Why Feedback and Self-Review Are Essential for Podcast Growth

Does My Podcast Idea Have Legs? There's Only One Way to Find OutMost of the time, I cringe when I hear someone say "just start," because it usually sounds like advice from a person who isn't looking where they're going. Start what? For whom? Toward what goal? There is, however, exactly one situation where I will look you in the eye and tell you to just start your podcast, and it's the situation I keep running into over and over again on Reddit.Homework is Done - But Can't Press RecordIt shows up as a question that sounds reasonable but can't actually be answered: "Does my podcast idea have legs?" The person asking has usually done their homework. They've researched, they listen to plenty of shows, they have a format in mind and a list of episode ideas ready to go. What they're really asking is for someone to promise them their show will work before they ever hit the record button, and nobody on earth can make that promise.In this episode, I walk through why that question keeps people stuck, the chocolate toast test I use to think about any untested idea, and how to get honest feedback once you actually have something recorded. If you've been staring at the same pile of Post-it notes for the 400th time, this one is for you.Mentioned in This EpisodeSchool of Podcasting (coupon " listener ")Fix My Podcast (auditing service)Mentioned in this episode:Ready To Grow Your Podcast?Starting August 19th (So sign up now) a cohort class at the School of Podcasting will lead members through the process and steps of growing your audience. You will receive feedback, and action steps to take to make your show in downloads, reach, and influence. Use the coupon code listener to save when you sign upSchool of PodcastingPodcasting in Six Weeks - Free CourseWe are bringing back Podcasting in Six Weeks and this time we are running an experiment and that is IT's FREE. Meeting weekly and go step by step and launch your podcast (it's designed for someone who does have a podcast, but wants one). Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeksPodcasting in Six WeeksThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Will Joining the School of Podcasting Help Me?I got an email from someone who has been podcasting three months and they wanted to know if my "Grow Your Podcast" live classes would help them. Do I Need a Coach?Tiger Woods, Serena Williams, Oprah Winfrey, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, Bill Gates all had personal coaches. With this in mind having a coach is good (as I spotted three things wrong with your show after spending five minutes looking at it). I want to monetize eventually if it is possible but I’d say my podcast is more ministry focused right now Monetization? I wrote the book on it.Would there be other people in my space to have as guests or do podcast swaps with or are most of the people in your school more about business growth or AI growth etc.?Yes, we have collaborations with members all the time. I also have a resource list where you can find guests, etc. Examples, Dr. Craig Van Slyke is the host of AI Goes to College. Ralph Estep Jr. has been an accountant and business coach for decades.Would there be other things I need to invest in to be “successful” in your school?As always, "It depends" as I'm not sure 100% where you are, but for most people no if you're already going. In many cases you're just going in a slightly wrong direction. For example, yes YouTube is a discovery platform, but nobody is talking about how audio SMASHES video in audience 15 to 1 as there are many more opportunities to listen than to watch. So if you want to do video, do video, but you don't have to. Podcasting is simple (find out what the audience wants and give it to them in a fun and entertaining fashion), but not easy. I believe your downloads are equal to the value you deliver multiplied by your smart marketing efforts. I saw the creation of a podpage is free which I have thought about since I launched but still can’t decide if that is the best fit or a traditional website?Only if you want less headaches, more exposure, and a tool designed for podcasters (vs trying to squeeze your podcast into a yoga studio theme). I've been singing the praises of Podpage since I was hired by the founder back in 2020 (which got me in trouble at Libsyn where I worked at the time). I eventually left libsyn and joined Podpage because it's so amazing.Mentioned:School of Podcasting - Podcast Growth CourseDave's Private CoachingPodpageTakeaways:Joining the School of Podcasting can totally help you grow your podcast skills and audience.Monetization takes time and effort; you don't just slap ads onto a show and cash in!The community at the School of Podcasting is awesome for networking and swapping promos with fellow podcasters.Using tools like PodPage can save you headaches and help your podcast shine online, trust me!The Grow Your Podcast course starts on August 19th, and it's gonna be a blast!If you join now, you can participate in listener parties to get real-time feedback on your show.Join free with a money-back guarantee Mentioned in this episode:Podcasting in Six Weeks - Free CourseWe are bringing back Podcasting in Six Weeks and this time we are running an experiment and that is IT's FREE. Meeting weekly and go step by step and launch your podcast (it's designed for someone who does have a podcast, but wants one). Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeksPodcasting in Six WeeksReady To Grow Your Podcast?Starting August 19th (So sign up now) a cohort class at the School of Podcasting will lead members through the process and steps of growing your audience. You will receive feedback, and action steps to take to make your show in downloads, reach, and influence. Use the coupon code listener to save when you sign upSchool of PodcastingThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Ready to Start Your Podcast?Starting August 19th we are doing an experiment, we are bringing back the "Podcasting in Six Weeks" course (and this time it's FREE). Go to Podcasting in Six WeeksGrow Your Podcast CourseAlso starting August 19th is the Grow Your Podcast Live courses where we will meet for an hour and go through the strategies to grow your show. Expect some feedback, more downloads, reach and influence. This is for members of the School of Podcasting (so join today with the coupon code listener and save 20%). School of PodcastingThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

I Love Howard SternI'm a huge fan of Howard Stern and have listened to him for decades. About five years ago, he said something that I didn't hear because I became very inconsistent in listening to him when he became very inconsistent in his schedule. His recent contract will have him broadcasting once a week, which, to me, just says, "Why not just retire?" This is how you lose your audience, though.How to Lose Your AudienceI realized that some people like to talk about politics, and that is your choice, but just realize when you do, you're going to lose about 50% of your audience. This wasn't new to Howard. He would voice his opinion and explain who he endorsed for a candidate, etc., but there are politics and then there are far politics. By that, I mean far left and far right. When you go into far left or far right politics, you're going to lose a tremendous amount of your audience.Be a Sore LoserThen, throw on top of it that, when his candidate didn't win, he told his audience something that I still can't believe he said. If you want to lose your audience, follow Howard's strategy here, and you will.Want to GROW Your Audience?If you need help planning, launching, or growing your show, check out the School of Podcasting. If you have a show and you're frustrated by it's lack of growth, check out Fix My Podcast.Takeaways:Podcasting gives us the freedom to say what we want, but watch your back.Consequences are real, and sometimes they hit harder than a bad hangover.Talking politics in your podcast? Yeah, that might just lose half your listeners.Howard Stern's audience dropped because he told Trump voters he hated them. Oops.Staying neutral is key, unless you want to alienate half of your audience.Remember, the Internet never forgets, so think before you hit publish.Mentioned in this episode:Ready To Grow Your Podcast?Starting August 19th (So sign up now) a cohort class at the School of Podcasting will lead members through the process and steps of growing your audience. You will receive feedback, and action steps to take to make your show in downloads, reach, and influence. Use the coupon code listener to save when you sign upSchool of PodcastingPodcasting in Six Weeks - Free CourseWe are bringing back Podcasting in Six Weeks and this time we are running an experiment and that is IT's FREE. Meeting weekly and go step by step and launch your podcast (it's designed for someone who does have a podcast, but wants one). Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeksPodcasting in Six WeeksThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

The Key To Great Podcast Episode TitlesEpisode titles can make or break your podcast’s appeal, but there’s one crucial mistake you must avoid: clickbait. In this episode, Dave Jackson explains what makes a great episode title. Start with the listener’s benefit, including relevant keywords, and, above all, being truthful. He shares why misleading titles erode trust and waste your audience’s most valuable resource: their time. Join Dave as he explains how to craft honest, enticing titles that draw listeners in without deception and keep your audience coming back for more.It Takes Years To Build Trust, and One Piece of Clickbait to Lost itYou might be enticed to exagerrate when it comes to your titles and thumbnails, but we've all been there when you realize someone just wasted your time, and you can't get it back.Need Help With Your Podcast?Check out the School of Podcasting.Mentioned in this episode:Ready To Grow Your Podcast?Starting August 19th (So sign up now) a cohort class at the School of Podcasting will lead members through the process and steps of growing your audience. You will receive feedback, and action steps to take to make your show in downloads, reach, and influence. Use the coupon code listener to save when you sign upSchool of PodcastingPodcasting in Six Weeks - Free CourseWe are bringing back Podcasting in Six Weeks and this time we are running an experiment and that is IT's FREE. Meeting weekly and go step by step and launch your podcast (it's designed for someone who does have a podcast, but wants one). Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeksPodcasting in Six WeeksThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Stop Obsessing Over Your DownloadsObsessing over your downloads isn’t gonna magically make them grow, folks. Trust me, I’ve been there, and it’s a wild ride of checking stats every five seconds like it’s some sort of lottery. We look into why fixating on those numbers is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. It’s all about the real connections we make and the value we bring, not just the digits on a dashboard.So, let’s chat about how to actually measure success in ways that matter and keep our podcasting dreams alive without going bonkers over the numbers. New podcasters often find themselves spiraling into the black hole of statistics, obsessively tracking their downloads like it's the holy grail of success. I mean, c'mon, we’ve all been there, right? You release a couple of episodes, and next thing you know, you’re refreshing your stats page like it’s a lottery results site. But here’s the thing: all that staring at numbers won’t magically make them grow. In this episode, we dive into this common pitfall, dissecting the absurdity of letting download counts dictate our moods and self-worth.It’s not about the numbers; it’s about the impact.I share stories of podcasters who’ve hit the download wall but found fulfillment through audience engagement instead. Trust me, those heartfelt emails and community interactions are way more rewarding than any download spike could ever be. Let’s face it – we’re not running a fast-food joint here. McDonald’s has it all measured out, but in the world of podcasting, consistency and quality trump the obsessive number crunching.Predicting Success is Not EasyI talk about how, sometimes, the episodes we think will flop resonate deeply, while others we’re sure will be hits fall flat. The unpredictability of audience reactions is part of the charm, and embracing that chaos can be liberating. Plus, we tackle the importance of focusing on relationships with our listeners rather than just chasing that elusive download milestone.One Piece of the Podcasting PuzzleIn the end, download numbers are just one piece of the puzzle. We explore various ways to gauge success that don’t revolve around download stats: feedback, collaborations, and even the sheer joy of sharing your passion. So, if you’re new to this podcasting game, let’s ditch the download anxiety and start building genuine connections. Your show’s growth will follow, even if the numbers take a back seat for a while.Takeaways:Staring at your podcast stats every day won't magically boost your downloads, trust me.When you obsess over numbers, you can miss out on the real impact you're making.Your podcast's success isn't just about downloads; feedback and engagement are crucial too.Focus on creating good content rather than just chasing the download numbers.Building a community and connecting with your audience is way more valuable than stats.Remember, you're not McDonald's; entertainment is unpredictable, so embrace the chaos.Links referenced in this episode:podcastconsultant.comschoolofpodcasting.comMentioned in this episode:Ready To Grow Your Podcast?Starting August 19th (So sign up now) a cohort class at the School of Podcasting will lead members through the process and steps of growing your audience. You will receive feedback, and action steps to take to make your show in downloads, reach, and influence. Use the coupon code listener to save when you sign upSchool of PodcastingPodcasting in Six Weeks - Free CourseWe are bringing back Podcasting in Six Weeks and this time we are running an experiment and that is IT's FREE. Meeting weekly and go step by step and launch your podcast (it's designed for someone who does have a podcast, but wants one). Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeksPodcasting in Six WeeksThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Episode Show Notes: The "Urgency Trap" vs. QualityIn this episode, we tackle the paradox of the "Urgency Trap"—why we feel an overwhelming need to rush our creative projects, even when we've been sitting on them for years.Key TakeawaysThe "Anus GPS" Effect: Why do we make bad decisions when we're close to the finish line? Much like the frantic urge to reach the bathroom in time, when we get close to launching something, we hit a panic button. We start rushing, and that's when mistakes happen.The "Dusty Microphone" Syndrome: If you've been "thinking" about starting for years, putting off your launch for one more week isn't going to break the world. The world has managed to keep spinning without your podcast—don't let your gear collect dust for a decade because you're waiting for "perfect."The "Wrinkled T-Shirt" Episode: Your first episode probably won't be perfect. It’s like a wrinkled t-shirt: you can wear it, but you don't really want people to notice. The trap here is releasing that "wrinkled" work because you feel a self-inflicted pressure to get it out "yesterday."The