Podcasting Insights: podcast growth advice for indie creators

A lot of people are excited about AI tools that promise instant, studio-quality podcast audio.Record on your phone. Click a button. Sound professional.But that story deserves a closer look.Hi, I'm Neal Veglio, founder of Podknows Podcasting and the Podmastery community.In this episode of Podcasting Insights, I unpack what happens when technology starts erasing the difference between effort and outcome — and ask what podcasting quietly loses when “good sound” becomes a default instead of a craft.This isn’t an anti-AI rant.And it’s not about gatekeeping beginners.It’s about incentives.Standards.And what we’re rewarding at scale.You’ll learn:• Why AI audio tools raise standards and lower effort at the same time• How one-click fixes create a podcasting “house sound”• The difference between accessibility and erasing craft• Why effort still matters, even when listeners can’t hear it• The question creators should be asking before relying on AI cleanupLinks:Waves Voice Regen:https://www.waves.com/voice-regenI’d love YOUR feedback:https://www.podmastery.co/surveyI’ve been doing this for 20+ years and run a successful podcast marketing agency.Want me to audit your podcast?https://podmastery.co/liteMentioned in this episode:A Podknows ProductionPodknows helps brands and creators to build their podcasts into virtual sales and marketing teams which get them results even when they're sleeping. Find out more at https://podknows.co.uk/

A lot of people are saying video is the future of podcasting.That video is the gateway drug — the thing that creates new podcast listeners.But that story deserves a closer look.In this episode of Podcasting Insights, I question the growing narrative around video podcasting, discovery, and conversion — and ask whether we’re confusing reach with commitment, and visibility with attention.This isn’t about dismissing the data.It’s about questioning the story we’re telling around it.You’ll learn:• Why “discovery” is an incomplete metric• The difference between conversion and gravity• Why video often benefits from defaults, not desire• What podcasting’s real strength has always been• The question creators should be asking instead of “Should I do video?”Links:Podnews story on charting clips based podcast:https://podnews.net/update/complete-rankersEdison Research – The Evolving Ear:https://www.edisonresearch.com/how-new-consumers-are-shaping-podcastings-next-chapter-the-evolving-ear-webinar/I’d love YOUR feedback:https://www.podmastery.co/surveyI've been doing this 20+ years and run a successful podcast marketing agency. Want me to audit your podcast?https://podmastery.co/liteMentioned in this episode:A Podknows ProductionPodknows helps brands and creators to build their podcasts into virtual sales and marketing teams which get them results even when they're sleeping. Find out more at https://podknows.co.uk/

A lot of podcasters don’t actually need any kind of new strategy.They just need honest podcast feedback that tells them what it actually feels like to listen.In this episode of Podcasting Insights, I explain why so many shows stall at “fine,” why polite feedback keeps podcasts forgettable, and how growth usually comes from being braver with what already exists.You’ll learn:• Why “competent” podcasts struggle to grow• The real question listeners ask in the first 30 seconds• Why delivery matters more than structure• How feedback beats endless strategy tweaksLinks:I'd love YOUR feedback: https://www.podmastery.co/surveyhttps://podmastery.cohttps://podmastery.co/liteMentioned in this episode:A Podknows ProductionPodknows helps brands and creators to build their podcasts into virtual sales and marketing teams which get them results even when they're sleeping. Find out more at https://podknows.co.uk/

Seriously. It's become a buzzword of basic b*tch podcast coaching.Evergreen podcast content is definitely not timeless.It is just content you have not looked at in ages.If your back catalogue feels a bit… awkward, this episode is for you.Not because you need more episodes.Because you probably need to stop pretending.Hi, I’m Neal Veglio, and in this episode of Podcasting Insights, I’m breaking down why “evergreen” became a polite way of saying “I’m never thinking about this again”, and what to do instead.In this episode, I cover:What evergreen was supposed to mean, and what it turned intoWhy podcasters stop sharing old episodes (it gets weirdly emotional)How to reintroduce older episodes without pretending they’re newHow to update the context without rewriting historyWhen to let an episode die, on purposeA practical idea using Captivate or Buzzsprout to dynamically inject fresh audio into old episodesIf you have episodes you avoid because they make you cringe a bit, or because you mentioned a tool that no longer exists, you’re not broken.You’ve just progressed.Now treat the work you already did with a bit more honesty.Links: 🔗 Podmastery site – https://podmastery.co 🔗 Book a Podcast Audit – https://podmastery.co/liteMentioned in this episode:A Podknows ProductionPodknows helps brands and creators to build their podcasts into virtual sales and marketing teams which get them results even when they're sleeping. Find out more at https://podknows.co.uk/

Most podcasts don’t struggle because the ideas aren’t good.They struggle because the release schedule quietly starts to drain the energy out of them.Somewhere early on, a lot of podcasters decide they probably 'should' be weekly.Not because it makes sense.Because it feels serious.In this episode, I talk about why recording less can actually make your podcast better.I also share a simple way to decide your schedule based on intent, not pressure, and explain why consistency isn’t about never missing a release day. It's about something far deeper.If your podcast is starting to feel heavy, rushed, or obligation-driven, this episode will help you reset without disappearing.Chapters00:00 – You Probably Overcommitted (And You Know It)00:53 – Why Weekly Feels “Serious” (But Usually Isn’t Thought Through)01:36 – The Guilt Loop That Quietly Ruins Podcasts02:12 – Recording From Obligation vs Recording With Intent02:47 – What Actually Happened When I Missed Episodes03:19 – The Spotlight Effect (And Why No One’s Watching You That Closely)03:53 – Frequency Doesn’t Build Trust. Intent Does04:15 – What Listeners Really Respond To05:07 – Consistency vs Frequency (They’re Not the Same Thing)05:50 – Recording Less Without Disappearing06:46 – Choosing a Schedule That Actually Fits You07:27 – Why People Forget Podcasts (And It’s Not Because You Missed a Week)Links:🔗 Podmastery site – https://podmastery.co🔗 Book a Podcast Audit – https://podmastery.co/liteMentioned in this episode:ChaptersThis podcast uses chapters on apps that support them.A Podknows ProductionPodknows helps brands and creators to build their podcasts into virtual sales and marketing teams which get them results even when they're sleeping. Find out more at https://podknows.co.uk/Book your Podmaster auditWanna get unstuck from the sub 100 downloads per month doldrums. Fancy getting closer to top 2% podcaster glory? Sounds like you need one of my Podmaster audits. Go to podmastery.co/lite and within 5 business days you’ll get a full video and written report on my findings. That's podmastery.co/lite Podmaster audit

Most podcasts don’t lose listeners because the content is bad — they lose them because trust gets broken quietly.Every time someone presses play, they’re making a small agreement with you.And most podcasts break it without even realising.In this episode, I unpack the idea of the “quiet agreement” — and why most if not all small podcasts break it, at least at first.I also share a simple test you can run on yourself to check whether your episodes earn the next listen.If you want your podcast to feel intentional, human, and worth sticking with — this episode will change how you think about every minute you record.Links:🔗 Podmastery site – https://podmastery.co🔗 Book a Podcast Audit – https://podmastery.co/liteMentioned in this episode:Book your Podmaster auditWanna get unstuck from the sub 100 downloads per month doldrums. Fancy getting closer to top 2% podcaster glory? Sounds like you need one of my Podmaster audits. Go to podmastery.co/lite and within 5 business days you’ll get a full video and written report on my findings. That's podmastery.co/lite Podmaster auditA Podknows ProductionPodknows helps brands and creators to build their podcasts into virtual sales and marketing teams which get them results even when they're sleeping. Find out more at https://podknows.co.uk/ChaptersThis podcast uses chapters on apps that support them.

Most podcasts sound the same — and it's killing your growth.If your show blends into the feed, this episode breaks down exactly why… and what to change.In this episode you’ll learn:Why copying “successful” shows usually backfiresThe #1 format mistake (hint: your guest intro)How to build episodes around pain pointsWhy packaging matters more than you thinkThe simple rule for titles, intros and structureLinks:🔗 Podmastery site – https://podmastery.co🔗 Book a Podcast Audit – https://podmastery.co/liteMentioned in this episode:ChaptersThis podcast uses chapters on apps that support them.A Podknows ProductionPodknows helps brands and creators to build their podcasts into virtual sales and marketing teams which get them results even when they're sleeping. Find out more at https://podknows.co.uk/Save hours on your editingWant to cut hours out of your production workflow? Whether you're a podcaster, YouTuber or even a professional content creator, this tool will get you back your life! (Note - although this is an affiliate, I don't recommend any tools I don't use myself. And I use this DAILY)Simplify your editingBook your Podmaster auditWanna get unstuck from the sub 100 downloads per month doldrums. Fancy getting closer to top 2% podcaster glory? Sounds like you need one of my Podmaster audits. Go to podmastery.co/lite and within 5 business days you’ll get a full video and written report on my findings. That's podmastery.co/lite Podmaster audit

