In & Around Podcasting

Rob Walch returns from Podcast Movement NYC with a recap of the Terminal 5 venue, meetings with industry peers, Captivate’s new partnership with TWiT, and the presentation moment when his screen went black. His talk challenged advice built for podcasting’s top tier and tested the claim that video is now the baseline. Rob shares his comparison of Apple Podcasts downloads for more than 100 shows before and after they added HLS video, along with Acast’s Podcast Pulse findings on audio choice, discovery through social clips, and rising trust in podcasters.Beyond Podcast Movement, Elsie and Rob discuss Apple Podcasts chapter settings, Spotify’s ad-skipping feature, Apple Podcasts subscription video and new playback features, Threads’ expanded podcast tools, and sponsor reads designed to work for people watching or listening. A reported $140 million SiriusXM deal for Giggly Squad opens a wider conversation about the value Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo built across podcasting, video, social media, touring, publishing, and entertainment. Global also announces the upcoming investigative series A Very British Epstein.The episode also visits Apple Maps’ Hidden Histories guides, the International Women’s Podcast Awards, and a Talks.co giveaway. The Flattering Ram celebrates Tony Doe’s work on the Nigerian Podcast Index, Rob shares Captivate’s July 2026 download benchmarks and Magellan AI’s estimated August podcast ad spending, and the hosts point listeners toward Rob’s Outlier Edge interview and Seth Resler’s community-building Growth Lab.Interesting things from this episodePeople & ShowsPodcast Movement New York City 2026Giggly SquadTWiT.tv’s partnership with DAX and CaptivateA Very British EpsteinTony Doe and Into the PodverseSupport the Nigerian Podcast IndexRob Walch on The Outlier Edge, episode 1037From Audience to Community with Seth ReslerCaptivate Growth Labs events calendarCaptivate Office Hours: OctoberApps & TechnologyApple Podcasts subscription videoNew Apple Podcasts features in iOS 27, tvOS 27, and macOS 27Threads podcast tools for creators and listenersArticles & EpisodesAcast’s Podcast Pulse 2026How to Create Podcast Ads That Work for Both Video and AudioInside the Giggly Squad Podcast Bidding WarApple Maps and Apple Podcasts launch Hidden HistoriesInternational Women’s Podcast Awards 2026Talks.co 2026 Podcast GiveawayNigeria’s podcasting ecosystem and the Nigerian Podcast IndexMagellan AI’s August 2026 podcast ad spending estimatesIn & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community.If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too!If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! [email protected] tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts.If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please.The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

A successful podcast can still reach a point where its creator is ready to move on. Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch discuss Pat Flynn’s sale of Smart Passive Income, the audience relationship involved in a host handover, and what the reporting on Crime Junkie and Audiochuck brings up about growth, workload, and building a business around one person.The Apple conversation covers hardware costs, AirPods recording, and the balance between useful listening tools and privacy for the people nearby. Elsie and Rob also discuss iOS 27 podcast search and CarPlay changes, plus Apple Podcasts’ video embed player and why website plays don’t appear in Apple Podcasts Connect Analytics.Audacity 4 brings a new editing experience and a reminder from Rob to check MP3 export settings after installing. Audio Hijack 4.6 updates transcription and macOS support. The Flattering Ram remembers Todd Cochrane, followed by news of Audacy Creator Lab’s closure, TWiT’s move to Captivate for ad management, Elsie’s immigration story on Heidi de la Cruz’s podcast, and upcoming Captivate community events.Interesting things from this episodePeople & ShowsPat Flynn and Smart Passive Income, sale announcementLiz Wilcox, incoming Smart Passive Income owner, announcement conversationLex Roman and Revenue Rule Breakers, analysis of the SPI saleTodd Cochrane, remembered by Rob GreenleeRob Greenlee and New Media Show, remembrance of Todd CochranePodcast Movement New York CityApps & TechnologyApple Podcasts embed playerApple Marketing ToolsAudacity 4Audacity 4 download on MuseHubAudio HijackiPhone Duo, pricing reportiPhone 18 Pro, feature overviewAirPods 5, feature overviewApple Watch Audio IntelligenceArticles & EpisodesApple Doesn’t Want You to Worry About the New Apple Watch’s Listening FeaturesiPhones Are Getting More Expensive, but AirPods Are Cheaper Than EverApple Podcasts Takes Video Beyond Its App With Upgraded Web PlayerApple Audio Intelligence Privacy OverviewAshley Flowers’ ‘Crime Junkie’ Podcast Empire, Audiochuck, Faces ReckoningThe biggest news in Smart Passive Income’s History! I Sold SPIAudacity 4 has arrived: Easier editing, better effects & moreAudio Hijack 4.6 Is Now AvailableRemembering Todd Cochrane, One Year LaterMike Dell’s remembrance of Todd CochraneTWiT.tv Partners with DAX United States for 2027The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants, episode 162 with Elsie EscobarCaptivate Growth Labs events calendarCaptivate Office Hours: OctoberFrom Audience to Community: A New Revenue Model for Podcasters, September Growth LabIn & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community.If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too!If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! [email protected] tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts.If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please.The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

What does a successful podcast launch look like when you do not have a large audience waiting? Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch answer a new podcaster’s question by moving the focus away from industry benchmarks. A show’s own baseline, consistent 7-, 30-, and 90-day comparison windows, seasonality, format, and audience goals give creators more useful information than a single early dip.YouTube will count a public view from the first frame while keeping creator analytics, monetization, click-through rate, and recommendations tied to engaged views. Elsie and Rob discuss what that split means for creators and sponsors, why a public number can misrepresent attention, and how losing a channel to automated enforcement can cut a creator off from years of work. An email connection and distribution beyond one platform remain practical safeguards.The episode also covers YouTube’s competition with Netflix for top creators, Unwell’s $500 million valuation, Threads’ podcast transcript test, and Magellan AI’s estimated podcast ad spending for July 2026. Rob shares an early look at his Apple Podcasts HLS video analysis, the show remembers Dolly Parton and her podcast appearances, and the Flattering Ram celebrates Paulette Erato of Latinas in Podcasting.Interesting things from this episodePeople & ShowsDolly Parton on Table Manners: Second HelpingsDolly Parton on Table MannersDolly Parton on Khloé in Wonder LandDolly Parton on Dumb BlondeDolly Parton on Living & Learning with Reba McEntirepodCast411 Episode 237 with Zach SmithPaulette Erato - Latinas in PodcastingThe Parent TapPodcast Movement NYC 2026Apps & TechnologyYouTube engaged viewsThreads podcast transcription testArticles & Episodes🔬Reddit post about podcast success and podcast analyticsGrowth Lab Event with Rob, Danny and Elsie! Demystifying Your Podcast AnalyticsRene Ritchie explains YouTube engaged viewsYouTube counting public views from the first frameThe Parent Tap petition for channel reinstatementYouTube creator exclusivity deals and NetflixUnwell’s $500 million valuation after the WTSL investmentMagellan AI top podcast advertisersIn & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community.If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too!If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! [email protected] tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts.If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please.The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

From reel-to-reel tape and cassette fast-forwarding to one-tap podcast controls, listeners have gained more power over what they hear and when they hear it. Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch follow that history into discussing Spotify’s Skip Ahead test, which can jump Premium subscribers past intros, outros, ads, and other promotional segments.That convenience creates a difficult question for podcasters: when a platform identifies a segment as skippable, who gets to decide what counts as an ad? Elsie and Rob discuss baked-in sponsorships, creator promotions, listener habits, Spotify video, and why YouTube’s new monetization requirements make diversified publishing even more important.The episode also covers Overcast’s packed feature release, including transcript tools, Replay Podcast, Smart Complete, chapter controls, and new Premium audio effects. Plus, Disney+ expands its podcast distribution deals, the show remembers John C. Dvorak, and the Flattering Ram celebrates Ana Xavier’s visit to the Obama Presidential Center.Interesting things from this episodePeople & ShowsMarco ArmentThe OverlapStick to FootballHope Gets a Studio: Inside the Obama Presidential Center's Vision for Community StorytellingIn & Around Podcasting: A Platform For Indie PodcastersPodcast Measurement Is Changing. Elsie Escobar Says Creators Need a SeatBuild in Beta for the AI CuriousSynergy SquadPodcasting in the AI Era with Rob WalchPodcast Movement New York CityApps & TechnologyOvercastSponsorBlockUnwatchedUnderstanding the "Skip ahead" buttonArticles & EpisodesSpotify’s new ‘skip’ button could end the podcast business as we know itSpotify’s New Ad-Skipping Feature Is Not Scaring Off Podcast Advertisers YetSpotify threatens industry with ad-skipping toolNew opportunities to earn and changes to the YouTube Partner ProgramTestFlight Build 1172: Smart Complete, Replay Podcast, changes to Episode LimitsATP 703: Part of a Healthy Breakfast — Accidental Tech PodcastThe Overlap signs landmark sponsorship and distribution deal with Disney+Disney Brings iHeartMedia Video Podcasts to Disney+ and HuluAdam Curry Honors John C. Dvorak's Impact in Tech Journalism on No AgendaIn & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community.If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too!If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! [email protected] tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts.If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please.The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch break down two major developments in the industry: the release of the IAB's updated Podcast Metrics Guidelines version 2.3 - now open for public comment - and the ongoing debate around the AMP Accords and podcast measurement.They tackle everything from the technical challenges of counting downloads, to the thorny issues of privacy and data sharing in major aggregator apps, and what all of this means for creators, advertisers, and listeners alike.Plus, you'll hear the latest data on podcast consumption from Edison Research, an exploration of audience support trends, and hands-on recommendations for both creators and independent podcast app developers.Interesting things from this episodeIndustry DocumentsIAB Tech Lab Podcast Measurement Guidelines v2.3Podcast Measurement Technical GuidelinesAMP AccordsEdison ResearchThe Podcast Consumer 2026Share of EarPodcast Apps and Independent DevelopersPodcast Apps: A Framework for Dying Slowly with Dignity — Dustin BluckPodcast GearSmallRig S70 Wireless MicrophoneRay Ortega’s SmallRig S70 reviewDJI Mic Mini vs. Hollyland M2S vs. SmallRig S70 — Audio TestsDJI Mic MiniHollyland LARK M2SShure MOTIV MicrophonesIAB Certification and ComplianceIAB Tech Lab Podcast Measurement ComplianceIAB Tech Lab Compliant CompaniesPrivacy LawsGeneral Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) overviewCalifornia Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) FAQPodcast History ReferencesElsie’s Yoga ClassCastro Podcast AppOvercastLibbyHappy Tree FriendsRocketboomTiki Bar TVAsk a NinjaIn & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community.If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too!If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! [email protected] tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts.If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please.The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy