019 AND offering our takes on some of the 2020 podcast predictions floating around the web.

Two articles worth reading:

• 20 Podcast Predictions for 2020 from Top Industry Leaders
• Podcast Trend Predictions For 2020

Have an idea for something we should talk about? Submit a topic in our Listener Suggestions form or post it in the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook.

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This week we offered our take on the latest IAB stats hiccup and recap a monster year with a rundown of all the new features we released for Buzzsprout in 2019.

Check out our unreleased (but quite hilarious) PodMic vs ATR2100 YouTube thumbnail.

Wanna see our newest Top Secret project? Watch the "Podcast Editing Tips" video on YouTube to spot the new feature coming in 2020.

Here's a list of all the new features we mentioned in this episode

• Buzzsprout API
• Export your stats
• Achievement Emails
• Podcast Gear Review videos
• Resources Section
• Podcast Website Redesign
• Visual Soundbite Enhancements
• New sidebar on Episode Detail page
• Share episodes to LinkedIn
• Wave player has directory links
• Better UI for people with multiple podcasts
• "How to Start a Podcast" video series
• Buzzsprout Affiliate Marketplace
• Team Members
• Buzzsprout Creator Program
• Better embed code for episode players
• Character count in the description field

Have an idea for something we should talk about? Submit a topic in our Listener Suggestions form or post it in the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook.

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• Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods

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This week we offer our take on the RSS expansion discussions, Podcorn's new monetization platform, we review the 2019 Discover Pod Awards winners, and jump into the Customer Support Mailbag with Priscilla.

Do you want Priscilla to start a Taylor Swift Podcast? Write into us at support@buzzsprout.com (10 emails and she's gonna do it!)

Check out the 2019 Discover Pod Awards winners to find your next favorite podcast.

Podcasts we're into:

• The Happiness Lab
• Spermcast
• REWORK

Have an idea for something we should talk about? Submit a topic in our Listener Suggestions form or post it in the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook.

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Tom Rossi, co-founder of Buzzsprout, joins us for this episode as we dissect Spotify's TikTok-inspired podcast discovery feature and why podcasters may or may not want their follower count to be public. We also cover the potential ripple effects of a TikTok ban on promotion strategies, and whether it hinders expanding your listener base. Then we discuss why major podcasts are shifting from ad-supported to listener-supported models, revealing a fundamental change in how podcasts sustain themselves.

View the discussion thread on Twitter

📣 Sound-Off Question: What ways do you provide for listeners to contact you? To have your response featured on our next episode, send us a text at 855-951-4230!

Links mentioned in this episode: 

• Tom on his way to the Las Vegas airport
• Spotify Reveals Podcast Numbers For Joe Rogan
• Podcast Business Journal OP3 List
• TikTok's Podcast Boom Might Be A Bust
• A Big Announcement from Search Engine

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• Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods

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This week we cover some new updates from Apple Podcasts and Spotify (hint: one could be a pretty big deal), talk about the "curse of knowledge" and its impact on your podcast, and share some uncommon podcast growth strategies.

Check out our epic marketing blog where 50 podcasters share the tactics they use to grow their shows.

Have an idea for something we should talk about? Submit a topic in our Listener Suggestions form or post it in the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook.

Have a question? Shoot us an email at support@buzzsprout.com

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• Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods

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This week we cover tips for breaking through the "podcast plateau," what to do if you're experiencing burnout, and answer some frequently asked questions with Priscilla.

Customer Support Mailbag:

• What is an RSS Feed? (And where can I find mine?)
• Why are my episodes out of order?

Have an idea for something we should talk about? Submit a topic in our Listener Suggestions form or post it in the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook.

Have a question? Shoot us an email at support@buzzsprout.com

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• Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods

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This week we cover some frequently asked questions and go through every feature we added to Buzzsprout over the last several weeks, including:

• Multiple Team Members
• Affiliate Marketplace
• Blog RSS Feed
• Buzzsprout Creator Program

You can subscribe to our blog by entering https://www.buzzsprout.com/blog.rss into your favorite feed reader.

Interested in applying for the Buzzsprout Creator Program? Learn more about it and submit your application at buzzsprout.com/creator

Have an idea for something we should talk about? Submit a topic in our Listener Suggestions form or post it in the Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook.

Have a question? Shoot us an email at support@buzzsprout.com

Contact Buzzcast

• Send us a text message
• Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods

Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!