Welcome to the world of Mike Dell—where tech, storytelling, and a bit of off-the-cuff wisdom collide. Broadcasting from Northern Michigan, Mike shares his thoughts on podcasting, technology, travel, aviation, and whatever else crosses his radar. No scripts, no rules—just real conversations, eclectic topics, and a relaxed vibe. If you’re into podcasts that feel like a chat with an old friend, pull up a chair and tune in.
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What is called a podcast has sparked more debate in our community than mic choices or interview styles.
There’s a lot of confusion, and even controversy, around this seemingly simple question. And if you’ve been in the podcasting game for any amount of time, you’ve likely heard a dozen different definitions.
According to WhatsAPodcast.com:
podcast (noun)
Episodic multimedia content that is downloadable via RSS (“really simple syndication”). A podcast can be audio or video.
Yes, this is technically correct. But let’s be real. That doesn’t really explain what a podcast is in the way that matters to us as creators.
A Podcast Is a Distribution Method, Not Just a “Show”
At its core, a podcast is a show distributed via podcasting technology. Namely, RSS feeds. That’s it. The magic isn’t in the audio file or video format, It’s in how it gets to your audience. A podcast isn’t just a genre of content, it’s a method of delivery. That’s a crucial distinction we, as creators, need to understand… Even if our audiences don’t.
Listeners (or viewers, if it’s video) might never think twice about RSS. But we should. RSS is the backbone of podcasting. It allows for decentralized distribution, meaning no single company owns or controls where or how your content is accessed. That’s not a bug, it’s a feature.
Why YouTube Isn’t a Podcast (And That’s Okay)
There’s a common argument: “If I post my show on YouTube, that’s a podcast, right?”
Well… Not quite.
A video uploaded to YouTube is a video. You might also be running a podcast that features the same content, but unless it’s distributed via RSS, it’s not technically a podcast. It's just another method of media distribution. And, There is NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT.
There are many ways to distribute a show:
TV or radio broadcast
YouTube or other video platforms
Embedded audio on a website
Live streaming
Podcasting via RSS
The important thing is understanding what makes something a podcast: RSS-powered syndication that lets people subscribe (or follow) and receive new episodes automatically, in their preferred app, without being tied to any one platform.
Why This Matters to Independent Creators
You might ask, “Who cares if my content is called a podcast or not?”
Well, as an independent creator, you should care… at least a little. RSS keeps podcasting open and democratic. It’s what allows your show to appear on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Overcast, and hundreds of other directories, all without being locked into a single ecosystem.
When your content lives only on one platform, you’re at the mercy of that platform’s algorithm, terms of service, and monetization policies. With podcasting, you own your feed. That’s powerful.
Use Podcasting as One Tool in Your Creator Toolkit
Here’s the good news: You don’t have to choose just one path. You can distribute your content however you like.
Record your live radio show? Great turn that into a podcast. Record a video for YouTube? Strip the audio and publish it as a podcast. Do a podcast? Add video and stream it live. Repurpose your content across channels. Just understand the distinctions.
Podcasting is just one way to reach your audience. But it’s a way that gives you freedom, control, and ownership. And that’s why it’s worth preserving the true meaning of what a podcast is.
A podcast isn’t defined by whether it’s audio or video, entertaining, educational or just plain stupid. It’s defined by how it’s distributed. Via RSS. Understanding that gives you more power as a content creator, not less.
Keep creating. Keep sharing. And most importantly, keep owning your feed.
HAPPY PODCASTING!
Missing People, Missing Time and Missing Podcasts – MDW 404
Episode 404
Saturday, September 20, 2025 • Duration 21:28
In episode 404 of "Mike Dell's World," titled "Missing People, Missing Time and Missing Podcasts," host Mike Dell opens by greeting listeners and noting the episode number's significance, linking it to the theme of being "not found" or "missing." He reflects on his absence since May 29 and shares personal experiences of loss.
Mike addresses the passing of his father in December, which has left him feeling a sense of missingness, particularly as he takes on household responsibilities his father used to manage. He also shares the recent unexpected death of his cohost Todd Cochrane, which has thrown his company, Blubrry Podcasting, into turmoil. Mike recounts attending Todd's funeral, where many podcasting peers gathered to celebrate Todd’s life and legacy. He shares memories of attending Podcast Movement in Dallas with Todd and how their dynamic was central to the experience, highlighting the challenges he faces now without him.
The episode then transitions into updates on Mike's life, including difficulties with time management, ongoing flight training, and personal projects around his home. He talks about the stress of caregiving and estate management for his family, as well as the trials of hauling campers and maintaining his mother's camper for friends.
Mike also discusses his recent flight checkride and his experiences with repairing his truck, illustrating a hectic summer filled with both personal and emotional challenges. He mentions his plans for the upcoming winter, expressing hope for a more manageable snow removal routine.