Golden Rule: Late is temporary, but bad is forever.I'm currently dealing with the pressure of a rebrand. I wanted it out last night, but I pushed it back a week.Yes, you can technically change things later, but let’s be real—do we ever actually go back and fix them?The Balance: How do you avoid the "dusty microphone" paralysis without becoming a perfectionist? It's about knowing when to buff out the rough spots without letting the pursuit of excellence keep your project buried in a drawer.Mentioned in this episode:Ready To Grow Your Podcast?Starting August 19th (So sign up now) a cohort class at the School of Podcasting will lead members through the process and steps of growing your audience. You will receive feedback, and action steps to take to make your show in downloads, reach, and influence. Use the coupon code listener to save when you sign upSchool of PodcastingPodcasting in Six Weeks - Free CourseWe are bringing back Podcasting in Six Weeks and this time we are running an experiment and that is IT's FREE. Meeting weekly and go step by step and launch your podcast (it's designed for someone who does have a podcast, but wants one). Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeksPodcasting in Six WeeksThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Today I’m digging into the importance of honest self-review and seeking feedback from your listeners to make your show even better. Inspired by an interview I heard with Geddy Lee of Rush by Rick Biato, I’ll share how even the pros take time to reflect on their work and look for ways to improve. I’ll talk about why it’s crucial to revisit your older episodes, ask your audience the right questions, and be open to constructive criticism, even if it stings a little. My goal is to help you move beyond just being “good enough” and become someone’s favorite. Let’s get started on how you can make every episode better than the last!You Need Fresh EarsGeddy talks about how when you're making the music, you're not listening to the whole song. This is true of podcasters. We are paying to the details, but not the whole episode. We aren't paying attention to the flow, or the tease, or any other ingredients that might be missing.We may have been up against a deadline, and decided to "just push publish" well now with some time between the date it was published and the current date, you may hear with a new mindset that sees way you could improve.Get CreativeThe beauty of podcasting is it's YOUR SHOW. You can do whatever you want. You may lose some of your audience, but you might also gain a whole lot more. If you want to try something, try it.Only One Way To Find OutThere is only one way to know if it will work. Saturday Night Live does a dress rehearsal and if that audience doesn't laugh (even if all the writers thought it was great) it doesn't make it to the show. The content is shaped by feedback.Get Some Honest FriendsI've worked with clients and I'll spot some pretty easy tings to fix to improve their show, and they will say "Oh man, my friends said it was amazing." That doesn't mean the show wasn't good, but "amazing" may be a stretch.Eventually Rush Found Their AudienceThe band Rush was about to lose their record deal. They could have listened to the record label and tried to make hits. Instead they followed their guy, and made a very experimental record called 2112. Then the audience heard it, and they told a friend, who told a friend. That audience lead to them being able to do whatever they wanted for the rest of their careers. This wouldn't have happened without some experimentation and feedback from their fans.Need Help With Your Show?I have a podcast review service currently called "Podcast Hot Seat" and you can get your episode and/or website review to let you know what you're doing right (so you can do more of it) and what might need some tweaking.Let the passion to serve your audience outweigh your fear of feedback. Feedback is the breakfast of champions. Do what others are too afraid to do, and you will stand yards ahead of them.I'm here to help.Takeaways:When creating podcast content, regularly review your old episodes to find areas for improvement.Engaging your audience through surveys can reveal what they truly want from your show.Listening back to your own recordings helps you notice things you might have missed during the live recording.Don't be afraid of constructive feedback; it's essential for growing your podcast and serving your audience better.Just like bands need to evaluate their live performances, podcasters should do the same to enhance their shows.Your podcast should resonate with listeners, not just exist because there's nothing else available.More Links Mentioned In the ShowJoin the School of PodcastingRick Beato Interview Geddy Lee of RushMentioned in this episode:Ready To Grow Your Podcast?Starting August 19th (So sign up now) a cohort class at the School of Podcasting will lead members through the process and steps of growing your audience. You will receive feedback, and action steps to take to make your show in downloads, reach, and influence. Use the coupon code listener to save when you sign upSchool of PodcastingPodcasting in Six Weeks - Free CourseWe are bringing back Podcasting in Six Weeks and this time we are running an experiment and that is IT's FREE. Meeting weekly and go step by step and launch your podcast (it's designed for someone who does have a podcast, but wants one). Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeksPodcasting in Six WeeksThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

