PodSchool

When you’re recording a podcast you need to think about your audience as individual people, rather than a collective, if you want to connect with themIn this episode, I explain why this is one of the most powerful ways to build connection, sound more natural and keep people coming back for more.What you’ll learn:Why using collective language e.g. "You guys," "Ladies and Gentlemen" can disconnect you from your audienceThe words you need to use to make sure your audience feel you're speaking directly to themA simple trick to make solo recording feel more naturalHow to balance audience connection in solo vs. co-hosted showsEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past and present.

Reading a script, word-for-word on your podcast is the fastest way to disconnect from your audience. In this episode I share how to prepare for your record so you don't need a script, how to keep your delivery natural even if you've got notes and how to make sure you know where your going without having to write everything down, word-for-word.What you’ll learnWhy scripting your episodes isn't a good ideaThe simple notes system I use to make sure I'm prepared but not wedded to a scriptHow to make sure you're in the moment so you can record the best possible episodeEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past and present.

Want to record high quality audio for your podcast but don't want to pay for a studio? No worries!You can easily record fantastic audio at home just by thinking about where you record.In this episode I explain how to set your recording space so you're recording the best podcast audio you can.What you’ll learnHow to reduce echo/reverb at home How to record in rooms that look good for video without ruining your audio.How to use AI tools to polish what you can't fix in the moment (and how to avoid the robotic sound).The golden rule: fix as much as you can at record time, then do as little as possible in post.EPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past and present.

Most podcasts don’t fail because the idea is bad. They fail because the someone was thinking more about their ego than their audience. Or because they didn't realise how important consistency was to podcast success. Or because they set unrealistic goals for a new podcast and lost the motivation to keep going. In this episode, I walk through the five mistakes I see new podcasters make all the time and how to fix them before they cost you your podcast.What you’ll learnHow to refine an idea that's 'too general' so new listeners instantly get itThe difference between making a show for your ego vs. your audienceThe publishing cadence that works best if you're trying to grow Why consistency matters more than anythingHow to set goals that will keep you motivated (and still help you grow)EPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past and present.

Trying to grow a podcast on social media can feel like yelling into the void.So which platform works? Where should you spend your time? And does anyone actually click through to listen?In this episode, I answer a listener question about how to choose the right platform to promote your podcast and what really matters when it comes to using social media to grow your audience.Spoiler: There is no magic platform. But there is a smarter way to approach it.What you’ll learnWhy the “best” platform doesn’t exist (and what to focus on instead)How to choose the right platform for you and your audienceWhat to consider if you’re starting from scratchWhy doing less on social media is often better than trying to be everywhereThe importance of using trackable linksHow platform features (like TikTok’s lack of clickable links) impact podcast growthWhy audience awareness often matters more than direct clicksWhere new platforms like Substack Notes might fit into your strategyWhy engagement trumps posting volume and how to make it manageableEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past and present.

Deciding whether to share the mic with someone or go solo is one of the biggest decisions you'll make as a podcaster.While co-hosted shows bring amazing chemistry and energy, they also come with added complications like scheduling, balancing workloads and (in the worst cases) legal headaches. In this episode, I break down when co-hosting is a good idea, when it’s not and how to avoid the biggest mistakes people make when launching a show with someone else.What you’ll learn:Why chemistry isn’t enough to make a co-hosted podcast workThe biggest red flag when choosing a co-hostHow to future-proof your podcast partnershipWhy fear shouldn’t be the reason you avoid going soloWhat to include in a co-host agreement (even if you’re mates)How to avoid resentment when splitting the workloadWhy solo shows are often simpler and more sustainableEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past and present.

If you're waiting to feel 100% confident before launching your podcast, you might be waiting forever. In this episode, I talk about why you should start your show even if you don't feel ready.Althought it's important to understand that not feeling ready isn't the same as not being prepared.If you've done the work to make sure your idea serves an audience and you've got enough content for your show to last, it's time to take the leap.What You’ll Learn:Why most podcasters don’t feel “ready,” even after years of experienceWhat you need to know before launching How to tell if your idea is strong enough to sustain a weekly showWhy momentum is more important than perfectionThe real reason your podcast might not grow (and how to fix it)Why waiting to feel confident could hold you back foreverEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past and present.

If you want to stay consistent and sane when working on your podcast, you don’t have to do everything yourself.In this episode, I walk through the tasks you can outsource so you can focus on the stuff only you can do, like being behind the mic.What you'll learn:What you can (and can’t) outsourceHow to decide what to hand offWhy outsourcing doesn’t mean losing controlHow to work with freelancers so they sound like youEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past and present.

