How to Become the McDonald's of Your Podcast Genre

How is this still happening?You ever have one of those moments where you see something so ridiculous you can’t help but roll your eyes? That’s basically the theme of this episode. I’m talking about the world of podcasting and, honestly, it’s kind of wild. It’s 2026, and people are still posting “New episode out! (and that's it)” on social media like that’s some kind of marketing strategy. Seriously?Yes, It's Better Than Nothing...In this episode, I talk about why podcasters need to stop doing the bare minimum when promoting their shows. If you’re going to post on social media, at least make it interesting. Lead with a question. Share a bold statement. Give people a reason to stop scrolling and pay attention. Don’t just announce your existence, do something to spark curiosity.Use a HookI also dig into the importance of using hooks when sharing episodes. In today’s world of endless content, you need something that grabs attention immediately. Whether it’s a thought-provoking question, a surprising opinion, or a compelling claim, the goal is to invite people into a conversation, not just tell them your episode exists.There is No Excuse for "New Episode Out"And honestly, with all the AI tools available now, there’s really no excuse for lazy promotional posts anymore. AI can help you come up with stronger captions, better hooks, and more engaging content in seconds. If your entire strategy is still “new episode out,” it might be time to rethink things.Throughout the episode, I share practical tips on how to create social posts that actually connect with your audience and make people want to listen. I also invite listeners to join the School of Podcasting community, where we do listener parties, personal coaching, and help podcasters grow their shows in smarter ways.If you’re serious about podcasting and want your marketing to stand out, this episode is your reminder to stop being basic and start being intentional. Podcast promotion doesn’t have to be boring — and honestly, it shouldn’t be.Takeaways:In this episode, we discuss how just saying 'new episode out' is the laziest way to promote your podcast, so let's spice it up!Every podcaster should lead with a hook that actually grabs attention, otherwise, what's the point of even posting?We emphasize the importance of creating engaging social media posts instead of the bland standard phrases that nobody cares about.It's shocking to see how many people still use outdated promotional tactics like 'find me wherever you find your podcasts' – just stop it already!If you want your episode to stand out, it needs a compelling claim or question that makes people want to listen and engage.Utilizing AI tools can help you generate better social media content than the typical 'new episode out' post, so why not give it a shot?Mentioned in this episode:Start Podcasting in Six Week - Starts June 3rdHave you been struggling trying to start a podcast? Did you drown in all the jargon? Did you feel overwhelmed? The School of Podcasting is offering a course, Podcasting in Six Weeks, that will walk you through the entire process. Learn from 20-year Hall of Fame veteran Dave Jackson as he walks you through the process of planning, launching, and growing your show. The best part is the class is only $1. For more information, go to schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeks. Podcasting in Six WeeksPodcasting in Six WeeksThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Podcast promotion breaks down to this:Identify who your audience isGo to where they are (online and offline)Make friends with themTell them about your showDon't Overthink itSo a person on Reddit mentioned they wanted to grow their podcast about horror movies.Let's see.... where could I find a bunch of people who like horror movies... if only there was a place where people who like horror MOVIES go. If only......Go to Where They AreSo go to the movie cineplex, if you want to go all out have a t-shirt made for you with your logo and URL on the shirt (see Stickermule), and have some business cards made with your logo and website address, and a QR code (I use switchy for that. It not only makes QR code and a whole lot more but I can track how many times that QR code was used).Then as people are entering the building ask them, "Are you hear to see (scary movie title)?" and if they say "Yes," then give them a card and say "I do a podcast for people just like you."ExpectationsYes, some will throw the card away. Some will put it in their pocket. Other will be bored sitting through endless advertisements waiting for the movies to start and will point their phone at the QR code (which takes them to my follow page).Keep in mind you build you audience one person at a time.And often that one person hangs out with other people who also like what they like, and word of mouth starts to grow your show. Now, word of mouth is effective. We know it is. It ranks high in all the ways to promote your podcast, but we also know it is slow. If you are looking for a giant switch to give you 30,000 downloads an episode, that just doesn't happen.The More You Do It The better You Get At itI know for me, selling my book, Profit From Your Podcast, in person is always a little uncomfortable, but the more I did it, the better I got at it and the more books I soldDo You Need Help Growing Your Podcast?If you need help growing your show, come visit me at schoolofpodcasting.com. One of the features we have there are listener parties where a group of us will get together and you get to watch us listen to your show. This way you can see if we laugh when we're supposed to laugh and cry when we're supposed to cry. If it's not working, you'll know immediately and it's time to go back and do some basic editing. Check it out at schoolofpodcasting.com.Mentioned In This EpisodeStickermule (T-shirts and more)Canva (business Cards)Design Crowd (crowd source your business card or t-shirt design)Switchy (QR codes that are trackable)Mentioned in this episode:Start Podcasting in Six Week - Starts June 3rdHave you been struggling trying to start a podcast? Did you drown in all the jargon? Did you feel overwhelmed? The School of Podcasting is offering a course, Podcasting in Six Weeks, that will walk you through the entire process. Learn from 20-year Hall of Fame veteran Dave Jackson as he walks you through the process of planning, launching, and growing your show. The best part is the class is only $1. For more information, go to schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeks. Podcasting in Six WeeksPodcasting in Six WeeksThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

July 4th was supposed to be a festive day filled with fireworks, but instead, it turned into a disaster for me.Picture this: I’m all set to enjoy the show, but as I step out, the sky starts drizzling. Naturally, I whip out my phone to scroll through social media, because who doesn’t love seeing what everyone else is up to while ignoring the world around them?Fast forward a few moments, and bam! My foot hits an uneven sidewalk, my phone goes flying, and I’m face-first in the concrete. My knees did not fare well. Everyone around me thinks it’s a scene from a slapstick comedy, and I’m just trying to play it cool, you know?But here’s the kicker: this little escapade has everything to do with podcasting. Yeah, you heard me right. Looking stupid while starting a podcast? It’s practically a rite of passage. We’ll dive into how to embrace that awkwardness and turn it into something valuable. So, buckle up; it’s going to be a wild ride!We've Looked Stupid BeforeI live near Cleveland Ohio and if I go into a room of 30 adults and scream, "Here we go brownies here were go!" they will answer with RUFF RUFF! Grown adulst will bark like a dog.Also being Ohio means you must stand and spell your state when someone plays the song Louie Louie.My favorite is the "Chicken Dance" at weddings how this tradition of some demonic polka got started I will never know, but again everyone is willing to look stupid.When you venture into podcasting one of two things will happen. You will have a successful show that you love doing, you'll have that story about the time you started a podcast.I Can HelpTakeaways:So, if you're thinking about starting a podcast, brace yourself, because looking stupid is basically part of the package.People worry too much about looking dumb on a podcast; trust me, we all do it sometimes, and it’s totally fine.You can learn from your own mistakes, but learning from others is even better, so listen up, folks.In the end, podcasting is about having fun and sharing stories, not about being perfect.When you finally start your podcast, remember: you might end up with a great show or a hilarious story about your failed attempts.If you want to avoid looking stupid, just don’t do stupid stuff, but let’s be real, we all mess up sometimes.Links referenced in this episode:schoolofpodcasting.comMentioned in this episode:Podcasting in Six WeeksStart Podcasting in Six Week - Starts June 3rdHave you been struggling trying to start a podcast? Did you drown in all the jargon? Did you feel overwhelmed? The School of Podcasting is offering a course, Podcasting in Six Weeks, that will walk you through the entire process. Learn from 20-year Hall of Fame veteran Dave Jackson as he walks you through the process of planning, launching, and growing your show. The best part is the class is only $1. For more information, go to schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeks. Podcasting in Six WeeksThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

I've been researching the current challenges creators are facing on YouTube, particularly with demonetization issues. I share my thoughts on why YouTube, as great as it is for discovery and stats, can be risky for creators—especially those who rely on it for income.I spotlight the story of Steven song, a talented animator who invested hundreds of thousands of dollars and over a decade into his channel, only to be demonetized without warning. You’ll hear how the lack of human customer support at YouTube is affecting creators’ mental health, and why relying solely on YouTube revenue might not be the best strategy.All Your Eggs in One BasketI talk about the importance of diversifying your income streams and caution against tying essential expenses to unpredictable YouTube payouts. I also offer some practical advice on making your content more discoverable, like focusing on great episode titles and eye-catching thumbnails, while reminding you that YouTube’s algorithm can be both a blessing and a curse.If you’re thinking about starting a video or audio podcast, or simply want to learn about the realities of growing on YouTube in today’s landscape, this episode gives you valuable insights and honest advice from my years in the industry.Ready to take your podcast to the next level? Visit schoolofpodcasting.com and use the coupon code “listener” for a special deal. I look forward to helping you succeed!The secret reasons Youtube is demonetizing channels (video)I got demonetized it's over. (video)Mentioned in this episode:Start Podcasting in Six Week - Starts June 3rdHave you been struggling trying to start a podcast? Did you drown in all the jargon? Did you feel overwhelmed? The School of Podcasting is offering a course, Podcasting in Six Weeks, that will walk you through the entire process. Learn from 20-year Hall of Fame veteran Dave Jackson as he walks you through the process of planning, launching, and growing your show. The best part is the class is only $1. For more information, go to schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeks. Podcasting in Six WeeksPodcasting in Six WeeksThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

What Day Should I Publish My Podcast?We're diving into the age-old question that plagues all budding podcasters: when should I drop my episodes? I mean, it’s not like we’re all sitting around waiting for the next serial to drop, right? Shoot For the Empty Day of the Week StrategySo, here’s the scoop: you could play the spreadsheet game, tracking when your competition releases their episodes. Picture it: you’ve got a spreadsheet with a bunch of podcast names and dates. You notice that Wednesdays are as empty as my fridge on a Sunday night, so why not slide in and claim that day? How Many Shows Do You Listen to on THE DAY it Releases?But let’s be real here—does it even really matter? Most of us listen to shows whenever we feel like it, not at the crack of dawn on release day. It’s not like we’re tuning in live like it’s a radio show or something. Consistency in Schedule and VALUESo, consistency is key, folks. Pick a day that works for you and stick with it. If it’s Thursday, then it’s Thursday. If you want to release on Wednesday but your life screams Thursday, record a few episodes in advance. The world won’t end if you miss a ‘prime’ day. So, in the end, just do what works for you, and let your audience find you.Takeaways:So, when should you launch your podcast? Honestly, it doesn't really matter all that much.Consistency is key, folks. Pick a day and stick to it like glue, alright?Wednesdays are golden! Everyone's back in the groove and looking for fresh content.Check out your competition, find the gaps, and seize the day—like a podcast ninja!Recording episodes ahead of time is a smart move. Get that backlog going, my friend.In the end, do what fits your life best. Your podcast should suit you, not the other way around.Links referenced in this episode:schoolofpodcasting.com/startMentioned in this episode:Start Podcasting in Six Week - Starts June 3rdHave you been struggling trying to start a podcast? Did you drown in all the jargon? Did you feel overwhelmed? The School of Podcasting is offering a course, Podcasting in Six Weeks, that will walk you through the entire process. Learn from 20-year Hall of Fame veteran Dave Jackson as he walks you through the process of planning, launching, and growing your show. The best part is the class is only $1. For more information, go to schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeks. Podcasting in Six WeeksPodcasting in Six WeeksThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Should Your record Your Podcast Outside?Ever tried recording a podcast outside? Yeah, it's like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. You think, "Hey, this'll be fun!" Then the wind starts howling, dogs are barking, and your neighbor decides it's the perfect time to mow his lawn. Welcome to the chaotic, unpredictable world of outdoor podcasting! Survivor: Podcast EditionSo, I’m sharing my past outdoor recording adventures, where I quickly realized that my audio setup was about as reliable as a chocolate teapot. I went from dreaming of crisp, clear conversations to battling wind noise and random passersby. Who knew that just being outside could turn into a full-blown episode of 'Survivor: Podcaster Edition'? I mean, at this point, I might as well just start a podcast about how to survive recording in the wild—complete with tips on how to dodge pesky lawn mowers and barking dogs. But it’s not all doom and gloom! Control What You CanI chat about how to make your outdoor recording experience a bit more bearable. Spoiler alert: It's all about controlling what you can. Invest in some good windscreens, keep your mic close, and sometimes you just have to roll with the punches (or the background noise). And let’s be real, if you’re going for that authentic vibe, a little chaos can actually add character. I mean, who doesn’t want to hear the sound of nature while listening to a podcast? Just be prepared to accept the reality that it’s not going to be studio-perfect. So grab your gear, your patience, and maybe a helmet, because outdoor podcasting is a wild ride!Takeaways:Recording outside is a wild ride with unpredictable audio issues, just embrace the chaos.Wind noise and random background sounds are the new normal when podcasting outdoors, get used to it.If you want to record outside, patience is key; Mother Nature doesn't always cooperate.Sometimes, leaving in background noise is better than trying to edit it out; just roll with it!You might want a good windscreen for your mic if you're going to brave the outdoors.Consider recording in a car for better sound; just don't freeze or risk carbon monoxide poisoning!Links referenced in this episode:schoolofpodcasting.comMentioned in this episode:Start Podcasting in Six Week - Starts June 3rdHave you been struggling trying to start a podcast? Did you drown in all the jargon? Did you feel overwhelmed? The School of Podcasting is offering a course, Podcasting in Six Weeks, that will walk you through the entire process. Learn from 20-year Hall of Fame veteran Dave Jackson as he walks you through the process of planning, launching, and growing your show. The best part is the class is only $1. For more information, go to schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeks. Podcasting in Six WeeksPodcasting in Six WeeksThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Is your podcast just a fun side gig, or could it be something more? We tackle this question head-on, inspired by a listener who’s got a budding podcast and some serious self-doubt creeping in. Podcast Reality CheckWe break down the reality of podcast growth and the often disappointing truth of monetization. Let’s face it, just because you’ve got listeners doesn’t mean you’re rolling in dough. We dive into strategies for gauging your audience’s engagement and the importance of asking them for feedback. You’ll hear how to avoid the common pitfall of spreading yourself too thin (because nobody wants to end up burnt out and bitter). You Monetize an Audience - Not a PodcastAnd hey, if you’re dreaming of making a living off your podcast, we’ve got some tough love for you. It’s all about building an audience first, and that takes time and effort. So let’s keep it real and maybe have a laugh while we figure out how to turn that hobby into something that might just pay the bills.Takeaways:Podcasting can start as a fun hobby, but it might evolve into something more serious over time.Engagement metrics are key; knowing how far listeners stick around helps gauge interest.If you're thinking about monetizing, remember: you're really monetizing the audience, not just the podcast itself.Consistency in content is crucial; it's all about providing value and keeping your audience engaged.Links referenced in this episode:schoolofpodcasting.com/starttoggl.comMentioned in this episode:Start Podcasting in Six Week - Starts June 3rdHave you been struggling trying to start a podcast? Did you drown in all the jargon? Did you feel overwhelmed? The School of Podcasting is offering a course, Podcasting in Six Weeks, that will walk you through the entire process. Learn from 20-year Hall of Fame veteran Dave Jackson as he walks you through the process of planning, launching, and growing your show. The best part is the class is only $1. For more information, go to schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeks. Podcasting in Six WeeksPodcasting in Six WeeksThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Back in 1980, Robert Palmer was already trying to figure things out with his jam, "I'm Just Looking for Clues." Fast forward to today, and here we are, diving into the murky waters of podcasting where someone is asking why their downloads are nosediving. This isn't just a casual inquiry; it’s a cry for help amidst the chaos of the podcasting world! The Gut Punch of RealityI mean, who hasn’t felt that gut punch when you realize your audience is slipping through your fingers like sand? So what do we do? We go on a hunt for those elusive clues, just like Palmer did, except our clues are more about audience retention than romance. As we dig deeper, we realize that now is NOT the time to pump up promotions. Yeah, you heard me right. If your downloads are dropping like it’s hot, the last thing you wanna do is throw money at ads. It’s like trying to sell a broken car; nobody’s gonna bite. Why Is Your Leaving?Instead, let’s focus on the core issue: why are people bailing? It’s a classic case of ‘fix the holes in your ship before you set sail again.’ Let’s talk about asking your listeners directly: Are we still vibing? Did I lose you at minute 10? You’d be surprised what a simple survey can tell you about your audience’s listening habits. Look at Your Podcast Completion PercentageAnd trust me, if your retention is below 70%, that’s not just a warning sign; it's a full-blown emergency! We also touch on how the podcasting game is a lot like stand-up comedy. You don’t just jump on stage and hope for the best; you gotta test those jokes first! Just like comedians tweak their routines based on audience reactions, we need to refine our content based on listener feedback. If you’re not willing to do the groundwork, you’re basically setting yourself up for a flop. Get The Content Working Before Your PromoteSo, buckle up, because before we throw our next promotion, we need to ensure that what we’re offering is something that listeners actually wanna stick around for. Remember, the key to growth isn’t just about shouting louder; it’s about crafting something worth listening to.Takeaways:In podcasting, if your audience is dropping, it's not the time to promote.You should ask your listeners what they think about your show to get feedback.Tracking listener engagement is super important, and stats can help you understand why they leave.Promoting a podcast with declining numbers is like trying to sell a bad movie; it just doesn't work.Audience feedback is key; knowing where they tune out can help fix your show.You want your completion rate above 70%, but aiming for 80% is the golden ticket.Links referenced in this episode:podcastsconnect.apple.comcreators.spotify.comSchool of PodcastingMentioned in this episode:Podcasting in Six WeeksStart Podcasting in Six Week - Starts June 3rdHave you been struggling trying to start a podcast? Did you drown in all the jargon? Did you feel overwhelmed? The School of Podcasting is offering a course, Podcasting in Six Weeks, that will walk you through the entire process. Learn from 20-year Hall of Fame veteran Dave Jackson as he walks you through the process of planning, launching, and growing your show. The best part is the class is only $1. For more information, go to schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeks. Podcasting in Six WeeksThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Imagine this: you’ve got a podcast that’s hotter than a summer sidewalk, and then—bam!—you decide to take a little 'me time' and vanish. That’s exactly what happened to our friend from a horror movie review channel. He thought he could whip up a slasher flick and come back to a fanfare. But spoiler alert: he forgot the most important thing—keeping his audience in the loop. Now, he’s got a loyal fanbase that’s gone MIA. Turns out, if you ghost your audience, they might just ghost you right back. Communication is KeyIf you’re not talking to your listeners, they’re not waiting for your return like a kid waits for Christmas. They’re out there finding new shows, and by the time you come back, they might not even remember your name! It’s like when your best friend suddenly stops texting you—it’s not cool, man. Keeping your audience informed about your journey is crucial. If he had shared the behind-the-scenes action of making that movie, his fans would have been eagerly waiting to see it, not just left in the dark wondering where he went. Avoiding Podcast BurnoutWe also tackle the reality of podcasting burnout. It’s real, folks. If you’re trying to squeeze your life into your podcast schedule, you’re just asking for trouble. The trick is to let your podcast fit into your life. With a sprinkle of planning and a dash of strategy, you can keep the content flowing and the audience engaged, avoiding the dreaded ‘abandonment’ label. So, if you’re feeling the weight of the world on your podcasting shoulders, take a breath, reevaluate, and remember: your fans are like friends—don’t leave them hanging!Takeaways:Stopping your podcast doesn't mean your audience will forget you; they might just move on.One of the biggest blunders in podcasting is simply abandoning your show for too long.If your podcast becomes part of someone's routine, they won't easily forget it.Planning ahead is key to avoiding burnout and keeping your podcast consistent and fresh.Taking breaks can lead to losing your audience to other shows, so keep them engaged.Your podcast should fit into your life, not the other way around, or you'll regret it.Links referenced in this episode:schoolofpodcasting.comMentioned in this episode:Start Podcasting in Six Week - Starts June 3rdHave you been struggling trying to start a podcast? Did you drown in all the jargon? Did you feel overwhelmed? The School of Podcasting is offering a course, Podcasting in Six Weeks, that will walk you through the entire process. Learn from 20-year Hall of Fame veteran Dave Jackson as he walks you through the process of planning, launching, and growing your show. The best part is the class is only $1. For more information, go to schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeks. Podcasting in Six WeeksPodcasting in Six WeeksThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Let’s get real for a minute. Nothing stings quite like getting left hanging by a podcast guest, right? Guest now shows are frustrating.I heard someone talk about his no-show problem, he tossed out this idea of a $500 cancellation fee. That's not gonna work, folks. Life is unpredictable—people get sick, kids break arms, and sometimes, they just don’t feel like it. Instead of turning into the Podcast Police, we suggested a friendly reminder email on the day of the interview. Make it personal. Because who wants to show up for a chat with someone who just sees them as a dollar sign? Pick Better GuestsThis episode also gets into the value of knowing your audience and picking the right guests. I mean, if you’re getting ghosted left and right, it’s time to take a long, hard look in the mirror. Maybe you’re not asking the right questions, or maybe your guests just don’t see the value in chatting with you. And hey, interviews are great for networking, but they can also lead to a mountain of editing. Is It Time to Go Solo?So, weigh your options. A solo show might save you time and make you the star of the show! Just remember, if someone doesn’t want to be on your podcast, they shouldn’t feel pressured to say yes—because being polite is not an excuse for wasting your time.Takeaways:Scheduling conflicts are inevitable; life happens, so prepare for guest no-shows.Sending a reminder email on the day of the interview can really help confirm attendance.Charging a cancellation fee might not be effective if the guest doesn't care about your show.Building a network is crucial; follow up with guests even after the interview is over.Solo shows can save time and often allow for more creative control than interviews.Guests rarely promote episodes, so don't rely on them to grow your audience.Links referenced in this episode:schoolofpodcasting.comTidycal (one time fee scheduling tool)Mentioned in this episode:Podcasting in Six WeeksStart Podcasting in Six Week - Starts June 3rdHave you been struggling trying to start a podcast? Did you drown in all the jargon? Did you feel overwhelmed? The School of Podcasting is offering a course, Podcasting in Six Weeks, that will walk you through the entire process. Learn from 20-year Hall of Fame veteran Dave Jackson as he walks you through the process of planning, launching, and growing your show. The best part is the class is only $1. For more information, go to schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeks. Podcasting in Six WeeksThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy