Podcast Insider

Podcast Insider is taking a short break for the rest of 2026, but there’s plenty happening behind the scenes at Blubrry.In this episode, MacKenzie Bennett, Mike Dell and Dave Clements share what’s changing before the show returns in January, including Blubrry’s new website, an updated support knowledge base, a new home for Podcast Insider and plans to refresh the show itself in 2027.The team also talks about why Blubrry has spent much of the year simplifying and updating its resources. After more than 20 years of podcasting content, documentation and product changes, the goal is to make it easier for podcasters to find current, useful information without digging through outdated material.Podcast Insider will continue to live at PodcastInsider.com, now powered by Podpage and focused specifically on the podcast. Blubrry’s blog and company updates will live on the main Blubrry website.When Podcast Insider returns in January, expect some changes. The team plans to experiment with a refreshed format, bring more Blubrry customers and team members into the conversation, and explore interviews, roundtables and other ways to make the show more useful to podcasters.In This EpisodeWhy Podcast Insider is taking November and December offWhat’s changing with the new Blubrry websiteHow Blubrry is reorganizing its support documentationWhy older blog content is being separated from current resourcesPodcast Insider’s move to PodpagePlans for a refreshed show in 2027More opportunities for Blubrry customers to appear on the podcastUpcoming November webinarsUpcoming Blubrry WebinarsHow to Start a Podcast — November 10 at 4:30 p.m. ETA session for new podcasters or anyone looking for a refresher on what it takes to launch a podcast today. Register here.Blubrry Affiliate Program Office Hours — November 17 at 4:30 p.m. ETLearn more about the Blubrry Affiliate Program, how it works and why becoming an affiliate could be a good fit for you.Podcast Insider will return in January 2027 with a refreshed approach and plenty more to talk about.Thanks for listening, and happy podcasting!

In this episode of Podcast Insider, Mike Dell, Dave Clements and MacKenzie Bennett share how they’re currently using AI in podcast production—and where they think podcasters should draw the line.The conversation covers practical uses for AI, including creating transcripts, generating chapters, summarizing episodes, cleaning up audio, assisting with research and editing images. They also discuss why human review still matters, especially when AI-generated content can introduce errors, flatten a creator’s voice or make audiences question what they’re hearing and seeing.The team also gets into the bigger concerns surrounding AI in creative work: voice cloning, fully AI-generated podcasts, trust, privacy and the difference between using AI to enhance your work versus using it to replace the creative process altogether. Their takeaway is less about following a strict rule and more about being intentional. AI can be a useful assistant, but creators should still review the output, maintain their own voice and consider how their audience will perceive what they publish.The episode wraps up with a look at International Podcast Day on September 30, including its beginnings as National Podcast Day in 2014 and how it has grown into a worldwide celebration of podcasting, creators and the evolution of the medium.In this episode:How Mike, Dave and MacKenzie use AI in their own podcast workflowsAI-generated show notes, chapters, transcripts and artworkUsing AI for audio enhancement and media masteringWhy creators should always review AI-generated outputThe difference between AI assistance and AI-generated contentVoice cloning, authenticity and audience trustWhy human creativity still matters in podcastingUsing AI to enhance your work rather than simply cut cornersThe history and purpose of International Podcast DayThere is not one universal answer to how much AI is too much. The better question may be whether the technology is helping you make a stronger podcast—or removing the human element that made the show worth listening to in the first place.Thanks for listening.Learn more and find additional podcasting resources at PodcastInsider.com, and visit the Blubrry Podcasting YouTube channel for more podcasting videos.

How long should a podcast episode be? And how much editing is really necessary? There’s no magic number or one-size-fits-all answer. In this episode of Podcast Insider, Dave Clements, Mike Dell, and MacKenzie Bennett discuss podcast episode length, editing styles, audience expectations, and why podcasters may be better off focusing on their content instead of chasing an supposed “perfect” runtime. The team shares their own preferences for short and long episodes and explains why the right length often comes down to a simple rule: talk for as long as you have something worthwhile to say. If a topic only needs 15 or 20 minutes, there’s no reason to stretch it to 30. Likewise, a compelling conversation may deserve considerably more time. They also explore how much editing a podcast actually needs. Some shows benefit from detailed production, while others work well with a more natural, lightly edited approach. The key is deciding what fits your show, your available time, and what your audience expects. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why there is no perfect podcast episode length When a shorter episode may be better than stretching a topic Heavy editing vs. light editing How production style changes listener expectations Asking your audience what they actually prefer Why feedback from one listener shouldn’t necessarily dictate your entire strategy Popular podcast editing tools including Adobe Audition, Reaper, Audacity, Descript, and Adobe Podcast Using audio processing and media mastering to improve consistency Why getting a good recording at the source makes editing much easier How AI-assisted tools are beginning to change podcast editing and production The biggest takeaway: don’t let perfection keep you from publishing. Podcasting, recording, and editing all involve a learning curve. Your process can improve with every episode, and what matters most is creating something your audience wants to keep listening to. The episode also briefly touches on Apple HLS video availability for Blubrry customers and the growing opportunities for podcasters interested in video. Thanks for Listening Learn more and find additional podcasting resources at PodcastInsider.com, and visit the Blubrry Podcasting YouTube channel for more podcasting videos.

Podcast burnout can happen for a lot of reasons: an overly ambitious schedule, too much production work, losing interest in a topic or simply trying to fit podcasting into an already busy life. In this episode of Podcast Insider, MacKenzie Bennett, Mike Dell and Dave Clements talk about their own experiences with podcast burnout, abandoned shows and taking breaks. They discuss why burnout doesn’t always mean it’s time to quit — sometimes it means the format, schedule or expectations around your podcast need to change. The team also shares ways to make podcasting more sustainable, including simplifying production, building breaks into your schedule, recording episodes ahead of time and giving yourself permission to experiment with your format. In this episode: Why podcasters burn out — even when they still enjoy podcasting How overcommitting to a publishing schedule can make a show harder to sustain Why new podcasters don’t need to do everything perfectly from episode one When taking a hiatus can actually help your podcast How changing your format, frequency or topic can bring new energy to a show Why building vacations and seasonal breaks into your schedule can help How recording ahead and scheduling episodes can reduce pressure Why podcasters should create a workflow that works for their own life, not someone else’s How Blubrry tools and support can help simplify the publishing process There isn’t one perfect podcast schedule or production process. The most sustainable approach is the one that allows you to keep creating without turning your podcast into something you dread. If you’re feeling burned out, taking a break, simplifying your process or changing things up might be exactly what your show needs. Thanks for Listening Learn more and find additional podcasting resources at PodcastInsider.com, and visit the Blubrry Podcasting YouTube channel for more podcasting videos.

Celebrity podcasts are everywhere — or at least, it can feel that way. But does having a built-in audience actually make someone a good podcaster? In this episode of Podcast Insider, Dave Clements, MacKenzie Bennett and Mike Dell discuss the rise and influence of celebrity podcasts, why some make the transition to podcasting successfully while others struggle, and how these shows can shape expectations for new podcasters. The conversation explores the popularity of celebrity interview shows, the teams and resources often working behind the scenes, and the advantage that comes with already having an established audience. But celebrity status doesn’t guarantee a successful show — interviewing, storytelling and creating something people want to return to still require skill. They also look at the positive impact celebrities have had on podcasting by bringing new listeners into the medium and helping make podcasts more mainstream. Most importantly, independent podcasters shouldn’t feel like they need to copy what celebrities are doing. Podcasting remains a place where original ideas can find an audience, and success doesn’t have to mean massive ad deals or millions of listeners. In this episode: Why fame gives celebrity podcasters a head start — but not a guarantee What separates good celebrity podcasts from forgettable ones Why interview podcasts have become so common The resources celebrity shows have that independent podcasters often don’t How celebrity podcasts have helped make podcasting mainstream Why new podcasters shouldn’t expect instant monetization How podcasting has become easier and more accessible Why original ideas still matter more than following trends What independent creators can learn from successful celebrity shows Whether you’re inspired, annoyed or completely indifferent to celebrity podcasts, there’s one takeaway: use other shows for inspiration, but make something that’s your own. Thanks for Listening Learn more and find additional podcasting resources at PodcastInsider.com, and visit the Blubrry Podcasting YouTube channel for more podcasting videos.

How Do You Consume Podcasts? Podcast consumption looks different for everyone—and it continues to change as audio, video and short-form content become more connected. In this episode of Podcast Insider, Mike Dell, Dave Clements and MacKenzie Bennett share how they discover and consume podcasts. MacKenzie primarily listens through Apple Podcasts but often discovers new shows through social media. Dave has shifted from traditional podcast apps toward YouTube and audiobooks, while Mike maintains organized podcast playlists but also consumes much of his long-form content through YouTube. The conversation explores how video can help podcasters become more discoverable, even when their audience ultimately prefers to listen. The team also discusses the value of short promotional clips, simple video workflows and experimenting with different formats without turning podcast production into a full-time job. In This Episode How podcast listening habits change over time Why social media is becoming an important podcast discovery tool The difference between how people discover and consume content Why YouTube is increasingly part of the podcast ecosystem Whether podcasters should create audio, video or both Simple ways to create promotional video content Why consistency and quality may matter more than publishing frequently How podcasters can test new formats based on audience behavior One key takeaway: podcasters should think like consumers. Experiment with audio, video and short-form content, pay attention to how your audience responds and focus your effort on the formats that work best for your show. How do you consume podcasts? Do you listen through a podcast app, watch on YouTube or discover shows through TikTok, Instagram or another platform? Let us know. Thanks for Listening Learn more and find additional podcasting resources at PodcastInsider.com, and visit the Blubrry Podcasting YouTube channel for more podcasting videos.

In this episode of Podcast Insider, Mike Dell is joined by Brenden Mulligan, founder of Podpage, to talk about Blubrry’s new Podpage integration and why having a dedicated podcast website still matters.Blubrry hosting customers now have access to a free Podpage-powered podcast website, giving podcasters an easier way to create a professional home for their show without having to build or maintain a website from scratch.Mike and Brenden discuss how the partnership came together, what happens to existing Blubrry podcast landing pages, and how podcasters can customize or upgrade their new sites.They also dive into the bigger role podcast websites play in discoverability — from traditional SEO to the growing influence of AI search tools — and why having a clear, authoritative home for your podcast can help audiences and search platforms better understand your show.In This EpisodeWhy Blubrry partnered with Podpage for podcast websitesWhat Blubrry hosting customers get with their Podpage-powered siteHow existing podcast landing pages transition without breaking existing linksWhen Podpage may be a better fit than building a WordPress siteWhy every podcast should have its own home on the webHow your podcast website can support SEO and AI-powered searchWhy your official website should be connected to your podcast RSS feedHow Podping helps podcast websites update when new episodes are publishedThe challenges of RSS feeds, caching and episode update delaysHow video podcasting, YouTube and HLS could change podcast publishingWhy video doesn’t have to be part of every podcastUsing Vid2Pod to turn existing video content into an audio podcastYour Podcast’s Home on the WebOne of the biggest themes of the conversation is simple: your podcast should have a place online that you control.Podcast apps, directories, YouTube and other platforms are important for distribution, but your own website gives listeners a reliable place to find your episodes, learn more about your show and connect with you.For Blubrry hosting customers, that process is now much easier. Your Podpage-powered site is automatically connected to your podcast, and podcasters who want additional design and website features can claim their site and explore more customization options.To view or manage your podcast website, log in to your Blubrry Dashboard, go to Manage Show and look for Landing Page.Thanks for ListeningWhether you prefer a simple podcast website that works automatically or need a more customized web presence, the goal is the same: make it easy for people — and increasingly, search engines and AI tools — to find accurate information about your podcast.Subscribe to Podcast Insider for more conversations about podcast hosting, publishing, technology, audience growth and the tools shaping the future of podcasting.

Hey everyone — quick update before we jump into today’s episode. We’re currently taking a short break from recording new episodes of Podcast Insider as we spend some time reworking the show behind the scenes. We’re looking at everything from format to content to make sure we’re bringing you the most helpful and relevant podcasting insights possible. We’ll be back with brand new episodes in May. In the meantime, we’re revisiting some of our past episodes that are still incredibly relevant — like this one. Thanks for sticking with us, and we’ll see you soon with what’s next for Podcast Insider. Change can be scary — especially when your podcast format is “working well enough.” But doing the exact same thing every week can lead to burnout, stale content, and flat growth. In this episode of Podcast Insider, Mike and Dave dig into how to experiment with your show format without confusing your audience, tanking downloads, or losing the core of what makes your show work. Whether you’re thinking about shorter episodes, new segments, rotating co-hosts, or even a full refresh down the road, this conversation walks through how to test changes in a thoughtful, data-informed way over time. Today’s Hosts: Dave Clements and Mike Dell Why Even Good Shows Need Format Experiments If your show is “fine,” it can be tempting to leave it alone forever. But small experiments can: Keep you excited and creative as a host Help new listeners understand your show faster Make the content easier to binge and share Reveal what parts of your format actually matter to listeners Common worries podcasters have: “If I change anything, people will unsubscribe.” “My audience expects this exact structure.” “I don’t have time to reinvent everything.” Breaking down the difference between: Tweaks (small adjustments, low risk) Experiments (intentional tests with a goal) Overhauls (big changes that need more planning) ???? Blubrry helps: Use your Blubrry stats to compare performance before and after changes—episode downloads, trends over a few weeks, and listener behavior over time. Low-Risk Ways to Experiment With Your Format You don’t have to flip your show upside down to “try something new.” Mike and Dave walk through small, manageable experiments you can test over a few episodes: Structure Experiments Move your main topic earlier so listeners get to the “good stuff” faster Add a short recurring segment (news, wins, Q&A, recommendations) Group related topics into a mini-series within your feed Length & Pacing Experiments Try a shorter, punchier episode every few weeks Alternate between deep-dive episodes and quick tips Tighten long intros or outros to get into the content sooner Format Variations Rotate between solo, co-hosted, and interview episodes Test a “mailbag” or “listener questions” format occasionally Try themed episodes (case studies, breakdowns, live coaching, etc.) They also talk about running experiments in “seasons” or short runs so changes feel intentional, not random. ???? Blubrry helps: Tag your episodes clearly in titles and descriptions (e.g., “Quick Tip,” “Deep Dive,” “Listener Q&A”) so you can see which experiment types attract more plays over time. Bringing Your Audience Along for the Ride Listeners are usually more flexible than podcasters think—as long as they’re not surprised in a bad way. Communicate changes without sounding unsure or apologetic: Explain why you’re trying something new:   “We want to get to the main topic faster.” “We’re testing shorter episodes for busy listeners.” Set expectations and limits:   “We’re experimenting with this format for the next 3–4 episodes.” Invite feedback directly:   Ask for emails, social DMs, or voicemails Run a simple listener poll or survey The power of framing: Position changes as a perk (“We’re giving you more X”) Make listeners feel included (“You’re helping shape how this show evolves.”) ???? Blubrry helps: Link to your contact page, newsletter, or survey using Quicklinks so listeners always have an easy, one-click way to respond. What to Track When You Change Your Format Experimenting without paying attention to results is just guessing. We break down what to watch once you start testing new ideas: Core metrics: Overall downloads per episode over a few weeks Trends (Is it steady, slightly up, or noticeably down?) Are new format episodes in line with your usual performance? Engagement signals: Do you see more replies, reviews, or social shares? Are listeners mentioning specific segments or changes they liked? Do people reference the new format when they reach out? Patterns over time: Are certain experiment types performing consistently better? Did a change cause confusion (e.g., more “what is this?” feedback)? Don’t panic over one “weird” episode—look at patterns, not outliers. ???? Blubrry helps: Use episode comparison tools and long-term stats trends to see how format changes affect performance across multiple episodes, not just one. Knowing When to Roll Back vs. Commit Not every experiment will be a hit—and that’s okay. Roll it back if: You’re getting clear negative feedback you can’t ignore Downloads are dropping significantly and staying down The new format is burning you out more than before Tweak and keep testing if: Feedback is mixed but curious (“I like this, but…”) Performance is similar, but the show feels better to make You see signs of new engagement from your core audience Fully commit if: Your audience responds positively and consistently The show feels easier or more fun to produce The format fits better with your long-term goals Tell listeners when something worked: “You all loved this new segment, so we’re making it a regular thing.” Listener Takeaway Experimenting with your format doesn’t mean starting from scratch—it means refining what already works and letting go of what doesn’t. When you: Change one thing at a time Communicate clearly Watch your data and listen to feedback …you can evolve your show in a way that feels natural for both you and your listeners. The best place for all Blubrry support is our ticket system. A ticket gives the whole team access vs. direct emails and calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call for a tech checkup with Mike ([email protected]).

Spring is a natural time to reset — and your podcast is no exception. If things have started to feel a little scattered, outdated, or harder to manage, you’re not alone. Most podcasts don’t struggle because of one major issue, but because of small things that quietly pile up over time. In this episode, we walk through how to “spring clean” your podcast — from refreshing your show details and fixing broken links to simplifying your workflow and setting yourself up for growth. These are practical, high-impact updates you can make right now to improve your listener experience, boost discoverability, and make your podcast easier (and more rewarding) to run. Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Dave Clements Why “Spring Cleaning” Matters Most podcasts don’t fail because of one big issue — it’s small things stacking up Over time: Links break Descriptions get outdated Workflows get messy Cleaning up improves: Listener experience Discoverability Monetization readiness What to Fix First (High-Impact Updates) Show Description & Episode Titles Are they clear? Keyword-friendly? Do they still reflect your show? Links & Calls-to-Action Old websites, expired offers, missing links CTA mismatch (asking for things you don’t actually offer anymore) Podcast Artwork Does it still match your brand? Is it readable at small sizes? Clean Up Your Back Catalog Older episodes still get discovered Fix: Broken links in show notes Outdated intros (“coming soon” messages, etc.) Consider: Updating descriptions Re-promoting strong older episodes Workflow & Consistency Reset Are you: Scrambling every week? Skipping steps? Common issues: No checklist No repeatable process Solutions: Simple publishing checklist Batch recording/editing Clear timeline for each episode Monetization Cleanup Are you still promoting: Old sponsors? Dead affiliate links? Are you not promoting: Your own services? Newsletter, community, products? What to Remove Long, outdated intros Segments you don’t enjoy anymore Overcomplicated formats Key Takeaways Small updates make a big difference. You don’t need a full rebrand — fixing descriptions, links, and workflows can immediately improve your podcast. Your back catalog still matters. Older episodes continue to get discovered, so keeping them updated helps with long-term growth. Consistency comes from systems, not motivation. A clean, repeatable workflow makes publishing easier and reduces burnout. Monetization starts with clarity. Make sure your calls-to-action are current and actually lead somewhere meaningful. If it’s not helping your show, remove it. Outdated segments, long intros, and unnecessary steps only slow you down. For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion. Share your feedback at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider. Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike ([email protected])

Podcasting doesn’t stop at borders — and chances are, your audience doesn’t either. In this replay of Podcast Insider, hosts Mike Dell and Dave Clements break down how podcasters can expand beyond their home country and reach listeners around the world. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow your show internationally, understand where your audience is coming from, or make your content more accessible globally — this episode is for you. Whether you’re just getting started or already seeing downloads from other countries, going global isn’t about starting over — it’s about making smarter, more intentional decisions with the content you’re already creating. Why your podcast likely already has a global audience How international listeners can accelerate your growth Simple ways to make your content more globally relevant The role of transcripts in discoverability and accessibility How to promote your podcast beyond your local market Tools and strategies to understand where your listeners are tuning in from ???? Why Going Global Matters Expanding your reach isn’t just about bigger numbers — it’s about better opportunities. Connect with listeners from different cultures and perspectives Open the door to international guests and collaborations Increase your potential for sponsorships and partnerships Build a stronger, more diverse community Podcasting is inherently global — leaning into that can help your show grow faster and more sustainably. ???? Make Your Podcast Work Anywhere You don’t need to change your show — just make it easier for more people to connect with it. Keep language clear and avoid region-specific slang Focus on topics that translate across cultures Provide context when referencing local ideas or locations Be mindful of time zones for releases and live events Small adjustments can make a big difference in how your content resonates worldwide. ???? Accessibility = Growth If you want a global audience, accessibility is key. Transcripts help non-native speakers follow along They improve SEO and discoverability They make translation into other languages possible Making your content easier to consume is one of the fastest ways to expand your reach internationally. ???? Promote Beyond Your Home Country Growth doesn’t stop at publishing — it expands with how you promote. Submit your podcast to global directories Use region-specific hashtags and communities Share clips or quotes that can be translated Collaborate with creators in other countries The more visible your show is globally, the more opportunities you create. ???? The Takeaway You don’t need a separate strategy to “go global.” You just need to: Understand where your audience already is Remove friction for new listeners Make your content accessible and relatable Your next listener might not be in your city — or even your country. And that’s exactly where your growth can come from.