School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast
Episodes
How to Turn Your Podcast Into Passive Income (With Tools I Actually Use)
13 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to this episode of the School of Podcasting! I’m Dave Jackson, and today&nb...
From Listeners to Advocates: The Magic of True Fans
06 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered if the reason your podcast hasn’t “exploded” is actually ...
Stop Pushing Listeners Away: The Biggest Podcasting Pet Peeves (and How to Fix Them)
30 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If listeners are quitting your podcast in the first five minutes, this episode is&nbs...
School of Podcasting's Big News with Podpage
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The School of Podcasting has been acquired, and yes, that means changes are coming. But don’t panic! The essence of what we do is staying intact. We...
How to Grow Your Podcast Audience with SEO and Keywords
15 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to podcast strategies to grow your podcast, one strategy that often gets overlooked (because it takes time) is Search Engine Optimizatio...
Big Lash Energy: One Million Downloads Fueled by Coffee and Compliments
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the world of Big Lash Energy, where Jayna Marie takes us on a no-holds-barred journey through the ups and downs of her life and career. As ...
Podcast Short Cuts and Sacrifices: What Worked?
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I tackled the question submitted by Emily Kate: What sacrifices and shortcuts did you take in your podcasting journey, and did they w...
The Pros and Cons of Going Video: Let’s Talk
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Hey, it's Dave Jackson! In this episode, Ishare my talk that I did at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) about video podcasting. What are the r...
Cut the Fluff, Keep the Gold: How to Edit for Your Audience
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m walking you through why great podcast editing doesn’t start with software, plugins, or secret shortcuts — it starts with kn...
Ingredients that Make People Binge Your Podcast
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Alright, so if you’re a podcaster looking to snag more listeners and get them hooked on your back catalog, then buckle up, because we’re diving in...
The Four D's of Podcasting: Noval Marketing Conference Recap
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
I just got back from the Novel Marketing Conference. This was put on by my friend Thomas Umstattd Jr (who has a great podcast for authors). I love sin...
Behind the Scenes at Podfest: Lessons, Laughs, and Cold Coffee
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Hey, it’s Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting, and in this episode, I’m recapping my experience at Podfest 2026, which was a whirlwind of h...
Behind the Scenes of My New Podcast
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s episode, I dig into my thought process as I consider launching a new podcast—and I walk through the essential questions I ask anyone wh...
The Myth of Overnight Success: What Podcasting Really Takes
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Hey, it’s Dave Jackson here! In this episode, I’m diving letting you see why patience and persistence matter more than anything else in podcasting...
How to Start a Podcasting in 2026
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you want a podcast launch checklist I have one available here. This show is intended for beginners to podcasting. If you already have one, this may...
Launch and Grow Your Podcast with the School of Podcasting
01 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Hey, I’m Dave Jackson, host of The School of Podcasting.If you want to start a podcast or make the one you already have better, this show is for you...
What's Your Favorite Podcast (AND WHY) 2025 Edition
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What makes a podcast someone's favorite? I ask this every year, and here are the shows that were mentioned:Here is a list of the "Favorite" shows, as ...
Who is Peeing in the Podcast Pool?
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hey, it's Dave! In this episode (which uses chapters FYI), I take you through a year-end wrap-up, sharing stories, rants, insights, and predictions ab...
Podcasting Build Relationships Which Leads to Opportunities
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hey, it's Dave Jackson, and I'm thrilled to bring you episode 1014 of the School of Podcasting. You’ve heard me say it before: "Podcasts lead to rel...
How to Handle Listener Feedback (Even the Awkward Bits)
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the show! In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing the feedback you’ve given me over the past year. From the things yo...
12 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Podcast
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I circle back to a classic question:What do you wish you’d known when you started your podcast that you know now?This is a question...
12 Signs Your Podcast Is Actually Working
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I look into the many ways you can measure the success of your podcast beyond just download numbers. Too often, new podcasters get fix...
Over Delivering Value: The Secret Sauce for Podcast Success
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hey, it's Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting! In this episode, I dive into what truly delivers value to your podcast audience—drawing inspir...
Small Audience, Big Results: Making Sponsor Deals Work for Any Podcaster
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hey everyone, it’s Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting! In today’s episode, I sit down with Heidi Kay Begay from Red House Productions (web...
You Can Be an Influencer Without Being the Best: Lessons from Ace Frehley of Kiss
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hey, it’s Dave Jackson from School of Podcasting, and in this episode, I look into what podcasters can learn from Ace Frehley of Kiss—even though ...
Counting Episodes: Just How Many Do We Listen To?
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're diving into the oh-so-fun world of podcast listening habits today, folks. Some people think most listeners are "Full." So how many podcasts are...
Is Live Podcasting Worth it? The Pros and Cons of Live podcasting
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I'm diving deep into the pros and cons of doing a live podcast, inspired by a question from Ralph over at askralph.com. If you’ve ever considered go...
From Idea to Launch: How Long Does It Really Take to Start a Podcast?
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back! In this episode, I tackle this month’s big question: "How long did it take you to bring your podcast from an idea in your head to exec...
Podcasting Best Practices or Myths? Let's Find Out!
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we're going to pull back that curtain on podcasting best practices. And some of these conventions are grounded in logic and proven...
Why Your Attitude is More Important Than Your Gear
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Podcasting is a wild ride, and who better to ride along with us than Cassian Bellino? She's got this killer attitude that turns failures into stepping...
Don't Leave a Mess For Your Family - The Fate of Your Podcast After You Die
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The past year we've lost some great people in the podcasting family. Neil Guilarte and Todd Cochrane both died suddenly with no warning. If you're not...
How Direct Conversations Boost Podcast Popularity
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Growing a podcast isn’t just about hitting record and hoping for the best. If you’ve been tuning in, you know we’re all about making remarkable ...
Raising a Glass to Todd Cochran: Podcasting Pioneer
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I am still in shock about the loss of Todd Cochrane. I just saw him a few weeks ago 30 lbs lighter and looking great. I've known Todd for 20+ years. T...
How Do I Grow My Podcast Audience?
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Over the 20 years there are certain questions that get asked over and over, and today I share my thoughts on How Do I Grow My Podcast Audience? The pa...
Hiring Help for Your Podcast: Worth It or Just Burning Cash?
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Outsourcing for your podcast is a bit like dating—you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince (or princess). This episode gets into ...
Stop Wasting Your Listeners' Time - and other lessons from Podcast Movement
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Coming back from Podcast Movement, I've got a story that really drives home the point that nothing beats face-to-face networking. I mean, sure, we can...
Dead Air, Depression, and Dispatch Dave: Inside Sirius Satellite Radio
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I've known Dave Hooper (host of Build a Big Podcast and Author of Big Podcast) since he put on the radio for the first time on Music Business Radio. W...
Why Your Media Kit is Probably Trash: Lessons from Justin Moore
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Moore is here to tell us how to snag sponsors like a pro. We chat about his book, Sponsor Magnet. Seriously, if you’re trying to get sponsors...
No More 'Um's: Your Guide to Speaking Like a Pro!
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Filler words. We all know them, we all use them, and let’s be real, they’re annoying. You might think it’s just you fumbling through a sentence ...
15 Lessons Podcasters Can learn From Ozzy Osbourne
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ozzy Osbourne's recent passing has got me feeling all sorts of ways. I mean, who didn’t grow up jamming to ‘Crazy Train’ or wishing we could be ...
What's In It For The Audience? With Traci DeForge
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Traci DeForge is here to her knowledge about podcasting for your business without feeling like a total salesy weirdo. She’s busting the myth that yo...
Are Big Companies Poisoning Podcasting?
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are Spotify and YouTube poisoning podcasting?I keep hearing how "What used to work in the past - doesn't work anymore? Well I disagree. Making great c...
How to Keep Your Marriage While Chasing Podcasting Dreams
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Juggling podcasting and personal life can feel like trying to balance on a three-legged stool while juggling flaming torches. In this episode, I look ...
Is Everyone Really Using Spotify? HollyLand Lark M2S Review
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this month's "Question of the Month," I wanted to explore the discrepancy between Spotify's perceived dominance and the actual listening habits of ...
Creative Outlets or Creative Burdens? Let's Talk Podcast Burnout!
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
So, today I'm diving into the mess that can be podcast burnout. You know, that moment when your favorite hobby morphs into a job you dread? Yeah, we’...
The Emotion Effect: How Feelings Drive Shares
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder why some podcasts spread like wildfire while others wither on the vine? Well, it turns out that a whopping 60 to 80% of podcasts are disco...
Community Building 101 with Bri Leever
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we start with the news of Marc Maron retiring his podcast, and a possible shake up at the New Media Show (two shows with 16+ years). So who will...
From Audio to Viral: The YouTube Transformation of a Podcast
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Adding YouTube to your podcasting game? Well, grab a seat because Thomas Umstadt Jr. is here to share what works and what doesn't. We’re talking abo...
Five Proven Strategies for Crafting Unforgettable Podcast Hooks
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we are talking about keeping your audience listening after they press play. This starts with an opening hook. To have hooks that grab your audi...
Mic Drop Moments: How to Turn Boring Interviews into Podcast Gold with Tracy Johnson
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if I told you that most interviews are mind-numbingly boring, and you're probably doing them wrong? Today I interview Tracy Johnson, and after de...
Running Your Podcast As a Business with Steve Stewart
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Money, money, money! Yeah, I know, we’re all rolling our eyes thinking, "Ugh, not another boring finance chat!" But hold onto your wallets, because ...
Throwing Shade: Exposing Podcast Get-Rich-Quick Scams
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Normally, I try to stay positive and encouraging. Maybe I still am, as I encourage you not to fall for these Podcast Tools (often based on AI) that pr...
Podcast Episode Ideas - What Sources Do You Use?
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever find yourself staring at a blank screen, just waiting for the podcast gods to drop some divine inspiration in your lap? Yeah, me too. But don’t...
Data-Driven Podcast Growth
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Data is like your podcasting superpower, folks! If you want to grow your show, you gotta get your hands on the right stats. Seriously, knowing what’...
Should My Podcast Be On YouTube: Facts to Help
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
So, let’s dive into the wild world of podcasts on YouTube, shall we? This episode is all about the big question: should your podcast even be on YouT...
What AI Tools are Podcasters Using?
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you using AI? Or better yet, which AI tool are you using? That's the big question we’re tackling today! We listen to fellow podcasters to find o...
From Model Trains to Money: Monetizing Your Passion Podcast
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You can totally monetize a podcast even if your audience is smaller and niche. It's like having a tiny but super passionate fan club instead of a mass...
Unlocking Podcast Growth: The Power of Partnerships with Stephanie Thompson
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we’re exploring the world of partnerships versus sponsorships with the fabulous Stephanie Thompson. The key takeaway? Partnerships are better...
Building Authentic Business Relationships Through Podcasting
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Molly Ruland stops by to explain how she started a branded podcast that brought in so many clients from season one that she had to pause it. For Molly...
Newsletters Part 2: How to Start a Newsletter Without Losing Your Mind with Paul Gowder
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After a lot of feedback on the first episode about podcast newsletters, I wanted to answer more questions, and this time I brought Paul Gowder to help...
Podcasting Gone Wrong: The Ultimate Pet Peeves List!
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I ask my audience what their top pet peeves are just drive them nuts. We're spilling the beans on all the annoying things that make us want to tear ou...
Want More Downloads? Ditch Social Media for Newsletters!
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Forget social media; if you want to drive traffic, newsletters are where it’s at. Seriously, I’ve been crunching the numbers and guess what? My ne...
Why SNL’s 50th Is a Goldmine of Podcasting Wisdom!
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're diving into the wild world of podcasting and pulling some juicy lessons from the legendary Saturday Night Live as it hits the big 5-0. Seriously...
Who Knew Podcasting Could Lead to THIS? 20 Years of Gamertag Radio with Danny Peña
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Danny Pena is back on the mic, and let me tell you, he’s got stories that’ll make you believe in the power of podcasting. After 20 years of grindi...
The Secret to High-Quality Content
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
YouTube just dropped a report on what makes content good, and spoiler alert: it’s not just about looking pretty. Turns out, folks care way more abou...
Keeping it Real is Keeping it Really Boring
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Every podcast can benefit from editing because it enhances the listening experience by removing the boring parts and keeping the content engaging. Whi...
Is Podcasting Worth It in 2025? Discover the Secrets to Success!
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Starting a podcast in 2025 can be a daunting decision, but the real question is whether it’s worth it for you personally. The answer often hinges on...
8 Tips for a Sustainable Podcast
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you worried about not just starting a podcast, but keeping it going? I dig into essential strategies for sustaining your podcasting journey, empha...
Head Trash to Headspace: Overcoming Mental Barriers in Podcasting with Doc G.
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m joined by Doc G (Dr. Jordan Grumet), the author of The Purpose Code: How to unlock meaning, maximize happiness, and leave a las...
My Favorite Podcast - and WHY - 2024
30 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Every year, I ask my audience, "What is your favorite podcast - and WHY." When we hear what resonates with people, we can ensure we include those ingr...
Navigating Podcasting in 2025: Is Video Worth It?
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Video podcasting offers unique advantages and challenges, making it essential for creators to weigh the pros and cons before diving in. While video ca...
Unlocking Audience Insights: Crafting the Perfect Survey for Your Podcast
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Creating an effective audience survey is essential for understanding what your listeners want and how to enhance their experience. This episode dives ...
Unlock Podcast Success: How Being Open to Feedback Changes Everything
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Being open to receiving feedback is crucial for growth, especially as we head into 2025. If podcasters are unwilling to listen to their audience, they...
Podcast Media Hosts Uncovered: Features That Matter
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Choosing the right media host for your podcast is crucial, and in this episode, we dive deep into the features offered by some of the top podcast medi...
Ariana Grande's Voice and Your Podcast: What They Have in Common
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Don't let past regrets or harsh words hold you back from podcasting. This episode highlights inspiring stories from podcasters like Zita Christian, wh...
