Podcasting Morning Chat

Why did you start your podcast? Was it for money, passion, or both? Today, we play a TikTok clip from the Okay Sister Pod that lays out three honest tips for launching a show. Their takes sparked a lively debate. Some agreed that podcasting shouldn’t begin with money as the goal, while others argued that it is possible to earn if you approach it with a clear plan and treat it like a business. We also discuss the reality of low early downloads, why consistency matters more than a weekly schedule, and how to reframe your analytics. To close out the week, we keep our Friday tradition alive by sharing and celebrating wins from our community.Episode Highlights: [03:21] TikTok Clip: Okay Sister Pod Launch Tips[06:00] Don’t Do It for the Money Debate[09:00] Business Plans, Sponsorships, and Monetization[13:00] Why Podcasting Is Harder Than It Looks[26:00] Slow Growth and Managing Expectations[36:00] Consistency and Communication [41:00] Friday WinsLinks & Resources: Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠Get Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:www.empoweredpodcasting.comClip From Okay Sister Pod:www.tiktok.com/@okaysisterpod/video/7362940797903310122It’s Amanda Yoa:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-amanda-yoa/id1646444562ReThinking Podcasting by Matt Bliss:https://rethinkingpodcasting.com/episode/alive-internet-theory-and-actually-seeing-your-listenersLate Bloomer Living by Yvonne Marchese:https://www.latebloomerliving.com/Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠Or Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481dLive on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ 

Many podcasters hit a moment where they start asking themselves, Should I be publishing more often? Today’s episode kicks off with a mailbag question from co-host Jonathan that opens up an honest conversation about episode release frequency and the pressure to do more. From there, we dig into why more episodes do not automatically lead to more growth and how increasing your cadence without intention can quietly lead to burnout. The panel shares guiding principles around consistency, listener trust, sustainability, systems, and personal capacity without pushing a one-size-fits-all answer. Instead, we focus on helping you think clearly about what makes sense for your show. Regardless of whether you are new to podcasting or an experienced host feeling the weight of doing more, this episode offers reassurance and perspective so you can make smarter decisions about your release schedule and actually stick with them.Episode Highlights: [04:35] Breaking news on Alex Sanfilippo’s Facebook ban[06:40] Discussion on platform ownership and control[17:17] Mailbag Q&A on show release frequency[26:38] Sid’s experience with weekly publishing[35:22] Examining systems and sustainability[38:19] Annual peaks and valleys in podcast listenership[44:04] Planning content around audience emotionsLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠Book A Free Call With Me: https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycallAlex Sanfilippo’s Facebook Account Banned by Meta: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7426653266471469056Podcasting Peaks and Valleys Question: www.reddit.com/r/podcasting/comments/1r06ukg/what_are_the_annual_peaks_and_valleys_for_podcastJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠Hyperfixed:www.hyperfixedpod.com/listen/hyperfixed/two-birds-one-hundred-stonesApplication To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=headerUpcoming Evaluation Movies in a Nutshell: https://pod.link/1156902852/episode/ZjNkYzI4NDUtZDExMi00NTZkLThkZTQtNGFhZTY5NGRlM2Yz?view=apps&sort=popularityRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠Live on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