I Can't Tell What Is Working!When you just promote your podcast everywhere, it's hard to tell what is working. One way that makes it easy to see what's working is to track the links you share. Newsletters like Kit, Beehiz, Mailerlite enable you to see what is getting clicked on. I use Fathom stats on my website so I can see where my traffic is coming from (and enables to see where I get more traffic from my newsletter than social media). This content may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I trust and believe will provide value to you. Thank you for your support!Resources MentionedSwitchy Link TrackerWhispr FlowSchool of PodcastingWhat is A Link Shortener/Tracker?There are tools like bit.com but my favorite is called Switchy (as you are switching out links). It does a ton of stuff:Creates tracking links for things you shareMakes it easy to organize you data so you can see what is workingMakes trackable QR codes (which I use in my slides when I speak)Can make a "Linktree" type website (all with trackable links)It's only $39 for a lifetime deal at App SumoTakeaways:Starting a podcast takes more time than you think, especially at the beginning.Using tools like Switchy helps track what works for your podcast and what doesn’t.Exercise can do wonders, like biking, which also relates to consistency in podcasting.Measuring your efforts in podcasting allows you to focus on what actually brings in listeners.Changing multiple things at once in your podcast can confuse results, stick to one at a time.Your newsletter might outperform social media for traffic, so don’t overlook it.Mentioned in this episode:Podcasting in Six Weeks - Free CourseWe are bringing back Podcasting in Six Weeks and this time we are running an experiment and that is IT's FREE. Meeting weekly and go step by step and launch your podcast (it's designed for someone who does have a podcast, but wants one). Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeksPodcasting in Six WeeksReady To Grow Your Podcast?Starting August 19th (So sign up now) a cohort class at the School of Podcasting will lead members through the process and steps of growing your audience. You will receive feedback, and action steps to take to make your show in downloads, reach, and influence. Use the coupon code listener to save when you sign upSchool of PodcastingThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

My Podcast is Great, but It's Not GrowingEver feel like you’re pouring your soul into your podcast and the audience just isn’t showing up? Yeah, me too. In this episode, we tackle that painful realization that sometimes, the problem isn’t with the promotion, but with the content itself. We take a hard look at what happens when listeners start dropping off like flies. Is it that they’re just not your target audience? Or maybe, just maybe, your content isn't hitting the mark?Take It Outside of PodcastingWe draw some hilarious parallels between podcasting and other forms of media – like writing a book or even making a movie – because when you take it out of the podcasting bubble, things start to look a lot clearer.The Fear of FeedbackWe also discuss the absolute necessity of getting feedback from your audience and how terrifying that can be. But hey, if you’re not asking, you’ll never know what’s working and what’s not. So, buckle up as we dissect the ups and downs of podcasting, and how a little feedback can turn your ship around. You’ll leave this episode ready to engage with your listeners like never before!Takeaways:Podcasting advice sometimes makes more sense when you think outside of the podcasting bubble.Don't just assume your content is great; ask your audience what they really think.If your audience isn't coming back, maybe your content isn't hitting the mark anymore.Promoting isn't the only solution; feedback from listeners can be the real game changer.Taking a step back and comparing your podcast to books or films can clarify your approach.Remember, it’s not about the numbers; it’s about resonating with your true audience.Podcasting ObservationsSchool of PodcastingMentioned in this episode:Ready To Grow Your Podcast?Starting August 19th (So sign up now) a cohort class at the School of Podcasting will lead members through the process and steps of growing your audience. You will receive feedback, and action steps to take to make your show in downloads, reach, and influence. Use the coupon code listener to save when you sign upSchool of PodcastingPodcasting in Six Weeks - Free CourseWe are bringing back Podcasting in Six Weeks and this time we are running an experiment and that is IT's FREE. Meeting weekly and go step by step and launch your podcast (it's designed for someone who does have a podcast, but wants one). Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeksPodcasting in Six WeeksThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy