Into The Podverse: Innovation, Challenges & Opportunities

<p><em>Into The Podverse dives into the innovation, challenges, and opportunities shaping podcasting across Africa. Hosted by Tony Doe, a podcast coach and media educator, this weekly show delivers practical advice, industry insights, and stories from creators across Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, and beyond.</em></p><p><em>From new tech tools and content strategies to market realities and monetisation, every episode reveals what it truly means to build an African podcast.</em></p><p>…</p><p><strong>Subscribe</strong> to <em>Into The Podverse</em> for weekly updates on African podcasting.</p><p><strong>Support the show:</strong> Your contributions help us create more valuable content and empower indie voices in the podcasting community.</p><p> <a href="https://selar.co/showlove/intothepodverse" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://selar.co/showlove/intothepodverse</a></p><p><strong>Send us a message:</strong> <a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/intothepodverse" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.speakpipe.com/intothepodverse</a></p>

How Richie's TalkZone Became Nigeria's Most Relatable Youth Podcast

What happens when the friend everyone calls for advice suddenly reaches thousands? This episode of Into the Podverse profiles Richard "Richie" Coleman, host of Richie's TalkZone, a fast-rising youth podcast in Nigeria.Richie walks through the phone call that turned private guidance into a public platform, why he tackles the tough issues young people face, and how his voice-over background shapes his signature sound. He also breaks down his growth strategy and explains why impact, not monetisation, drives his work.A sharp, honest look at the mindset behind one of Nigeria's most relatable youth voices, and a useful guide for creators who want to build content that truly resonates.

12-10
20:18

Damilola Oyeleke on Nigeria's Podcasting Reality: Growth, Gaps, and the Future

In this episode, Tony Doe sits with podcast producer and curator Damilola Oyeleke for a clear look at the state of Nigerian podcasting. She shares how she stumbled into the medium, what she learned from Podcast Movement in the US, and why Nigeria's ecosystem still struggles with reach, structure, and industry focus. They unpack Podfest Naija, the push for better curation, and the value of documenting creators' journeys. It's a simple, honest conversation about building a real podcast industry one brick at a time.

11-16
17:12

After Podfest Naija: What's Next for Nigerian Podcasting

Podfest Naija lit up Lagos like never before. But now that the lights are out and the mics are packed, what's next for Nigerian podcasting?In this episode of Into The Podverse, Tony Doe looks at the aftermath of Podfest Naija, the talks, the promises, and the call to move from hype to habit. He breaks down how data, policy, meetups, and training can turn one big event into a lasting ecosystem.

11-10
04:37

Why Podcast 2.0 Matters

Discover how Podcast 2.0 is reshaping the audio landscape. Tony Doe breaks down the movement spearheaded by Adam Curry and Dave Jones, designed to restore podcasting's open, independent spirit. Learn about powerful RSS enhancements, chapters, transcripts, location tags, live broadcasting, and value-for-value streaming via Bitcoin's Lightning Network, which empower creators, developers, and listeners alike. While adoption faces hurdles from major platforms like Spotify and Apple, compatible hosts like Transistor.fm, Podverse, Fountain, Cast2Pod, Buzzsprout, Captivate.fm, and RSS.com open doors for innovation and creative freedom.Listen and see why Podcast 2.0 could be the future of independent audio.

10-27
05:09

Anita Opara on the Rise of African Literary Podcasting

In this episode of Into the Podverse, Tony Doe sits down with Anita Chinwendu Opara, founder of Nkem Creatives and host of the African Authors Podcast, to explore how podcasting is reshaping African storytelling. Anita shares how her love for books evolved into a mission to spotlight African authors, why "buying back time" is at the heart of her production business, and what it truly means to tell our own stories in the age of audio.From authors tackling taboo topics to lessons in leadership, cultural curiosity, and creative courage, this episode captures the pulse of Africa's growing literary podcast scene.