Great podcasts don’t just share information. They guide listeners through an experience. In this installment of our Obsession Worthy Podcasts, co-host Jonathan Howard guides us on a close look at Hyperfixed to understand why some narrative shows are so easy to fall into and so hard to forget. Using this show as a case study, we explore how strong storytelling choices shape attention and keep listeners engaged from start to finish. We unpack what makes Hyperfixed obsession-worthy and how its design choices can spark new ideas for your show. This is for anyone who wants to tell better stories and experiment with structure, and our conversation might send you back to your own podcast with inspiration on how you can tell better stories. Episode Highlights: [01:46] Overview of the Hyper Fixed podcast[05:06] Discussion on narrative podcast storytelling[13:22] Building tension and emotional connection[17:51] The role of AI in storytelling[22:03] Curiosity loops and pacing[26:03] Initial takeaways and reflections[28:10] The role of the host in podcast success[28:39] Building curiosity and emotional engagement[32:37] Crafting intentional and impactful content[41:54] Super Bowl commercials discussionLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠Hyperfixed:www.hyperfixedpod.com/listen/hyperfixed/two-birds-one-hundred-stonesApplication To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=headerBook A Free Call With Me: https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycallUpcoming Evaluation Movies in a Nutshell: https://pod.link/1156902852/episode/ZjNkYzI4NDUtZDExMi00NTZkLThkZTQtNGFhZTY5NGRlM2Yz?view=apps&sort=popularityRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠Live on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

What do you do when hateful comments land harder than you expect? Today, we’re cracking into the mailbag and starting with a candid conversation about dealing with trolls and the inner critic that can flare up when your work is put out in public. That’s just one of the listener questions we tackle. We also continue the ongoing audio vs. video discussion, exploring why this question keeps coming up and what podcasters should consider before changing their format or adding more to their workflow. To wrap up a valuable week of conversations, we share a round of wins from our community and take a moment to celebrate progress, growth, and showing up. Episode Highlights: [05:43] Mailbag: listener feedback on promoting older episodes[09:27] Handling hateful comments[18:43] Audio versus video for guest interviews[30:29] Starting with audio and overcoming barriers[31:46] Improving Zoom quality with practical tips[36:25] Standing firm in your podcasting strategy[37:51] Balancing video and audio podcasting[44:11] Wins of the week and celebrating successes[46:39] Community, collaboration, and supportLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=headerBook A Free Call With Me: https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycallUpcoming Obsession Worthy Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-birds-one-hundred-stones/id1762447440?i=1000696517634Upcoming Evaluation, "Movies in a Nutshell": https://pod.link/1156902852/episode/ZjNkYzI4NDUtZDExMi00NTZkLThkZTQtNGFhZTY5NGRlM2Yz?view=apps&sort=popularityImprove Your Zoom Audio & Video Quality:https://bit.ly/4bGrc2sRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠Live on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

Do you really need massive download numbers to earn an income in podcasting? Today, we’re digging into the mailbag to answer listener questions that get to the heart of how podcasts actually grow and earn. We start with a smart question about marketing your back catalog and why older episodes can still work for your show long after they’re published. That conversation opens the door to discussion on podcast sponsorships. Co-host Sid breaks down how independent podcasters can think about pricing in a way that makes sense for smaller, loyal audiences. Instead of chasing download counts or copying what big shows do, we talk about understanding your costs, the value of your audience, and why monetization is something you build toward over time. This doesn’t happen overnight, and it's part of the process. If you’re an indie podcaster trying to figure out what sponsorships could look like for your show, this episode offers an intentional way to think about value and long-term sustainability.Episode Highlights: [03:41] Breaking news on the Substack data breach[05:21] Password security tips and best practices[09:32] Marketing your podcast’s back catalog[27:43] Analyzing data in Apple Podcasts Connect[29:49] The Wheel of Jargon: understanding podcast terms[32:21] Understanding shadow banning on social media[38:09] Deciding sponsorship rates for your podcast[39:04] Sid’s sponsorship strategy and real-world success[43:38] Understanding the value of your podcast audienceLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=headerBook A Free Call With Me: https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycallThe Trend Report with Sid Meadows: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcastRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠Live on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

Joe Rogan made headlines this week by refusing to pay the $500 entry fee required to be considered for a Golden Globe. Was it a publicity move, or simply someone who doesn’t need another trophy to prove a point? On today’s news day, that moment became the spark for a much larger conversation about power, recognition, and how podcasting is colliding with mainstream media. From there, we widen the lens to look at the shifts shaping the industry right now. We unpack new platform moves, evolving rules around monetization, growing conversations about AI-generated voices, and what all of it means for indie podcasters. We also take a closer look at Open Claw, an emerging AI tool that hints at where true digital assistants may be headed.Episode Highlights: [02:43] Top podcasts on Spotify and Apple[04:15] Upcoming podcasting events[09:59] Apple’s new billing rule and what it means for Patreon creators[16:56] Substack’s new TV app[22:23] New York’s AI voice regulation bill[26:16] Legal implications of AI in podcasting[28:31] Joe Rogan and the Golden Globes controversy[35:38] South by Southwest and Podcast Movement Evolutions[42:40] Introducing Open Claw and the future of AI assistantsLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=headerPodNews:www.podnews.netPodcasthon: https://podcasthon.orgCBC Podcasts Accepting Pitches: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJMh0HVboS2Wlt773SLJe1IvBaHVst9Fr954bBtHnwjQcCWw/viewformMeet Up & Match Up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJMh0HVboS2Wlt773SLJe1IvBaHVst9Fr954bBtHnwjQcCWw/viewformWaves Audio: https://www.waves.com/voice-regenJoe Rogan’s Take on Not Winning a Golden Globe Award:https://variety.com/2026/digital/news/joe-rogan-not-nominated-golden-globes-podcast-award-submission-fee-1236644807/SXSW Welcomes Podcasting to the Big Stage: https://www.netinfluencer.com/podcasting-claims-its-seat-at-sxsw-as-measurement-roi-conversations-intensifyOpen Claw: https://openclaw.aiThree Peaks Retreat: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/891499709595204971?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76&source_impression_id=p3_1770218315_P31LWTuSPuj2x56RRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠Live on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

Today, we’re asking you to rethink how you judge progress in podcasting. Is it really about choosing quantity or quality, or does the answer depend on where you are and what you’re building? In this installment of our Obsession Worthy Podcasts series, led by co-host Jonathan Howard, we break down How I Built This, focusing on the Taylor Guitars episode. We look closely at how a strong cold open widens the audience, builds curiosity, and signals that a show is worth sticking with. From there, the conversation moves into systems, completion, and why finished work teaches you more than half-done ideas ever will. Hopefully, after hearing this, you’ll consider the process and rethink what growth actually looks like when you’re trying to build a podcast with staying power. Episode Highlights: [03:04] Flight delays and boarding frustrations[05:06] Customer service lessons from a travel experience[15:07] Obsession-worthy podcast series overview[26:15] The origin story behind Taylor Guitars[31:38] Balancing cold opens for video and audio[35:17] Why human stories matter in podcasting[43:53] The quality versus quantity debate[53:56] Taylor Swift guitar storyLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=headerHow I Built This: https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-taylor-guitars-kurt-listug-and-bob-taylor-from-3700-shop-to-global-icon/Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠Live on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

The most compelling interviews don’t start when you hit record. They start before your guest ever shows up. Today, we’re talking about why pre-interviews are not extra work. They are more like insurance. We walk through how a short pre-interview can prevent awkward moments, poor energy, and the dreaded moment when your guest drifts off topic. This conversation is especially helpful for newer podcasters booking guests and for experienced hosts who want smoother, more focused interviews. To wrap up the week, we take a moment to share the wins happening in our community, no matter how big or small.Episode Highlights: [01:44] Why pre-interviews matter[03:42] Key elements of effective pre-interviews[04:01] Personal experiences using pre-interviews[07:24] Handling sensitive topics with care[17:59] Common challenges and best practices[27:45] Supporting nervous or long-winded guests[28:47] Maintaining energy during recordings[31:33] Making smart adjustments in real time[40:11] Celebrating WinsLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠Empowered Podcasting Conference 3: Use discount code ‘Podfest26’ to get your ticket for under $200: https://empoweredpodcasting.comApplication To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=headerRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠Live on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