The Knockout Formula: What Podcasters Can Learn from a Netflix-Breaking Event
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we had something that doesn't happen often outside of the Super Bowl—lots of Americans watched the same thing at the same time. Today, I ...
Strike Up Your Podcast: Lessons from Duck Pin Bowling
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
OK, I realize this seems a little odd, but stay with me. Bowling and podcasting share surprising similarities that can inspire you to start your own p...
Add More to Your Podcast? Remember to Subtract!
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you want to add something new to your podcasting routine, you need to subtract something else from your schedule. Time management is crucial for po...
Promote Like a Pro: Getting Your Podcast Guests to Spread the Word
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we look at how to encourage guests to promote their episodes. Host Dave Jackson opens the show by discussing the importance of reciprocity in th...
The Future of Film and Podcasting: Avoiding the Same Pitfalls
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode serves as a guide for content creators to learn from the mistakes of the movie industry. It advocates for creativity, genuine audience en...
Eavesdrop on a Podcast Coaching Session: Your Path to Podcaster Clarity
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Starting a podcast can feel overwhelming, but understanding the essential questions to address can simplify the process significantly. Join Dave Jacks...
Maximize Listener Engagement with Podcast Chapters
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chapters in podcast episodes allow listeners to easily navigate content, enhancing their listening experience by allowing them to skip to segments the...
AI For Podcasters (Part I) 26 Resources
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re unpacking a world of AI tools and their applications in podcasting. I start by asking ChatGPT what the top uses for ChatGPT (and you'll ...
Tom Webster: The Importance of Editing Your Show
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the School of Podcasting (episode 949), we get some great insights from media research expert Tom Webster. With a focus on optimizi...
When, What, and How to Outsource Some of Your Podcast Production
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you're thinking of outsourcing some of the tasks involved with your podcast, this episode is for you. What is involved with creating an episode? Wh...
Understanding Platform Fees: Best Options for Podcast Donations and Premium Content
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Value for Value or (podcasting 2.0) is NOT just about streaming Satoshi's (a very small amount of bitcoin). Today, we will discuss asking for support ...
Podcast Movement Reflections 2024 from DC - Now With Plugins!
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today I reflect on my trip to Washington DC to Podcast Movement 2024. We talk about the gear, some presentations, some things that could only happen a...
These Two Words Cost Him Millions of Dollars
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
DISCLAIMER: Today's show contains adult content. Maybe listen to this one when the kiddies aren't around.Today, I share some insights that will explai...
Beyond Surveys How Real Conversations Grow Your Podcast
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you confident your podcast content is truly resonating with your audience? Many podcasters assume their content is "fine" without digging deeper. ...
Unraveling the Power of Word-of-Mouth in Podcast Recommendations
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
70% of podcasts are discovered via word of mouth (Jacobs Media). So if we can understand what makes someone recommend something, we can start to do th...
Because of My Podcast: Dave Edition
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
My last day at Libsyn was July 12th, 2024. I'm starting a new chapter in my podcasting career, and so to announce the next chapter, I thought it might...
Dave Jackson’s Journey from Basic Gear to Professional Podcasting
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I had two people ask me about the "Behind the Scenes" operations of the School of Podcasting. I was nervous about doing this episode. If you're new to...
How To Read Without Sounding Like You're Reading with Jodi Krangle.
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Some people can "riff" off the top of their heads, while others need a script. Do whatever works for you, but when it SOUNDS LIKE YOU'RE READING, it c...
Stephanie Graham Tests The Podcast Hot Seat
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode is an exciting one as we introduce a brand-new show, "Podcasting Hot Seat." This fresh concept blends the best elements of the Podcast...
Maximize Listener Engagement with Effective Podcast Interview Strategies
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How to Ensure Your Podcast Guests Shine: Understanding your audience is non-negotiable when crafting an exceptional podcast. All good podcasters star...
Different Input - Different Show
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk about if your show is feeling stale, maybe a change of input could help. One form of content that might be getting overlooked is books. ...
Opinions Matter and Yours Needs to Be Heard
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why are reaction videos so popular? I mean, I can watch or listen to something and have my own reaction? Today I tie this into podcasting and how shar...
Growing Your Podcast Starts With WOW Content
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you grow your audience? I hear this every day in every Facebook group. It starts with your content. It can't be good. It can't be great. I need...
Podcast Lessons From 400 Episodes with Matt Cundill
03 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we're thrilled to have Matt Cundill of the Sound Off Podcast as our guest. With over 25 years of experience in radio and having embarked on his...
Podcasters' Insights on Leveraging YouTube for Enhanced Visibility
27 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we look at how podcasters use YouTube to enhance your podcast. I asked: A) Are you not using YouTube at all? B) Are you creating stat...