Consistency. The word that sends podcasting “gurus” into fits of self-righteous joy as they pedal their courses and services. Think about it—how many times have you been told you have to publish your podcast on the same day, every week, at the exact same time? Some of you are still clutching your calendar and sweating because you’ve missed a Thursday morning release and assume your show’s doomed.Today, I’m slapping the nonsense out of that belief.

In this episode:This podcast is taking a new direction. Audience is split; creators want craft, while marketers crave strategy. A brand new show called B2B Podcasting Insights is launching for the business-minded listeners. Podcasting Insights will still be your creative haven, sans the marketing jargon. Expect shorter, punchy episodes that dive into serious ROI without the fluffy stuff. Next week, we'll chat about why consistency in podcasting might just be overrated.

You know that thing where you give everyone else great podcast advice… and then ignore it yourself?Yeah. That.In this episode, I’m calling myself out. And fixing my own podcast strategy in public. I realised my show had drifted, lost focus, and wasn’t clear who it was really for. So I’m stripping it back, rebuilding the positioning, and showing you exactly how to get clarity on your own audience too.If you’ve ever wondered whether your show’s serving the right people, or just shouting into the void then this one’s for you.You’ll learn:🎯 How to define your podcast audience (for real)🚫 What to cut ⚖️ The balance between craft, creator joy, and cash in the bank🔁 How to rebuild a show without starting from scratch👉 Site: https://podmastery.co👉 Contact: https://podmastery.co/contact👉 Leave me a voicemail: https://podmastery.co/voicemailMentioned in this episode:A Podknows ProductionPodknows helps brands and creators to build their podcasts into virtual sales and marketing teams which get them results even when they're sleeping. Find out more at https://podknows.co.uk/

If you're fed up with hearing people insist you "need to put your podcast on YouTube", this episode will give you a sense of relief. I've just come back from judging the Independent Podcast Awards and spent time with some of the best indie creators around. What struck me wasn't how eager they were to jump on video, but how quickly the myth started to unravel once we looked at what video actually costs independent podcasters, in cash, energy, and lost focus. This episode is all about unpacking the hard truth behind the "you must do video to grow" narrative and how most audio-first shows are actually better off keeping their attention on what already works. I share a case study of a winning indie show, Floating Space, and its host’s reaction when I pushed back on video hype and explained why going all-in on YouTube rarely delivers for indies who aren’t looking to become full-time video editors. There’s plenty here that you won’t find in any of the LinkedIn gurus’ posts, and you’ll walk away understanding why "discovery" isn't just about being searchable—it's about being findable and worth listening to.Chapters:00:00 The Video Myth02:00 Hype vs Reality05:00 Awards Night penny-drop08:00 “But you publish video…”11:00 What to do instead15:00 7-day focusPodcast Improvement Audit (Lite): https://podmastery.co/lite

AI makes it easy to ship more… of nothing. Here’s why “slop-casting” is flattening audio and how to outplay it with Voice, Value, and Vulnerability. Bonus: suggestion for a simple A/B experiment you can do today to audit your soul in the feed. Prefer an actual audit with me? Book here: podmastery.co/lite.Mentioned in this episode:A Podknows ProductionPodknows helps brands and creators to build their podcasts into virtual sales and marketing teams which get them results even when they're sleeping. Find out more at https://podknows.co.uk/

There’s a hard truth most podcast experts will dodge, but I don’t have the energy or patience for avoiding it - there’s a reason your podcast audience isn’t growing, and it’s not because you haven’t been hustling hard enough on LinkedIn or spamming your socials. Look, I see it over and over; brand new podcasters with all the energy in the world, launching their show and immediately going full throttle with promotion before even figuring out whether the content’s actually any good. In this episode of Podcasting Insights, I lay out why that’s a sure-fire way to set yourself up for repeated disappointment and burnout. Instead, I’ll walk you through my entire approach for building podcasts people actually want to talk about, and not just because you begged them to on LinkedIn. We get into why promotion isn’t the lever you pull first, what actually matters to develop a show that holds attention, and what I make every client face up to before they spend a penny (or another hour) trying to chase down listeners.00:00 Why Your Promotion is in Reverse!04:53 Integrity and Strategic Success07:34 "Building Loyal, Valuable Audiences"12:57 Silent Launch Strategy Advice13:59 Proof Before Promotion StrategyUseful links:Get your audit - https://podmastery.co/liteSee your Apple Podcasts retention data: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/ Spotify dashboard: https://podcasters.spotify.com/gatewayFind all episodes of Podcasting Insights: https://www.podmastery.co/Tom Webster's The Audience Is Listening: https://audienceislisteningbook.com/Mentioned in this episode:A Podknows ProductionPodknows helps brands and creators to build their podcasts into virtual sales and marketing teams which get them results even when they're sleeping. Find out more at https://podknows.co.uk/Show Notes SimplifiedAre you sick of having to write out your episode descriptions (show notes) from scratch every time? Want to set up a templated approach that will save you hours every week? This tool is for you! (Note - this is an affiliate offer, but I don't recommend tools I'm not using myself, and I use this one DAILY)Simplify your show notes

Rapper's Delight might be the anthem we often think of when it comes to hip hop's origins, but let me hit you with a plot twist – it wasn’t the first. That honor actually goes to a gospel group called the Jubilees, who dropped a rap-like hit back in 1946! Wild, right? This kick-off leads us into a deep dive about the real essence of being ‘first’ in the podcasting world. It’s not just about who got there first; it’s about who can break through the noise and grab attention. We’ve all seen the podcasters vying to become the next ‘Diary of a CEO’ but spoiler alert: that’s a one-way ticket to nowhere. Instead, let’s focus on carving out our unique space. How do we find our own ‘Rapper’s Delight’ moment? It’s all about framing our conversations in a way that makes our audience stop, listen, and think, ‘wow, this is fresh!’ We chat about flipping the format, leading with tension, and showing up authentically. The takeaway? Don’t worry about being first or copying others; instead, aim to be the one who resonates. Let’s turn those critiques into stepping stones and make our voices heard in this crowded podcasting arena!Links referenced in this episode:podmastery.corockflight.copodmastery.co/contactpodmastery.co/voicemailAlso mentioned in this episode: Sugar Hill Gang Jubilaires Diary of a CEO Stephen Bartlett Primark Rock Fight Podmastery.co Apple Podcasts

Every podcaster dreads it: that brutal one-star review, the public comment that rips your hard work to shreds. But what if your harshest critic is actually your greatest growth tool?In this episode of Podcasting Insights with The Podmaster, I'm sharing the real story of how a vocal hater went from blasting my radio morning show to becoming one of my biggest advocates, even booking me for private gigs. You’ll learn how I made that happen, and how you can use the same methods for your podcast and any critics you get along the way. Also, I'll share the four ways critics can sharpen your podcast, and the simple rules that stop you from losing your mind when trolls strike.If you’ve ever felt crushed by negative feedback, this episode will change how you see it forever. Don’t fear your haters. Love them, learn from them, and watch how fast your podcast grows.Mentioned in this episode:Book your Podmaster auditWanna get unstuck from the sub 100 downloads per month doldrums. Fancy getting closer to top 2% podcaster glory? Sounds like you need one of my Podmaster audits. Go to podmastery.co/lite and within 5 business days you’ll get a full video and written report on my findings. That's podmastery.co/lite Podmaster audit

Curious?

Let me tell you where most podcasters get it wrong right from the jump. It’s that tired cliché “If you build it, they will come.” This episode is my reality check for you, and if you're honest with yourself, it could save you more disappointment and wasted effort than you realise. I walk through why just recording a bunch of episodes and putting them online is never going to magically build an audience, no matter how unique your idea feels. What you’re going to hear is the real work that has to go into positioning, marketing, production, and – above all – earning the right for your audience to come back again and again. It’s not glamorous, but it works, and I’m breaking down exactly why.The episode gets into the numbers, the psychology, and the relentless myth that your social media follower count will somehow guarantee instant podcast listeners. It doesn’t. You’ll learn why podcasts and radio might share a delivery method (audio) but are incomparable when it comes to how people find and commit to content. I’m calling out the ‘gurus’ peddling fairytales and laying out instead the importance of actionable strategy.With thanks to Irina Tudorache - https://www.linkedin.com/in/irina-tudorache/ and Michelle J Raymond for their valuable contributions towards this episode.If you'd like to leave me a message, the voicemail is https://podmastery.co/voicemailMentioned in this episode:A Podknows ProductionPodknows helps brands and creators to build their podcasts into virtual sales and marketing teams which get them results even when they're sleeping. Find out more at https://podknows.co.uk/

Every new podcaster does it. You launch your show, then spend the whole week refreshing your hosting dashboard analytics like it’s going to magically change. And when those first week podcast download numbers trickle in, they feel… embarrassingly small.Here’s the truth: those numbers don’t matter. Like, at all.In this episode, I’ll explain why your launch week stats are useless, the psychology behind why we obsess over them (hello, spotlight effect), and the success metrics that actually fuel real podcast growth. From listener retention to 30-day rolling averages, I’ll show you what’s worth tracking — and what’s just noise.If you’ve ever felt crushed by your first week’s downloads, this one’s going to reset how you think about podcast success.Mentioned in this episode:Free PLOT workbookA Podknows ProductionPodknows helps brands and creators to build their podcasts into virtual sales and marketing teams which get them results even when they're sleeping. Find out more at https://podknows.co.uk/

Why Your LinkedIn Followers Don’t Listen To Your PodcastA painful truth for business podcasters who still think follower counts equal listeners...Let’s get uncomfortable for a moment.LinkedIn tells you that bigger is better. Hit that 10,000, 50,000, or even 100,000 follower milestone, and suddenly you’re tempted to believe you’re sitting on a goldmine of eager podcast listeners.That couldn’t be further from the truth.I’ve consulted with more than enough LinkedIn 'influencers' to know this: if you’re counting on that social proof to deliver actual podcast results, you’re going to be disappointed. In fact, if you’re expecting more than a handful of listeners per episode simply because you have a five-figure following, you’re already losing the game.Here’s the reality.LinkedIn is a platform designed to serve its own interests, not yours. The algorithm is geared towards creating a false sense of reach and relevance. You post about your new episode, rack up a few dozen likes, maybe a polite comment from that one guy who always chimes in, and screenshot the analytics because they look impressive.But when it comes to actual podcast listeners—real people pressing play, not bots or random scrollers—the numbers barely register.And don’t just take my word for it. I’ve literally done the math for clients. The entire illusion falls apart once you work through the numbers on how posts convert followers into listeners. You’d be amazed (or horrified) at how small that number is.Imagine this: 100,000 LinkedIn followers. That’s enough to fill a stadium, right?So, if you’re chasing followers and bragging about your vanity metrics, you’re fooling yourself.Want to break this cycle?Listen to this episode to get the background on the problem.Then, get the Swipe Files so you can fix it. Ready to do the math? Get your free files at podmastery.co/math, or reach out for a straightforward audit of your podcast’s real growth potential.Because your real audience deserves better than a vanity strategy.Timestamps00:00 "LinkedIn Followers Don't Equal Success"03:57 Deceptive Podcast Popularity Tactics08:59 Boost LinkedIn Engagement Tactics10:46 "Podcast Growth and Mastery Tips"Mentioned in this episode:A Podknows ProductionPodknows helps brands and creators to build their podcasts into virtual sales and marketing teams which get them results even when they're sleeping. Find out more at https://podknows.co.uk/

Every August, you'll hear the same noise about everyone disappearing.Holidays, beaches, the world moving a little slower. I used to kinda buy into this myth myself, until I watched a client hit pause, just to realise that their audience hadn't gone anywhere. They'd simply found something else to jam into their earbuds. This latest episode of Podcasting Insights is all about flipping the so-called 'summer slump' on its head. I’m walking you through three moves you can make right now, literally before the weekend’s over, to keep your download numbers in healthy shape and your listeners coming back for more. No grand production, no drama, just practical steps you can act on right away. Mentioned in this episode:Book your Podmaster auditWanna get unstuck from the sub 100 downloads per month doldrums. Fancy getting closer to top 2% podcaster glory? Sounds like you need one of my Podmaster audits. Go to podmastery.co/lite and within 5 business days you’ll get a full video and written report on my findings. That's podmastery.co/lite Podmaster auditA Podknows ProductionPodknows helps brands and creators to build their podcasts into virtual sales and marketing teams which get them results even when they're sleeping. Find out more at https://podknows.co.uk/