10-06
34:28

International Podcast Day 2025: Voices from the Podverse

On this special International Podcast Day edition of Into the Podverse, Tony Doe reflects on the power of podcasting, its roots in oral tradition, its role in amplifying diverse voices, and its ability to connect people across borders. Featuring voices from Lagos to New York, podcasters share what they do in the podverse and why their work matters.It's a celebration, yes, but also a checkpoint: Why do we podcast? Who are we reaching? What stories are we preserving for the future?Voices featured:Arielle Nissenblatt, Head of community and content at Pinwheel by Audily, New York City, USA.Dumi, Co-founder of Shanda, Washington, DC, USA (originally Zimbabwe).Muwaddah, Host of She Speaks Worth podcast, Nigeria.Elzie Flenard, Host of Journey to Mastery podcast, United States of America.Pereira Oluwabimpe Miracle, Host of Digital Bimpe Podcast & TV, Nigeria.Sean Dillon, Host of Beyond the Mic with Sean Dylan, United States of America.Queen Raffy (Rafiat Akinwande), Host of Queen Raffy's Space podcast and producer, Nigeria.Remi Roy, Host of Driven Introvert podcast and founder of podground.io, Dallas, Texas, USA.Vic Turnbull, CEO of Mic Media, Manchester, UK.Oluwatunmise Oladapo Kuku, Host of Mindfully with Tunmise podcast, Lagos, Nigeria.✨ Support the show: https://selar.co/showlove/intothepodverse 📘 Get Tony's ebook From Pulpit to Podcast: Building a Spirit-Led Sermon Series: https://selar.com/pulpittopodcast

09-30
06:13

Stop the AI Slop: Why Assembly-Line Podcasts Fail

A company promises $1 podcasts and pushes out 3,000 AI-hosted episodes a week. But what does that mean for creators, listeners, and the future of podcasting? In this episode, Tony Doe breaks down the rise of "assembly-line audio," why it cheapens the medium, and how indie podcasters can protect trust and creativity in a flood of machine-made chatter. You'll learn about five dangers of AI-slop podcasting, from discovery problems to audience disconnect, plus how to use AI wisely without losing your voice.Subscribe, review, and share to keep real conversations alive.

09-21
02:56

Remembering Todd Cochrane: Principles That Shaped Podcasting

The podcasting world lost a pioneer in Todd Cochrane, a builder, watchdog, and one of the strongest defenders of the medium's roots. In this episode of Into the Podverse, Tony Doe reflects on Todd's legacy: his fight for open RSS, his steady perspective on AI as a helper, not a replacement, his push for meaningful monetisation, and his reminder that podcasting's soul is in audio and community, not corporations. Todd's voice shaped how we think about independence, trust, and craft.Subscribe, rate, and share to keep his principles alive in today's podcast culture.

09-14
03:06

Your Podcast Isn't Dead Yet

People say a podcast is "dead" when new episodes stop. But is it really? In this quick soundbite, Tony Doe flips that idea on its head, reminding creators and listeners why a feed that still plays is very much alive.Discover how old episodes can spark fresh connections, keep working for you years later, and why podcast archives are pure gold.🎧 Tap play and rethink what "active" really means.

09-11
02:00

Can audio-only podcasts really work on YouTube?

 YouTube is now the biggest podcast platform, bigger than Spotify and Apple. But if your show is audio-only, can it survive, or even thrive, here?In this episode of Into the Podverse with Tony Doe, I unpack three practical ways to make audio content work on YouTube: simple branded visuals, light motion effects, and hybrid video touches. We'll also talk discoverability, growth, and why advertisers push video harder.Whether you're podcasting in Africa or anywhere else, this episode helps you decide if YouTube should be your distribution channel, your marketing funnel, or both.

09-03
04:04

Check Edgar on Why He's Still Single: Turning Dating Misadventures into Podcast Gold

What if your dating life became your podcast? That's exactly what Check Edgar did with Why Am I Still Single, a solo show blending comedy, confession, and raw honesty. In this episode of Into the Podverse with Tony Doe, Edgar opens up about how his romantic misadventures inspired one of Nigeria's most relatable podcasts.We talk about:The 2020 spark that birthed Why Am I Still SingleWhy being single isn't a failure but a season of growthStorytelling techniques that make listeners feel like they're right there in the roomThe challenges of monetisation for solo creators in Africa's podcasting spaceHow fans have found love and even discovered Nigerian podcasts through his storiesWhether you're curious about podcasting, relationships, or building an authentic audience, this episode offers laughs, lessons, and inspiration in equal measure.