As he continues, Mike describes renovations he’s undertaking at home and reflects on the need to update his podcast more frequently, acknowledging his last episode was significantly delayed. He shares his intention to keep listeners engaged and updated about both his personal life and the progress of his other show, Podcast Insider, which is currently on hiatus.
He concludes by thanking listeners for their support and asking them to stay tuned for future updates as he navigates the ongoing adjustments in his life, reaffirming the poignancy of the episode's theme of missingness. Mike wraps up the episode with a reminder of the ongoing journey of understanding loss and the changes it brings.
The Role of AI in Podcasting Today – MDW395
Wednesday, November 8, 2023 • Duration 03:25
World 395 for November 8th 2023
Hello, everyone! Welcome to another episode of Mike Dell's World, where we explore the fascinating corners of technology and its impact on our daily lives. I’m your host, Mike Dell, and today, we're delving into the intriguing world of Artificial Intelligence, or AI, and its increasing role in the podcasting universe.
Podcasting has always been about the human connection—voices in our ears, telling stories, sharing knowledge, and sparking conversations. But as technology advances, AI is becoming an integral part of this audio experience. It's transforming how we create, distribute, and even listen to podcasts. So, buckle up as we take a quick dive into this tech evolution!
First off, let's talk about content creation. AI is now assisting podcasters in scripting, with tools that help in writing more engaging and SEO-friendly content. Imagine having an AI co-writer that suggests topics based on trending data or even helps to fine-tune your language for better clarity and impact.
Then there's the production side of things. AI-driven software can now mix and master audio files, balance levels, and even remove background noise, making the editing process faster and more accessible to podcasters of all skill levels.
Distribution has seen a revolution too. AI algorithms are the backbone of recommendation engines on podcast platforms, helping listeners find your show among the millions out there. And if you're worried about discoverability, AI can optimize your podcast metadata to ensure you're hitting the right keywords and phrases.
Now, let's get into the listening experience. Ever used a smart speaker to play your favorite podcast? That's AI in action, folks! Voice recognition allows listeners to search and play podcasts effortlessly. And it doesn't stop there—AI is even enabling real-time translation and transcription, breaking down language barriers and making podcasts accessible to a global audience.
But with all these advancements, it's essential to remember the heart of podcasting—the storytellers, the educators, the entertainers. AI is a powerful tool, but it's the human touch that truly connects with listeners. As podcasters, we can harness AI to elevate our craft, but let's not forget the art of storytelling that makes podcasting so special.
So, what's your take on AI in podcasting? Are you excited about these new tools, or do you have concerns about the role of AI in a medium so deeply personal? Drop me a line, and let's start a conversation.
That’s all for today's episode. Thanks for tuning in to Mike Dell's World. Be sure to subscribe for more discussions on technology, life, and the space in between. Until next time, keep on casting!
As you can tell, this is an AI version of my voice. I will be back in person tomorrow with another episode for Na Pod Po Mo.
Trip Through Memory Lane – MDW300
Friday, January 5, 2018 • Duration
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Well, I made it! 300 episodes. I was a bit under the weather so I didn't do the episode on New Years. I was sleeping trying to get rid of a cold or blowing and shoveling snow.
I'm not going to write a lot of show notes for this one. Just listen to it for a few surprises.
Here is to another 300!
Moving Snow – Episode 300 coming soon! – MDW299
Sunday, December 31, 2017 • Duration
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I talk about moving the snow out of the driveway and what's coming up on MDW, Fast Food History and Podcast Help Desk in the first week of 2018.
Send me some feedback for show 300. You can use the voicemail link on this page OR you can send me a file or just write mike@mikedell.com
Snow Snow Snow – MDW298
Saturday, December 30, 2017 • Duration
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It's still snowing. This is getting OLD already. Plus I have a cold. Grumpy short episode.
Airpods Test Podcast – MDW297
Thursday, December 28, 2017 • Duration 01:29
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Almost sounds like I'm phoning it in. This short episode is from my Airpods as the Microphone on my Mac. Don't think I will use them for producing podcasts, but they are great at listening to podcasts.
Snowy Travels and Christmas – MDW296
Wednesday, December 27, 2017 • Duration
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The weather is BRUTAL here… Was 5 degrees and windy on Christmas and yesterday. It's up to a whopping 11 degrees (F) and sunny today. Heat wave.
Greetings from Ohio – MDW295
Thursday, December 21, 2017 • Duration
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From a hotel room in Dublin Ohio, where I'm down here showing my face at the Blubrry offices, I just ramble a bit about this and that. Nothing to write home about but it was fun to setup the mobile gear in the hotel room anyway.
Snow and Mailboxes – MDW294
Tuesday, December 12, 2017 • Duration
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I talk a little too much about mailboxes and snow
Just an update on the way to 300 episodes.
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