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Want to know why some podcasts thrive while others struggle to get downloads? In this episode of Podtastic Audio, I break down the three core principles every successful podcast follows. If your show isn’t gaining traction, it might be because you’re missing one of these crucial elements. 🚀

🔑 Here’s what you’ll learn today:

• How to identify your ideal audience and craft content that speaks directly to them
• The power of solving listener pain points and why it keeps them coming back
• Why valuable content is the foundation of podcast growth (and how to deliver it)
• BONUS TIP for entertainment-based podcasts – how to keep listeners engaged

Whether you’re running a business podcast, true crime show, movie review podcast, or just chatting with friends, these strategies apply to every podcasting niche.

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

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Show Chapters (Timestamps)

00:00 – Intro: Why Some Podcasts Succeed & Others Struggle

00:26 – Welcome to Podtastic Audio 🎙

00:41 – The Importance of Knowing Your Audience

03:55 – Why You Should Create a Listener Avatar 🎯

06:00 – Real-World Examples of Audience Mismatch

07:19 – Identifying Your Listener’s Pain Points 🔎

09:02 – How to Get Valuable Listener Feedback

12:35 – The Secret to Delivering High-Value Content 📈

14:09 – Why Storytelling is Key for Podcast Engagement

16:33 – 🎬 Bonus Tip for Entertainment & Movie Review Podcasts

18:54 – The Power of Unique Angles & Listener Interaction

20:26 – Final Recap: The Three Pillars of a Great Podcast

20:46 – Connect with Me + How to Improve Your Show

#PodcastGrowth #PodcastTips #PodcastMarketing #PodcastSuccess #HowToPodcast #PodcastStrategy #GrowYourPodcast #PodcastingForBeginners #ContentCreation #PodcastingSecrets

Ever wondered why celebrity podcasts rake in millions of downloads—even when they’re just rambling, unedited, and sometimes downright boring? Meanwhile, us indie podcasters hustle to create engaging, high-quality content and still struggle to grow an audience? It’s frustrating, right?

In this episode of Podtastic Audio, I dive deep into why celebrity podcasts thrive, even when they break all the “podcasting rules,” and what we, as indie podcasters, can do to stand out. Plus, I found a wild study that suggests people obsessed with celebrities might actually have lower intelligence scores. Yep, we’re going there! BMC Psychology

If you’re an indie podcaster trying to grow your show, you actually have a HUGE advantage over these big-name celebrity hosts—if you play your cards right. I’ll break down exactly why niche podcasts win and how to optimize your show for SEO, audience engagement, and growth.

🔥 Key Takeaways in This Episode:

• Why celebrity podcasts succeed (even when they’re bad)
• The #1 mistake indie podcasters make
• How niching down gives you an SEO advantage
• Why new listeners abandon random discussion shows
• The secret sauce to keeping your audience engaged

If you’re tired of grinding with little results and want to build a podcast that actually grows, this episode is for you. Let’s get into it!

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

Podgagement Link

Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter

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Podcast Chapters:

00:00 - Why Celebrity Podcasts Get Millions of Downloads

01:20 - How I Struggled with Podcasting at First

02:02 - The Frustration of Indie Podcasters vs. Celebrity Shows

04:17 - The #1 Reason Celebrity Podcasts Succeed

05:40 - How Big Guests Keep Celebrity Podcasts Relevant

07:14 - Why Indie Podcasters Can’t Copy the Celebrity Formula

09:20 - The Harsh Truth: Nobody Knows Who You Are (Yet!)

10:09 - The Danger of “General Discussion” Shows

11:36 - The Power of Niching Down for Indie Podcasters

13:08 - How Niche Shows Build an Engaged Audience

15:35 - Why SEO Helps Niche Podcasts Win

17:14 - The Shocking Study on Celebrity Obsession & Intelligence

19:06 - The Indie Podcasting Advantage Over Celebs

21:05 - Why You MUST Niche Down to Grow

21:39 - Final Thoughts & Where to Find Me

#PodcastGrowth #IndiePodcaster #CelebrityPodcasts #PodcastSEO #HowToPodcast #PodcastMarketing #GrowYourPodcast #PodcastTips #PodcastingForBeginners #PodcastSuccess

Elevate your podcasting game with Riverside.fm's studio-quality recordings, lightning-fast editing, and enhanced streaming capabilities—try it today! Get 15% off with discount code Podtastic

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Think getting more listeners will fix your podcast? Think again. If your show isn't worth listening to, no amount of promotion will save it. Too many indie podcasters focus on marketing and downloads before they focus on creating a great show—and that’s the real reason why their audience isn’t growing.

This episode dives into the biggest mistakes podcasters make when trying to build their audience, including:

• Why chasing numbers too soon leads to burnout
• The hard truth about fake downloads and bot-driven growth hacks
• Why great audio and compelling content matter more than any promotion
• How to get real, honest feedback (and actually use it)
• The three simple steps to improving your podcast before worrying about growth

Before spending time and money on ads, marketing, and social media promotions, ask yourself: Would I actually subscribe to my own show? If the answer isn't a strong YES, this episode will help you fix that. 🎧 Listen now and start making your podcast irresistible!