There’s a familiar kind of stress that comes from caring about your podcast and not knowing if you’re doing it “right.” Today, we’re opening up the mailbag and addressing the kinds of questions that quietly weigh on podcasters. We explore how timing, platforms, and audience habits really intersect. We also discuss writer’s block and how better systems can help you move forward without waiting for inspiration to strike. Finally, we dig into a question from a camping podcast about gaining listener support when audiences are living their busy and active lives. We focus on meeting listeners where they already are and making support feel natural, not awkward. Episode Highlights: [05:51] Mailbag discussion on when to release episodes [15:10] Mailbag discussion on overcoming writer’s block[24:02] Reworking and reusing past content[24:50] Special ticket offer for the Empowered Podcasting Conference[26:01] Listener feedback from Vanessa[37:48] Encouraging listener support and engagement[44:12] Preview of our upcoming episode on pre-interviewsLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠Empowered Podcasting Conference 3: Use discount code ‘Podfest26’ to get your ticket for under $200: https://empoweredpodcasting.comApplication To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=headerRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠Live on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

TikTok just updated its terms, and it’s one of those changes that’s easy to scroll past but hard to ignore once you slow down and read it. Recent platform updates raise important questions about ownership, precise location data, and what creators are actually agreeing to when they publish their work. Today, we take a look at what changed and why it matters if you’re building anything that lasts. We also zoom out to see where podcasting fits into the bigger picture. Recent studies show podcast ads outperform YouTube when it comes to driving real results. If you’re a Mac user, we break down Apple’s new Creator Studio bundle and the value it offers with tools like Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro. Apps that once required separate purchases are now bundled together, raising an important question: Is this a response to creators looking for alternatives to the increasingly expensive Adobe suite? Listen in to learn what changes are coming and how you can best prepare. Episode Highlights: [02:27] Podcast evaluations explained[04:33] Statistics and industry trends[05:29] Top shows on Spotify and Apple[11:15] Empowered Podcasting Conference updates[17:32] Odyssey and Fountain platform updates[21:24] Apple’s new Creator Studio subscription bundle[27:26] Debating the price hike and whether it’s justified[31:07] Sean Bean joins Get Birding as a new podcast host[37:07] Charmed stars launch a new club inspired by P3[40:28] TikTok’s new terms and what they mean for users[48:07] Podcast ads versus YouTube ads: which performs betterLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠Podcaster Directory Event Use Discount Code ‘PMC for free admission: http://podcastersdirectory.comEmpowered Podcasting Conference 3: Use discount code ‘Podfest26’ to get your ticket for under $200: https://empoweredpodcasting.comWorld’s most followed TikToker closes nearly $900 Million Deal: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us-streamers/worlds-most-followed-tiktoker-khaby-lame-closes-nearly-900m-business-deal/articleshow/127328336.cmsPodNews: www.podnews.netPodcast News Daily: www.podcastnewsdaily.comSean Bean announced as new host of award winning get birding podcast: https://podnews.net/press-release/sean-bean-get-birdingLate Bloomer Living: https://www.latebloomerliving.com/blog/episode-257Podcast ads beat YouTube where it hurts: www.podcastnewsdaily.com/news/audio-is-the-performance-unlock-for-digital-campaigns/article_565b0a8e-96ea-445e-b616-91ede8d9d28e.htmlApplication To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=headerRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠Live on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

What makes a podcast worth coming back to again and again? What turns a single episode into something listeners want to sit with, revisit, and recommend? Today, we continue with another installment of Jonathan Howard’s Obsession-Worthy Podcast series, using Song Exploder as a case study to explore what makes a podcast truly re-listenable. We take a closer look at an episode, breaking down Fleetwood Mac’s Go Your Own Way, focusing less on the song itself and more on how the story is told. We explore how clear structure, intentional editing, and listener-first decisions build trust. We talk about why strong questions don’t need to be heard to be felt, and how letting listeners experience uncertainty, decision-making, and emotional stakes keeps them engaged. If you interview guests or tell stories on your show, this episode offers a lasting reminder: obsession-worthy podcasts are designed with the listener in mind. Where could you let your listeners hear the moment something clicked?This episode includes brief music excerpts used for educational and commentary purposes. We do not own the rights to the music featured.Episode Highlights: [07:41] What makes this episode obsession-worthy? [11:31] Breaking down Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way”[22:12] An emotional opening and the songwriting process[28:00] Applying creative processes beyond music[30:09] Exploring song lyrics and personal storytelling[35:16] Storytelling elements in podcasting[41:01] Asking better questions and interview techniques[43:04] Podcast evaluations and community building[46:02] What’s coming nextLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠Empowered Podcasting Conference Course with Recordings: https://ironickmedia.com/courses/epc2025/Empowered Podcasting Conference 3: Use discount code ‘Podfest26’ to get your ticket for under $200: https://empoweredpodcasting.comApplication To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=headerSong Exploder “Go Your Own Way” https://songexploder.net/fleetwood-macRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠Live on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

Podcasting can feel lonely when you’re stuck making decisions no one prepared you for. The technical choices, the workflow questions, the moments where you can’t help but wonder if you’re overthinking everything or missing something obvious. We get it. We’ve been there. Today, we open the mailbag and respond to real questions submitted by podcasters navigating both the technical and non-technical sides of the craft. From platform frustrations to workflow doubts, the team slows the conversation down and thinks things through together, offering perspective without panic or pressure. You may hear your own challenges reflected in these questions. If you have podcast-related questions of your own, you’re always welcome to submit them through the Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group using the link below. We’re always happy to help. Toward the end of the show, we shift gears and share our wins from the week, celebrating the progress, milestones, and accomplishments happening across the community.Episode Highlights: [02:00] Diving into the listener mailbag[02:51] Jeff’s Riverside recording issues[05:08] Advice and troubleshooting for Jeff’s setup[07:28] Exploring alternative recording and workflow tools[18:01] Question on guest management[31:03] Taking ownership of podcast promotion[31:28] Building an effective guest workflow[32:06] Collaborating with guests to promote episodes[36:35] Concerns about podcast hosting platforms[44:19] Wins from the weekLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠Empowered Podcasting Conference Course with Recordings: https://ironickmedia.com/courses/epc2025/Empowered Podcasting Conference 3: Use discount code ‘Podfest26’ to get your ticket for under $200: https://empoweredpodcasting.comApplication To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=headerPodpage: https://www.podpage.com/?via=ironickmedia&u=515146796&ch=Mzrg46OpLate Bloomer  Living: https://www.latebloomerliving.com/blog/episode-257Riverside: https://www.riverside.fm/?via=0676daPodMatch: https://podmatch.com/?ref=1646144442692x331135044042346200Libsyn: www.lybsyn.com Capcut: www.capcut.com Captivate: https://www.captivate.fmNotion:www.notion.comTrello: https://trello.comClickups: https://clickup.com/downloadRalph Estep’s Guest Appearance with Rob Greenlee on The New Media Show:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-creator-2026-money-playbook-ralph-estep-jr/id392545649?i=1000746403885Katie Brinkley: https://katiebrinkley.comRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠Live on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

Small performance and production choices can subtly affect how a podcast is experienced. Today, we’re taking a close look at Life Fulfilled, a solo podcast hosted by Bernie Borges. We want to be clear that we aren’t aiming to tear podcasters down. We are listening carefully and noticing how structure, pacing, delivery, and production decisions shape trust with an audience, and we hope to pass along these insights to benefit you. We walk through the episode calling out what’s working, where delivery could be stronger, and how subtle adjustments can improve the listening experience. Submitting your podcast for evaluation takes intention. It’s a sign you care about your craft and want to grow. Our conversation reflects that mindset, offering practical insights you can apply to your own show as you continue to refine how it sounds, feels, and lands with your budding community. Episode Highlights: [02:06] Purpose and approach of podcast evaluations[08:07] Branding and positioning feedback[10:02] Website experience and user journey[18:47] Episode titles and keyword strategy[28:05] Introducing themes of fulfillment and clarity[28:41] Audio and video track considerations[31:08] Empowered Podcasting Conference announcement[33:25] Feedback on presentation and delivery[44:26] Midroll ad placement and transition flow[53:06] Audio quality and technical improvement tipsLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠Empowered Podcasting Conference Course with Recordings: https://ironickmedia.com/courses/epc2025/Empowered Podcasting Conference 3: Use discount code ‘Podfest26’ to get your ticket for under $200: https://empoweredpodcasting.comApplication To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=headerLife Fulfilled: ​​https://fulfilledatworkacademy.com/podcast/stop-chasing-fulfillment-build-it-through-self-discovery/Auphonic: www.auphonic.com Adobe Podcast: https://podcast.adobe.com/en/enhanceRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠Live on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

What happens when the tools we trust for clear answers start coming with ads attached? Today’s news and commentary conversation opens with growing chatter about ads potentially entering ChatGPT, then widens to a bigger pattern showing up across subscription platforms like Netflix and beyond. We unpack what these shifts could mean as ads become more common in spaces that once felt clean and uninterrupted. We share our thoughts on trust, platform control, and how easily “helpful” can start to feel sponsored. We also touch on more podcast industry headlines, platform moves, and why some changes feel familiar if you’ve been around long enough. We saved you a seat at the table. Come sit with us while we make sense of it.Episode Highlights: [03:22] Podcast data insights[04:29] Top podcasts on Spotify and Apple[06:02] Upcoming events[08:43] Business news: ads in ChatGPT[28:12] Apple Podcasts’ record-breaking year and platform innovations[29:31] Hollywood bites and the Smallville controversy[36:30] Pete Davidson’s new Netflix show[45:50] Evaluating the future of podcasting on Netflix[51:08] Upcoming podcast evaluation Links & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠Empowered Podcasting Conference Course with Recordings: https://ironickmedia.com/courses/epc2025/Empowered Podcasting Conference 3: Use discount code ‘Podfest26’ to get your ticket for under $200: https://empoweredpodcasting.comApplication To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=headerPodfest: https://podfestexpo.comPodcasters Directory: https://www.podcastersdirectory.comAds Coming to Chat GPT: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AWdasS4f4Late Bloomer Living: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAiGVgGTqt4Get to know the PMC team:https://www.podpage.com/pmc/about/Goodbye, YouTube. Hello, Netflix Takeover: https://www.thewrap.com/media-platforms/tv/netflix-podcasts-january-2026Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠Live on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

What happens when you go from feeling like an outsider to being named Community Hero? We’re reflecting on last week’s Podfest 2026 in Orlando, Florida. After five years of walking through those doors, unsure of where I fit, receiving an unexpected award caught me completely off guard. But this isn’t just my story. It’s about what happens when podcasters show up for each other. Many of us from the Empowered Podcasting community were there, sharing the moments that mattered most and why Podfest continues to feel like a family reunion even for first-timers. Whether you attended or followed along from afar, this conversation brings you right into the room with us. Maybe it’s time you showed up and let the community meet you where you are.Episode Highlights: [02:08] PodFest recap begins[03:42] Memorable moments and awards[08:01] Networking and community building[10:31] Full-circle moments and collaborations[13:22] Challenges and overcoming obstacles[17:35] Surprising moments and early reflections[28:16] Navigating PodFest with practical tips and experiences[31:26] Reflections from a podcasting veteran[38:58] Advice for first-time conference attendees[43:31] Areas for improvement and constructive feedbackLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠Empowered Podcasting Conference Course with Recordings: https://ironickmedia.com/courses/epc2025/Empowered Podcasting Conference 3: Use discount code ‘Podfest26’ to get your ticket for under $200: https://empoweredpodcasting.comApplication To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=headerPodfest: https://podfestexpo.comAnika Jackson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anikajacksonRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠Live on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

Most podcasters don’t quit because they fail; they quit because they stop recognizing their progress. Today, we take a closer look at what real wins actually look like when you’re in the work week after week. While our lead host, Marc, is at PodFest, Ralph Estep takes the wheel and guides us through a poignant discussion on recognizing wins beyond the numbers and not taking your accomplishments for granted. We share heartfelt examples of progress that are easy to overlook: showing up on a hard day, helping one listener, or simply staying consistent when motivation dips. Momentum isn’t always loud; in fact, it can be quiet. Redefining progress is one of the best ways to avoid burnout and stay in the podcasting game.Sometimes, staying in it is the win.To honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day, there will be no show on Monday, January 19th. Join us on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026, for more conversations on podcasting.Episode Highlights: [03:18] Recognizing wins we often overlook[16:55] Self-talk and breaking negative habits[23:16] Overcoming self-sabotage[24:59] Why motivation and knowledge both matter[27:20] Making a positive impact on others[36:41] Sharing personal wins from the community[41:55] Repeating intentional wins and releasing what drains you[42:40] Consistency, mindset, and sustainable momentumLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠Empowered Podcasting Conference Course with Recordings: https://ironickmedia.com/courses/epc2025/Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=headerPodfest: https://podfestexpo.comWhat to Say When You Talk To Yourself: https://a.co/d/dNFxaQURemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠Live on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

Have you ever received feedback on your podcast that just didn’t sit right, but you couldn’t tell if it was something to fix or something to ignore? While our fearless leader, Marc, is at Podfest, co-host Ralph Estep steps in to guide a thoughtful conversation about feedback and how podcasters can take it in without getting defensive or second-guessing everything they’re building. This episode centers on one key idea: not everyone gets a vote in your podcast. We explore how feedback often shows up messy, or wrapped in someone else’s opinion, and why that doesn’t mean it all carries the same weight. We talk about how to ask for better feedback, how to separate useful information from personal reaction, and how to test small changes without blowing up your entire show. If you care deeply about your work and want to grow without spiraling, this conversation offers clarity, perspective, and reassurance. You’re not alone in figuring this out. And it’s worth asking: who does get a vote in your show?Episode Highlights: [02:44] Personal experiences with feedback[06:00] Handling negative feedback[16:15] Asking effective feedback questions[23:20] Deciding who gets a vote in your show[27:16] Soliciting feedback from your audience[29:03] Building relationships with guests[31:45] Why pre-interviews lead to stronger podcasts[33:15] Leveraging peer groups for growth[39:10] Investing in podcast SEO[44:55] Measuring podcast successLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠Empowered Podcasting Conference Course with Recordings: https://ironickmedia.com/courses/epc2025/Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=headerPodfest: https://podfestexpo.comRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠Live on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

The Golden Globes crowned a podcast winner, Netflix leaned further into podcast deals, and Spotify shifted the rules again. Big headlines are everywhere, but are they actually beneficial for indie podcasters? Today’s conversation breaks down what’s making waves across the industry, including awards, ads, platform power, and what happens when podcasting gets Hollywood attention. There’s excitement around visibility and growth, and there’s discomfort around who gets recognized and who gets left out. We unpack how these moves affect indie and commercially successful podcasters, as well as prestige versus sustainability, attention versus trust, and why not every big industry moment translates into real support for creators.Episode Highlights: [01:58] Listener mail featuring Joshua’s letter[07:05] Podcast news and updates[15:11] Ralph’s business bite[16:50] Spotify’s big move for video podcasters[21:14] Netflix enters the podcast era[26:43] iHeartMedia’s new platform integrations[29:12] Concerns about ads in podcasts[30:56] Celebrity podcasts: hits and misses[37:34] SEO boosts using Podpage[40:09] Golden Globes introduces a Best Podcast category[46:24] Reflections on the Golden Globes and what it signals for podcastingLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠Empowered Podcasting Conference Course with Recordings: https://ironickmedia.com/courses/epc2025/Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=headerPodfest: https://podfestexpo.comDiscover Pods:https://discoverpods.com/aboutPodNews: www.Podnews.net Spotify Makes it Easier for Creators to Earn: https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/spotify-makes-it-easier-creators-earn-reveals-10-billion-podcast-spend-2026-01-07Netflix is officially in its Podcast Era: https://www.podcastnewsdaily.com/news/podcast-news-bites-netflix-the-ringer-true-native-media-dina-temple-raston/article_afb40e07-17d3-427e-b035-e1533ae0bddb.htmliHeart Media Wants Your Podcast Everywhere and on Everythinghttps://www.podcastnewsdaily.com/news/iheartmedia-unveils-new-platform-integrations-at-ces-2026/article_c8928609-91c6-45e1-8ea9-7bf3758361a2.htmlPodpage Unveils Automated SEO Boost for Podcastshttps://www.podpage.com/?via=ironickmedia Podcasts Hit Golden Globes: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/11/business/media/golden-globes-podcasts.htmlHost Nikki Glaser Welcomes us to the Podcast Era, 83rd Annual Golden Globes:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZMMVK7mkoURemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠Live on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

Walking into your first podcast conference can feel exciting and overwhelming all at once, especially with Podfest right around the corner. You’re scanning the schedule, wondering who to talk to, what sessions to attend, and whether you’re really “ready” to be there. Today, we’re talking openly about what it’s like to show up to a conference, how to navigate the rooms, conversations, and social energy mentally. We’re sharing our real experiences along with thoughtful guidance on setting intentions, managing overwhelm, and finding your footing without trying to do everything at once. Whether this is your very first Podfest or just your next one, this episode helps you walk in ready. We will see you there! Episode Highlights: [01:51] Anxiety and preparation for public speaking[04:22] Strategies for overcoming speaking anxiety[18:56] Mind mapping and final preparations[21:37] Networking tips for podcast conferences[31:29] PodFest wellness area[34:40] Using the Whova app for conference connections[36:47] Prioritizing talks and meaningful connections[42:47] Financial tips for conference goers[46:19] Setting intentions before conferences[48:14] Business cards versus digital contactsLinks & Resources: Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠Empowered Podcasting Conference Course with Recordings: https://ironickmedia.com/courses/epc2025/Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=headerPodfest: https://podfestexpo.comRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠Live on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ 

Jonathan Howard takes the wheel and leads us for a close look at another obsession-worthy podcast, Diary of a CEO. Why do some interviews stay with you long after they end? What makes a conversation feel human instead of rehearsed? And what happens when a host stops chasing the right question and starts listening for what’s being said? Using a powerful episode featuring Simon Sinek, we revisit how trust, presence, and active listening create interviews that feel unforgettable. We unpack why great conversations aren’t built from clever prompts, but from curiosity, and the courage to follow the moment. This episode is for podcasters and interviewers who rely on question lists and feel something’s missing. You may find yourself noticing where you rush, where you steer, and where deeper moments are waiting if you slow down. You’re not alone in figuring this out. We’re learning it together.Episode Highlights: [01:45] What makes Diary of a CEO special[03:34] Intimacy and vulnerability[06:44] Steven Bartlett’s interview style[15:12] Balancing exploration and focus in interviews[26:33] Asking the right questions[29:57] Leadership and loneliness[32:18] Strength found in truth[40:43] Serving your audience with intentionLinks & Resources: Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠Empowered Podcasting Conference Course with Recordings: https://ironickmedia.com/courses/epc2025/Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=headerPodfest: https://podfestexpo.comDiary of A CEO: How to Deal with Loneliness: www.youtube.com/watch?v=D46zvJI-njURemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠Live on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