Should you ask for ratings and reviews on your podcast?If you’ve ever heard someone say “Leave a rating and review because it helps people find the show,” you’ve probably wondered… does it?In this episode, I’m breaking down the truth about ratings and reviews including what they do, what they don’t do and why they’re still worth asking for (just not for the reason you might think).Whether you’re chasing the charts or just hoping new listeners will stumble across your show, this episode will help you understand the real role reviews play in your podcast’s success and how to ask for them in a way that makes sense.What you’ll learn:Do ratings and reviews help your podcast get discovered?Why they don’t impact the charts anymore (even if they used to)The real reason they matter (spoiler: social proof)What to do if you get a bad oneEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past and present.

Getting your podcast on a network can be a great way to monetise and potentially grow your show but only if there's a clear value exchange. In this episode, I walk through what podcast networks are looking for, how to pitch your show and what makes you stand out from the hundreds of other pitches landing in their inbox.What you'll learn:When your show might be ready for a networkThe key things networks look for in a pitchHow to articulate your value (beyond just download numbers)Why partnerships only work if both sides benefitEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past and present.

What do you do when your listeners say they want longer episodes but you’re already at capacity? In this episode, I’m giving you a giant permission slip to not do what your audience asks and why that’s often the best thing for them and you.What you’ll learn:Why listener feedback doesn’t always require actionHow to protect your time and energy as a podcasterWhat really matters when it comes to growing your audienceHow to add value without increasing your workloadWhen bonus episodes are better than longer onesEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past and present.

Podcasting can take up a LOT of time but there are plenty of tools around that can take some of the most time consuming (and annoying) tasks off your plate.In this episode, I walk through the AI tools that can help you speed up your podcasting workflow without compromising the quality of your show output. From planning and transcripts to promotion and post-production, AI can take care o the grunt work so you can focus on the parts that need you.What You’ll Learn:How AI can help you come up with episode ideasThe best ways to use AI-generated transcripts to reduce workloadThe role AI can play in social content and video clipsWhy it’s still important to rely on your ear (and not just the tech) when you're using AI to fix audioPlatforms and tools mentioned:ChatGPT – for scripting, show notes, and content repurposingClaude – for content planning and AI writingAdobe Enhance – for cleaning up poor quality audioAuphonic – for levelling and audio polishOpus Clip – for auto-generating video clipsDescript – for editing audio and video with textRiverside – for remote recording and AI clippingVEED – for video creation and captioningCanva – for visuals, reels, and promo contentEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool

If you’re new to podcasting it's hard to know what 'good' audio sounds like. But understanding this is essential if you want your podcast episodes to sound their bestThe challenge? It's not necessarily something you'll recognise straight away because you have to train your ear.In this episode, I share how to build that skill, from essential listening habits to editing techniques that will make your show sound seamless.Whether you’re editing your own episodes or just want to recognise quality when you hear it, these tips will help you spot (and fix) audio issues before they cost you listeners.What you’ll learn:How to train your ear through active listeningWhy listening to a wide range of quality podcasts accelerates your skillsHow to notice the details you like (and dislike) so you can apply them to your own showWhat makes a bad edit and how to avoid itHow to spot “obvious” edits and why they break immersionWhy over‑editing is as bad as under-editingThe importance of listening to audio around the spot where you're editingThe importance of spaceHow to use natural pauses, breaths and silence to keep your edit sounding naturalWhy cutting too tightly can make your podcast feel rushed and roboticThe most common beginner mistakes and how to avoid themWhy distracted editing always leads to missed errorsThe risks of editing while multitasking Why a final “just listening” pass is non‑negotiableTools and techniques that will help you improve your editsHow to use breath and silence files to smooth transitionsLeveraging AI tools like Adobe Enhance (without over‑processing your voice)Listening critically to your own edits with eyes closed to focus on the soundWhy editing well is worth the effortGood audio builds trust and keeps listeners engagedEven small improvements in editing can make your show sound dramatically betterEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Download my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation....

Your podcast intro is some of the most valuable real estate in your show. So why are so many podcasters wasting it?In this episode, I share why your audience doesn’t need warming up, how long-winded intros drive people away and what to do instead so your listeners stick around until the end.What you’ll learn:Why your podcast intro matters more than you thinkHow to avoid boring or losing listeners earlyWhat to include (and cut) in your show introHow to balance the needs of new and returning listenersThe one editing mistake that will cost you audienceEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Download my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past and present.

So many new podcasters are fearful of starting their show because they don't think they sound good or professional enough.But podcasting isn’t about perfection, it’s about authenticity and connection. In this episode, I share why your voice is absolutely good enough and how to get past the insecurity so you can hit record with confidence.What you’ll learn:Why your voice sounds different in recordings to what you're used to (and why that’s normal)Why “sounding professional” isn't the goalHow to stop your voice from holding you backWhy confidence grows the more you recordEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Download my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past and present.

Podcasting has never been a simple “hit record” and you’re done kind of game but the introduction of video has definitely added a new layer of complexity. The trick is remembering why you’re doing it and who you’re creating for, even when the industry is noisy with trends, hype, and “must‑do” advice.I recently sat down with Matthew McLean, co‑host of Podcraft, to unpack the state of podcasting right now. From the ongoing debate about whether we should even be calling it “podcasting” anymore, to how video, monetisation and platform politics are reshaping the space.We also dive into practical tools and tactics that are helping creators right now, and share why we both think podcasting still has a powerful future if you focus on the fundamentals.What we cover in this conversation:Is the term 'podcast' dead?Why some industry voices are pushing for a rebrand and why many creators (us included) aren’t convincedWhy changing the name ignores the strength of the term 'podcast' and its long and impressive history Video vs. Audio‑Only ContentWhy video is valuable but not a dealbreaker for growthThe hidden complexity of adding full‑length video to your workflow (and why it’s okay to start audio‑only)Why consistency trumps video for long‑term audience buildingMonetisation Challenges with VideoWhy dynamic ad serving doesn’t work on major video platformsHow video‑first strategies can unintentionally block traditional podcast ad revenue streamsWhen baked‑in ads make sense and when they don’tPlatform Control & Algorithm ShiftsHow YouTube and Spotify are shaping video podcasting for their own monetisation goalsWhy relying on a single platform’s algorithm is risky for podcastersChampioning Audio‑FirstAudio as an escape from screens and the pace of short‑form, addictive contentWhy long‑form, relationship‑driven podcasting is still a competitive advantageTools & Workflow EssentialsChatGPT for content ideas (without losing your own voice)Adobe Enhance for audio cleanupCanva for quick visual creationWhy reliable gear you know well often beats the latest shiny techThe Growing Complexity of PodcastingHow the industry has changed from the “simpler days”Balancing innovation with making podcasting accessible for new creatorsHope you enjoy the conversion and make sure you...Check out: PodCraft & The Podcast HostCheck out: The Indie Podcasters SurveyEPISODE CREDITS:Hosts: Rachel Corbett & Matthew McLeanLINKS & OTHER...

If you want to interview guests onto your podcast, you'll need to reach out to them in a way that feels personal, professional and (most importantly) enticing.In this episode, I walk you through how you should approach guest booking if you want to get more yeses (and how to avoid feeling disheartened if you don't).What you’ll learn:Why your pitch email matters more than you thinkWhat to include (and what to leave out) when you reach outTips for making your show appealing to potential guestsHow to streamline your guest booking processThe secret to a great guest experienceEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Communities that are designed as networking environments to find podcasts to guest on...The Podcast CollaborativeFind A Guest, Be A GuestPodMatchMatchmaker.FMDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past and present.

Wondering whether it's worth creating a transcript for your podcast? In this episode, I explain why transcripts are more useful than ever, not just for accessibility and SEO, but as a way to save time and streamline your content creation workflow. If you're using AI tools like ChatGPT, a transcript can be the secret to turning one episode into your entire content ecosystem.What You’ll Learn:Why podcast transcripts are still important for SEO and accessibilityHow transcripts help you repurpose content with AI tools like ChatGPTWhat you can create from one transcript (blog posts, captions, emails + more)Which tools to use to generate and clean your podcast transcriptsThe one mistake to avoid when publishing your transcriptEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Download my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past and present.

If you’re starting from scratch, launching a podcast can feel daunting, especially if you don’t have an audience. But podcasting is one of the most powerful tools for building trust, authority and connection over time. In this episode, I share why your voice is your best branding asset, how to use podcasting as the foundation of your content and why consistency matters more than anything.What You’ll Learn:Why podcasting builds trust faster than any other mediumHow to grow an audience and brand at the same timeTips for using your podcast as a hub for all your contentWhy consistency (not instant results) is the key to successEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Download my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past and present.

Ever had to re-record a section of your podcast and worried it would sound awkward or disconnected? In this episode, I share simple techniques to make sure your 'pickups' blend seamlessly into your original recording.What you’ll learn:When it’s worth re-recording a section of your podcast (and when to leave it)How to capture ambient noise to cover up your editsWhy recording ‘cold’ doesn't sound naturalTips for matching mic setups and audio levelsTricks to smooth transitions in post-productionEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Download my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past and present.