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

Podgagement Link

Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter

• The Kris and Kristine Show
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Podcast Timestamps & Chapters

00:00 – The Myth of More Listeners Fixing Your Podcast

01:18 – Why Content & Audio Quality Matter More Than Marketing

02:25 – The Big Problem With Indie Podcasters Today

03:56 – Focusing on Downloads Instead of Creating a Great Show

05:14 – Why Promoting Too Soon Can Hurt Your Podcast Growth

06:45 – The Restaurant Analogy: Make Your Show Irresistible

08:09 – What Makes Listeners Stay (or Leave)

09:14 – 3 Steps to Fix Your Podcast Before Growth

10:08 – Step 1: Accept That Your Podcast Can Improve

12:08 – Step 2: Get Honest Feedback (Even If It’s Hard to Hear)

15:05 – Step 3: Improve Audio Quality & Master Editing

17:42 – The Power of Strong Content & Clear Structure

19:33 – How to Review Your Own Podcast Like a Listener

21:28 – Why Growth Should Come AFTER Quality

22:41 – Wrapping Up: Focus on Making a Great Podcast First

23:23 – Free Podcasting Resources at PodtasticAudio.com

#PodcastGrowth #IndiePodcasting #PodcastTips #PodcastMarketing #GrowYourPodcast #PodcastSuccess #PodcastStrategy #PodcastAudience #PodcastingForBeginners #PodcastProduction

Thinking about taking your podcast to YouTube in 2025? Not so fast! In this episode, we dive into why sticking with audio might just be the smartest move for indie podcasters. Audio podcasting offers less competition, deeper listener connections, and total creative freedom without bowing down to algorithms. We’ll break down the pros and cons of audio vs. video, from production complexity to audience reach, and reveal why audio podcasts remain the best choice for busy creators and listeners alike. Whether you’re tired of the YouTube grind or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights to help you make your podcast truly stand out.

Key Takeaways:

• Audio Dominates: With only 400k active podcasts compared to 65M YouTube channels, it’s easier to be discovered.
• Less Time, Less Stress: Audio podcasting is faster, cheaper, and doesn’t require fancy cameras or perfect lighting.
• No Algorithms, No Problem: Stay in control of your content without relying on YouTube’s unpredictable algorithms.
• Multitasking Magic: Audio podcasts let your audience tune in anywhere, doing anything.
• Deeper Connections: Build stronger bonds with your audience through the intimacy of audio storytelling.

Discover how to make your podcast fun, effective, and uniquely yours. Let’s keep podcasting simple and powerful!

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction: Why Stick to Audio in 2025?

00:23 – Welcome to Podtastic Audio

01:14 – Video Podcasts: Are They Necessary?

02:04 – Your Show, Your Rules: Create What You Enjoy

03:23 – YouTube’s Strengths and Limitations

06:32 – The Podcasting Landscape: Audio Wins on Competition

08:09 – The Time Sink of Video Production

10:15 – Algorithms vs. Creative Control

14:09 – How Audio Podcasts Get Discovered Without Algorithms

17:23 – The Intimacy of Audio: Theater of the Mind

19:34 – Audio’s Multitasking Superpower

22:11 – YouTube vs. Audio: Comparing Audience Reach and Control

26:20 – Monetization: Is YouTube Worth It?

27:36 – Engagement: Audio Podcasting’s Challenges

29:59 – Final Thoughts: Why Audio is Truly Free

30:31 – Closing Message: Happy Podcasting!

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

Podgagement Link

Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter

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#PodcastingTips #AudioPodcasting #PodcastGrowth #PodcastMarketing #PodcastSEO #AudioVsVideo #IndiePodcasters #PodcastDiscoverability #PodcastTrends #PodcastListeners

Elevate your podcasting game with Riverside.fm's studio-quality recordings, lightning-fast editing, and enhanced streaming capabilities—try it today! Get 15% off with discount code Podtastic

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Hey there, it’s Chris! Welcome to Podtastic Audio, where I help indie podcasters like you create shows that stand out and keep listeners coming back for more. In this episode, I’ll show you how to use your personality and authenticity to build a loyal audience—because great content isn’t enough if your listeners don’t feel a connection with you.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• 4 proven strategies to boost your podcast’s likability, turning casual listeners into lifelong fans.
• The power of authenticity in podcasting: Why being yourself is your biggest advantage.
• How to create deeper connections with your audience through engaging social media tactics.
• Why indie podcasters have the upper hand: Build a show that thrives without big budgets or celebrity status.

If you’re ready to transform your podcast into something listeners truly love, this episode is packed with practical tips and actionable insights to help you make it happen. Let’s take your show to the next level!

Timestamp Chapters

00:00 - Introduction: The Power of Personality in Podcasting

01:29 - Why Riverside.fm Is a Podcaster’s Best Friend

02:49 - A Personal Milestone: Being Someone’s Favorite Podcast

04:04 - What Makes Podtastic Audio Different

07:32 - Connection vs. Content: The Role of Relatability

11:09 - Why Authenticity Beats Celebrity Podcasts

16:18 - 4 Key Strategies to Boost Podcast Likability

24:10 - How Humor and Warmth Can Transform Your Show

25:39 - Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts on Building a Loyal Audience

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

Podgagement Link

Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter

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Welcome back to Podtastic Audio, where I share everything I’ve learned on my podcasting journey! In this episode, I dive into my recent podcasting gear upgrades, including the Mac Mini M4 and the Rodecaster Pro 2, and why these tools have transformed my workflow. I reflect on how I started podcasting back in 2019 with minimal equipment, the evolution of my setup, and the sheer joy of creating something out of nothing. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights to help you create a show you’re proud of.

Key Takeaways:

• Why you don’t need fancy equipment to start podcasting.
• The value of upgrading tools to save time and improve quality.
• How to maintain your love for podcasting even after hundreds of episodes.
• The importance of creating a podcast that resonates with you and your audience.

Stick around to hear the total number of episodes I’ve produced since I began this adventure—and the lessons I’ve picked up along the way!

Timestamp Chapter Markers

00:00 - Introduction and new gear excitement

00:54 - Why Podtastic Audio exists

02:20 - My early podcasting days during COVID

05:19 - Reflecting on the evolution of my podcasting setup

09:14 - The early days of YouTube and content creation

14:07 - Transitioning from video editing to podcast production

20:51 - Making podcasting easier with better tools

27:22 - The Rodecaster Pro 2: A deep dive into features

30:55 - My first recording on the Mac Mini M4

32:15 - Editing techniques and my total podcast episode count

36:35 - Closing thoughts and ways to connect

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

Podgagement Link

Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter

• The Kris and Kristine Show
• Podtastic Audio
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Elevate your podcasting game with Riverside.fm's studio-quality recordings, lightning-fast editing, and enhanced streaming capabilities—try it today! Get 15% off with discount code Podtastic

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In this episode of Podtastic Audio, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Steven Gould, the creator of the hit podcast Things Police See, to dive into the secrets behind his incredible podcasting success. Steven shared his journey of growing a niche podcast from zero to tens of thousands of downloads per month, all while staying true to his indie roots. Here’s what you’ll take away from our conversation:

• Why focusing on a niche can help you connect with a dedicated audience.
• How Steven turned his passion for podcasting into an income stream with Patreon and sponsors.
• What he’s learned about navigating the challenges of download fluctuations (yes, we talk about the infamous Apple update!).
• The importance of mixing personal stories with guest interviews to keep your show authentic and engaging.
• Tips for staying consistent, motivated, and excited about your podcast, even when it feels like a grind.

If you’ve ever wondered how to grow your podcast, monetize it, and still keep your content authentic, you’re going to love this episode. Steven’s story is packed with inspiration and practical advice for any indie podcaster out there.

Chapter Timestamps:

00:00 Intro and Welcome

02:21 Steven’s Podcasting Journey

05:49 Growing a Niche Audience

10:59 Challenges and Sensitive Topics

17:45 From Zero to 40K Downloads

26:04 Why Solo Episodes Matter

38:01 Monetizing the Podcast

47:47 Programmatic Ads Explained

55:47 Podcasting as a Business

58:44 Final Thoughts and Where to Connect

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

Podgagement Link

Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter

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Welcome to the final episode of 2024! In this episode, I reflect on the highs and lows of the past year, from attending Podcast Movement Evolutions to personal challenges like my ear surgery. I also lay the foundation for podcast growth in 2025 by sharing practical tips to set achievable goals, boost audience engagement, and experiment with new formats.

Key Takeaways:

• My SMART Goals Framework: Focus on goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
• Audience Engagement Tips: It's not about numbers—it's about building trust and connection with your listeners.
• Fresh Ideas for 2025: Explore video podcasting, live streams, or collaborating with fellow podcasters.
• Monetization for Indies: Start small with affiliate links or crowdfunding and always offer value first.
• Networking Made Easy: Reach out to one new podcaster a month to expand your network and discover new opportunities.

Timestamp / Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and reflections on 2024.

01:32 - Attending Podcast Movement Evolutions: A podcaster’s dream.

02:47 - Traveling to NYC and Hawaii: Highlights of the year.

05:32 - Setting SMART podcasting goals for 2025.

09:46 - The power of audience engagement and connection.

11:48 - Experimenting with new formats and platforms.

14:56 - Practical tips for monetizing your podcast.

20:01 - Networking and collaboration in the podcasting world.

23:55 - Closing thoughts: Looking forward to 2025.

Join me as we kick off 2025 with a plan for podcasting success!

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

Podgagement Link

Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter

• The Kris and Kristine Show
• Podtastic Audio
• Twitter X
• Instagram
• LInkedIn
• Threads
• Blue Sky