08-18
07:47

Lost in the Feed? Here's How to Fix Your Podcast SEO

Struggling to get your podcast noticed? In this episode of Into The Podverse, host Tony Doe dives into podcast SEO, a game-changer for African podcasters looking to stand out on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Using the fictional story of Seyi, a Lagos-based podcaster behind Afrobytes, we explore why great episodes get buried and how to fix it. Learn practical tips like crafting keyword-rich titles (think "Funding a Startup in Abuja with Yemi Bakare" over "Episode 4"), writing value-packed show descriptions, and using transcript snippets to boost discoverability. We also tackle challenges like competing with global shows and navigating platforms that often overlook African voices. From strategic naming to leveraging tools like TurboScribe, this episode offers actionable steps to make your podcast findable. Perfect for indie creators in Lagos, Nairobi, or anywhere in Africa, this episode is your guide to mastering audio storytelling, podcast tech, and content strategy.Support & ContactIf you enjoy Into The Podverse and want to support our mission to uplift African podcasters, consider contributing here:https://selar.co/showlove/intothepodverseGot feedback, story ideas, or just want to say hello? Send us a voice message anytime:https://www.speakpipe.com/intothepodverse

07-17
06:10

Watch Out for the Podcast Invite Scam

Scammers are targeting podcasters and content creators with fake interview invites. In this quick episode, I break down how they trick you into giving up control of your Facebook page and how to avoid it.Learn how to:Spot fake invitesProtect your social mediaStay one step ahead

06-03
02:34

Stop Obsessing Over Podcast Stats – They Might Be Killing Your Show

 Are you constantly checking your download numbers? This episode dives into how obsessing over podcast stats could be draining your creativity and driving you toward podfade, the quiet death of many promising shows.Tony Doe breaks down the hidden cost of stats-driven thinking and offers practical ways Nigerian podcasters (and creators everywhere) can shift focus toward meaningful engagement. Learn how to use tools like Google Forms and Speakpipe to connect with your audience and create with purpose, not pressure.

05-07
04:36

The 90-Year-Olds Who Took the Mic — and Took Us Back

This episode of Into the Podverse shines a light on voices that don't often get their due, like 90-year-old Alberto Chab, who turned a digital plea into a podcast documenting a life of triumphs and scars. We talk about how older generations are quietly shaping the podcasting world, not with slick edits or buzzwords but with stories that hit deeper than any viral trend. For podcasters, it's a wake-up call on the power of authenticity and untold stories. From Buenos Aires to Lagos, this is about giving the mic to those who aren't chasing clout but have real stories to share. Why should you care? Because the next big story could be waiting in the silence of those we tend to overlook. So, what's stopping us from giving them a voice?If you enjoyed this episode, please support us. 

04-16
05:18

Why Rode Still Matters to Podcasters Like Me

Before podcasting became trendy, some of us were hacking it with hand-me-down radio gear and prayers for steady power. In this episode, I share how one brand, Rode, earned podcasters' respect not with hype but by building tools that felt like they were made for us. It's part tribute, part quiet callout, and a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful gear isn't what you buy. It's what you build around.

04-07
04:17

Who Really Owns Your Podcast?

Who really owns your podcast? After the shocking disappearance of The Young God podcast from Spotify, we uncover disturbing details about how platforms control content even before it is published. If you are a podcaster in 2025, it is time to rethink where and how you host your show. In this episode, we break down the risks of relying on big platforms, the importance of self-hosting, and why decentralized podcasting might be the future. Do not wait until your podcast vanishes. Listen now.

03-24
05:37

Spotify Killed The Young God Podcast. Who's Next?

The African podcasting space just took another hit. Spotify deleted The Young God Podcast without warning, erasing years of work, conversations, and connections just like that. No explanation, no appeal, just another independent voice silenced by a faceless algorithm.This episode of Into The Podverse: The Indie African Edition isn't just about Rodney. It's about every African podcaster fighting for visibility in a system that sees us as nothing more than data points. Platforms like Spotify move the goalposts, shadowban content, and erase entire catalogues while we play by the rules.But resilience is in our DNA. We're not just reacting, we're building alternatives. Independent hosting platforms like Jam It are amplifying our voices instead of stifling them. The future of African podcasting isn't in begging for a seat at their table. It's in creating our own.

03-16
03:33

The End of Lazy Podcasting: How to Stand Out in 2025

 The days of "just hit record and talk" are over. In this episode of Into the Podverse: Indie-African Edition, Tony Doe breaks down why chat-style podcasts are drowning in the noise and what you need to do to make an impact in 2025. From immersive sound design to deeply researched content and ruthless editing, learn the strategies that will keep you ahead in the ever-evolving podcasting space. Ready to level up? Hit play.

03-03
04:30

Naming Your Podcast in 2025: What Works, What Fails & How to Stand Out

 Your podcast name is your first impression, it's your brand, your message, and your discoverability. But in 2025, choosing the right name takes more than just creativity. In this episode, I break down the do's and don'ts of naming your podcast, from avoiding trends and trademark issues to making sure your name is memorable and searchable. Need help picking the perfect name? Let's crack it together. Listen now.You can support us here too: https://selar.com/showlove/intothepodverse

02-16
03:45

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