Podnews Extra
Additional, long-form and ad-hoc podcasting content from Podnews and the Podnews Weekly Review. Expect speeches, interviews, and other pieces of content.
Thu, December 26, 2024
Cameron Moll, from Buzzsprout: reflections and predictions
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Cameron Moll, head of design at Buzzsprout, shares insights from their transformative 2024, highlighting a complete brand overhaul and the successful launch of iOS and Android apps. The company also introduced new podcast website themes, an updated embedded player, and manual insertion points for mid-rolls. Looking ahead to 2025, Moll predicts AI will evolve from being a prominently advertised feature to becoming seamlessly integrated into podcast workflows. He specifically notes the advancement of AI voices, referencing tools like Google Notebook LM and Spotify Wrapped, while maintaining that AI is unlikely to replace human podcasters entirely. Moll addresses the tension between major platforms like Spotify, Apple, and YouTube and the open nature of podcasting. While these platforms offer vast listener reach, their business models often conflict with podcasting's open ecosystem, potentially affecting the industry's long-term health. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining podcasting's accessibility and reach across multiple platforms. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Mon, December 23, 2024
Podcasting 2.0, from PodEngine and Google NotebookLM
Got feedback? Send us a text message. PodEngine pulled in a bunch of podcasts talking about Podcasting 2.0, and wrote a report on it all. Kevin Bae put that report into Google's NotebookLM to make a podcast to summarise it. This is that podcast. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, December 20, 2024
Russell Harrower, from PodToo
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Russell Harrower, CEO of PodToo, introduces Secure RSS, a new technology addressing a key challenge in podcast monetization. The system adds a payment layer between users and premium content, allowing creators to securely sell audiobooks, TV shows, movies, and bonus podcast episodes while preventing unauthorized access and AI scraping. The technology offers flexibility in payment methods, supporting both cryptocurrency micropayments and traditional currencies. Creators can set fixed prices or offer rental options, and notably, they keep 100% of their recommended retail price when sales occur through participating podcast players. PodToo's first audiobook using this system is set to launch in January. The conversation also explores the ongoing challenge of cross-app comments in podcasting. Multiple solutions are discussed, including Boostagram Live for handling longer comments and media attachments, the Social Interact tag, and a potential return to standard RSS comment tags. This technical discussion reveals how the podcasting community is working to create interoperable systems outside of major platforms like Spotify and Apple. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, December 20, 2024
Claire Waite Brown, from "Podcasting 2.0 In Practice"
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Claire Waite Brown introduces her new podcast "Podcasting 2.0 in Practice," which aims to demystify podcasting technology for independent creators. Rather than focusing on technical aspects, she breaks down complex features into human-friendly, practical lessons that both podcasters and listeners can understand and implement. The show is structured like a course, with episodes designed to be followed in sequence. Each topic includes expert guest interviews, hands-on homework assignments, and step-by-step instructions. Notable guests include James Cridland from Podnews, Ellie Rubinstein from Pocket Casts, and Jordan Blair from Buzzsprout, who share their expertise on various podcasting features. The podcast launches January 1st, 2025, with weekly episodes running through March. Claire's approach stems from her background in illustrated non-fiction books, allowing her to present information in a clear, organized manner. She particularly emphasizes features like "pod roll," which enables podcasters to support each other by recommending shows they trust, creating a supportive community of independent creators. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, December 20, 2024
Jessica Cordova-Kramer, from Lemonada Media
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Jessica Cordova-Kramer, CEO of Lemonada Media, shares the origin story of her company, which began after she and co-founder Stephanie Wittels Wachs both lost their brothers to heroin overdoses. After hearing Stephanie make jokes about overdose on a podcast, Jessica realized podcasts could save lives, leading them to create a company focused on making life "suck less" through audio content. The conversation reveals Lemonada's strategic approach to content creation, including partnerships with high-profile talent like Meghan Markle, David Duchovny, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Cordova-Kramer discusses how the company maintains high advertising rates and fill rates by treating ads as content, with hosts personally engaging with brand messages rather than relying on programmatic advertising. The discussion explores Lemonada's expansion into books through a partnership with Simon & Schuster, their careful approach to incorporating video content, and their position on AI in podcasting. Cordova-Kramer emphasizes the importance of maintaining authenticity in their creative work while using technology to enhance production efficiency, not replace human creativity. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, December 13, 2024
Daniel J Lewis, from Podgagement
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Daniel J Lewis discusses his platform Podgagement, which helps podcasters track audience engagement through ratings, reviews, and voice messages. He explains how the platform allows listeners to record audio feedback that podcasters can use in their shows, creating a deeper connection with their audience. The system also tracks podcast rankings across 34,000 charts from different regions and genres, updating in real-time. The conversation delves into Spotify's strategy with podcast analytics companies, with Lewis suggesting that Spotify acquired these companies primarily for user tracking and data collection, but later shut them down due to profitability concerns. He argues that Spotify prioritizes its closed ecosystem over supporting open podcasting standards, contrasting this with Apple's occasional engagement with the Podcasting 2.0 community. Lewis shares his vision for Podgagement's future, including plans for SEO features and AI-powered analytics. As a podcaster-turned-developer, he emphasizes building features that serve real podcaster needs rather than tracking audience behavior across the internet. He also reveals a unique feature that allows users to watch podcast charts change in real-time, which he describes as "podcasting cocaine." We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, December 13, 2024
Rob Greenlee, from the Podcast Hall of Fame
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Rob Greenlee, a 2017 Podcasting Hall of Fame inductee, discusses how he helped rescue and revive the Podcasting Hall of Fame after it went dormant during the pandemic. Originally started by Podcast Movement, the Hall of Fame ceremony has now found a new home at Podcast Expo in Orlando, with the next induction ceremony scheduled for January 17th, 2024. The conversation reveals the challenges of making the Hall of Fame truly international, as it has historically been US-centric. Greenlee acknowledges this limitation and describes efforts to diversify both the board and voting pool by including representatives from different countries. He mentions Gautam from Hub Hopper as the first non-US board member, with plans to add more international voices. The discussion also touches on the nomination and voting process, highlighting the difficulty of recognizing international pioneers when voters may not be familiar with their contributions. Greenlee explains that while international candidates have been included on recent ballots, they often struggle to get enough votes due to the current US-dominated voter base, something he aims to change through expanding global representation. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, December 13, 2024
Ross Adams, from Acast, and Shira Atkins, from Wonder Media Network
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Ross Adams discusses Acast's acquisition of Wonder Media Network for $7.8 million, marking a strategic move to enhance their creative studio capabilities. The acquisition strengthens Acast's position in the US market while expanding their ability to produce high-quality branded content and original productions. Ross also shares insights about Acast's first profitable quarter and their focus on video podcasting as a growing opportunity. Shira Atkins, CEO of Wonder Media Network, provides valuable insights into the branded podcasting industry, revealing how they work with Fortune 500 companies to create authentic content that resonates with audiences. She emphasizes the importance of strategic groundwork and consultation to ensure podcast success, noting that while corporate podcasts might not naturally attract listeners like true crime shows, they can be compelling when done right. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, December 06, 2024
From the cutting room floor: Australian social media laws
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Australia has passed a stupid law banning social media for kids. As we discuss in this bit that didn't quite make it to the full Podnews Weekly Review, it's all to do with Rupert Murdoch, and dumb politicians. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8SkLRxFRVM&list=PLDTPrMoGHssBtV3J7BBLZAuY9U5UX92mt has lots more on it, if you fancy a quick YouTube watch. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, November 29, 2024
Jon Thoday, from Avalon Entertainment
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Jon Thoday, a prominent figure in entertainment management, shares insights about his company Avalon's early involvement in podcasting, dating back to the early 2000s. He reveals their work with notable talents like John Oliver, David Baddiel, and Frank Skinner, and discusses managing successful shows like "Shagged, Married, Annoyed" and "WTF with Marc Maron." Thoday draws parallels between podcasting and stand-up comedy, noting how both mediums share a simple formula of talent and microphone with low barriers to entry. He emphasizes the importance of creative freedom in podcasting and expresses concerns about programmatic advertising potentially damaging the intimate relationship between podcasters and their audiences. The conversation takes an interesting turn when discussing the evolution of podcasts into live shows, with Thoday sharing insights about how podcast success can now lead directly to arena-sized venues without needing traditional television fame first. He also offers a compelling perspective on video podcasting, suggesting that while it may help with monetization, the true innovation lies in the audio format itself, similar to how radio was a bigger breakthrough than filmed radio shows. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, November 29, 2024
Nick Dunkerley, from Hindenburg
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Nick Dunkerley, Director of Hindenburg Systems, discusses their professional audio editing software, Hindenburg Pro 2, which is designed for serious podcasters and journalists. He explains how the software differs from typical DAWs by focusing on speed and efficiency while maintaining high production quality, with features like offline transcription that prioritize security for journalists working with sensitive material. The conversation delves into Hindenburg's approach to AI, with Dunkerley revealing they've been using AI-like features before it became trendy. He introduces an intriguing concept called "proof of work," drawing parallels between blockchain technology and content creation, suggesting that creators need to demonstrate unique value and human effort to stand out in an AI-dominated landscape. Dunkerley shares insights about the company's future direction, hinting at upcoming features for professional content creators who work across multiple audio formats. He emphasizes their commitment to serving professional storytellers and journalists, maintaining that while AI tools are valuable assistants, they shouldn't replace the skill and judgment of experienced professionals in creating high-quality content. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, November 22, 2024
Alberto Betella, from RSS.com
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Alberto Betella discusses RSS.com's recently awarded patent for AI-driven scalable ads called "GOST.AI", which uses voice cloning technology to create programmatic ads for podcasts. The technology can replicate a host's authentic voice for advertising while maintaining ethical guidelines and consent, allowing for customizable, contextual content that leverages the parasocial relationship between hosts and listeners. The discussion delves into RSS.com's upcoming launch of dynamic ad insertion features, with a notably low $1 minimum payout threshold. Alberto explains their partnership with iHeart for ad inventory and discusses the importance of giving podcasters control over ad categories while acknowledging the limitations of run-of-network advertising compared to host-read ads. The conversation concludes with an insightful discussion about podcast monetization models, comparing Spotify's upcoming ad-free podcasting initiative with Apple Podcasts' subscription model. They explore the challenges of micropayments, value-for-value systems, and the future of podcast monetization, highlighting the need to better communicate the "why" behind supporting podcast creators to listeners. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, November 22, 2024
Neil Mody, from Headliner
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Neil Mody, CEO of Headliner, discusses how his company has become a dominant force in podcast video creation, generating over 10,000 videos daily. He reveals how Headliner has evolved from a simple social media clip creator to a comprehensive suite of tools that help podcasters grow their audience across multiple platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, and Spotify. The conversation delves into the fascinating debate about video versus audio podcasting. Mody shares insights about how interview-format podcasts are increasingly finding success through video content, citing Joe Rogan's interesting case where he had more YouTube subscribers than Spotify followers even during his Spotify exclusivity period. He emphasizes that while video is crucial for attracting new audiences, audio remains important for retention. Mody presents a compelling perspective on podcasting's current state, noting that only 500 million out of 5 billion internet users listen to podcasts. He argues that podcasters must embrace platforms like YouTube and social media to reach new audiences, as avoiding these platforms means missing out on half of the internet's potential reach. The discussion concludes with his vision for Headliner's future, including plans to reach 10 million listeners on their platform and continued innovation in AI-powered content creation tools. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Sat, November 16, 2024
Matt Campion, from Spirit Studios
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Sam Sethi chats with Matt Campion, co-founder and creative director of Spirit Studios, a modern production company that creates content across multiple platforms including television, podcasts, and branded content. The discussion centers around their evolution, their content strategy, and their adaptation to changing media landscapes, particularly their IP 360 approach which focuses on creating and exploiting content across different platforms. A significant portion of the conversation explores how Spirit Studios adapts to industry challenges, including their shift toward true crime content and documentary programming due to better international monetization potential compared to comedy. Matt explains how they've developed a strategy of creating content that can work across multiple platforms, citing examples like their show "Outsmarting" which began as a digital series and expanded into both television and podcast formats. The discussion also delves into their approach to talent-led podcasts and the importance of having clear routes to market. The conversation concludes with an interesting exploration of artificial intelligence in content production, including its current use in productivity tools and potential future applications in voice synthesis and content creation. They discuss the moral implications of using AI-generated voices, particularly for deceased celebrities, and debate the balance between technological advancement and maintaining content quality. The discussion also touches on the challenges of content distribution across different languages and the evolving ways audiences consume media, particularly regarding subtitles and dubbing. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Sat, November 09, 2024
Jamie Anderson, from Deep Fusion Films
Got feedback? Send us a text message. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Sat, November 09, 2024
Mike Parkinson, the son of Sir Michael Parkinson
Got feedback? Send us a text message. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Sat, November 09, 2024
Justin Jackson, from Transistor
Got feedback? Send us a text message. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, October 18, 2024
Oscar Merry, from Fountain
Got feedback? Send us a text message. This podcast episode features Sam Sethi interviewing Oscar Merry, co-founder of Fountain, a podcasting 2.0 app. Oscar discusses the new features in Fountain version 1.1.5, including a major overhaul of the content library for better performance, the ability to pay creators using Lightning Network invoices, and the addition of artist pages for music podcasts. He also talks about Fountain's plans to support Nostr Wallet Connect, which would allow users to connect their main Lightning wallet to Fountain. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, October 18, 2024
Podnews - 18 Oct - in Swedish
Got feedback? Send us a text message. (An attempt to see if Apple transcribes this correctly) We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, October 11, 2024
Sandy Wilheim, from YouTube
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Sam Sethi is joined by Sandy Wilheim from YouTube to discuss how podcasts are being integrated and consumed on the platform. They cover topics like the unique storytelling format of podcasts, the growing preference for video-based podcasts among younger audiences, the importance of data and analytics for creators, and the various monetization opportunities available to podcasters on YouTube. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, October 11, 2024
Paolo Dias, from the South African Podcasters Guild
Got feedback? Send us a text message. The South African Podcast Guild is a vibrant community of over 300 independent podcasters in South Africa. Founded by Paolo Diaz, the Guild aims to help local podcasters gain exposure and grow their shows through partnerships, collaboration, and shared resources. With a focus on accessibility and inclusivity, the Guild offers both free and low-cost membership tiers, making it open to creators of all backgrounds. Beyond just providing a supportive network, the Guild is also working to address key challenges facing the South African podcasting landscape. This includes exploring ways to monetize shows, tapping into local language and niche content opportunities, and leveraging partnerships with larger media companies. With rapid growth in its first year, the South African Podcast Guild is positioning itself as a driving force for the continued development of the local podcasting industry. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, October 11, 2024
Michele Cobb, from The Ambies and the Podcast Academy
Got feedback? Send us a text message. The Ambies are the premier awards for excellence in audio, celebrating the best in podcasting. Hosted by the Podcast Academy, the Ambies are open to submissions from podcasters around the world, with categories spanning fiction, non-fiction, and more. The 2025 Ambies ceremony will take place on March 31st in Chicago, in conjunction with Podcast Movement. Podcasters are encouraged to submit their best work before the November 22nd deadline, with members of the Podcast Academy receiving discounts on submissions. The awards aim to recognize outstanding talent and creativity in the rapidly growing podcast industry, regardless of the size or location of the production. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, October 04, 2024
Gautam Raj Anand, from Hubhopper
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Gautam Raj Anand announces the launch of the fourth edition of the HupHopper Podcast Awards. The awards aim to recognize and shed light on podcast creators, especially from emerging markets that often receive less recognition. The awards will have eight categories, and entries are free for any podcast that has released at least one episode in the past year and has a minimum of five published episodes. This year, the awards are expanding beyond the Indian market to include other Asian regions, and they are also accepting YouTube and video podcasts in addition to audio podcasts. Anand explains the history and motivation behind the awards, which started in 2020 to support creators during the COVID-19 pandemic when many were struggling to monetize their shows. He also discusses the current state of the podcast industry in India, including the recent closure of the Wynk Music platform, the role of Amazon and YouTube, and the challenges around the evolving definition of what constitutes a "podcast." We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, October 04, 2024
Ross Adams, from Acast
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Ross Adams, the CEO of Acast, takes Sam Sethi through the company's recent international consumption report. Press Release: https://podnews.net/press-release/consumerism The podcast industry is experiencing continued growth, with emerging markets like India, Brazil, and Singapore seeing particularly high engagement and time spent with podcasts. Podcast hosts are building strong relationships with their audiences, leading to higher purchasing rates from podcast listeners compared to other media. While younger audiences are gravitating towards video podcasts and short-form content on platforms like YouTube, the transcript suggests that podcasting is becoming a new "radio" for Gen Z, with listeners consuming long-form audio content in the background. The report from Acast, a podcast hosting and advertising company, highlights the importance of cross-platform, omnichannel strategies to reach diverse podcast audiences, as well as the value of contextual advertising based on transcribed podcast content. Overall, the podcast industry appears poised for further expansion, with opportunities for creators and advertisers to capitalize on growing global listenership. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, September 27, 2024
Mark Asquith, from Captivate
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Mark Asquith, the CEO and co-founder of Captivate, discusses the company's new AI tool called Spark AI. Spark AI is integrated into the Captivate platform and aims to be the most useful podcasting AI assistant available. It offers features like episode title suggestions, show note generation, transcript creation, and ad placement recommendations. Spark AI also allows users to customize personas and generate fresh episode ideas based on the user's analytics and industry trends. Asquith emphasizes that Spark AI is designed to be a complementary tool for creators, not a replacement for human input. The tool is priced affordably, with only a charge for the transcription service, and is available to all Captivate users. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, September 20, 2024
Carl Fridsjö, from Podspace
Got feedback? Send us a text message. In this conversation, Carl Fridsjö, the co-founder and CEO of the Swedish podcasting platform Podspace, discusses the company's focus on revenue optimization and workflow efficiency for large enterprise publishers. Podspace has been growing rapidly, having raised 10 million Swedish krona in funding last year and recently hiring a trio of high-profile executives from Spotify to lead its expansion efforts. While Podspace is currently focused on audio, it is monitoring the development of video podcasting and is open to incorporating it if the market demands it. The conversation also touches on the thriving entrepreneurial environment in Sweden, which has produced successful tech companies like Spotify and Klarna, and how Podspace aims to capitalize on this by expanding to new markets, particularly the United States. Overall, the discussion highlights Podspace's ambitious growth plans and its unique positioning in the competitive podcasting platform landscape. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, September 13, 2024
How to understand podcast stats - Google's Notebook LM reads our article
Got feedback? Send us a text message. We asked Google's Notebook LM - https://blog.google/technology/ai/notebooklm-audio-overviews/ - to read our article on how to understand podcast stats - https://podnews.net/article/understanding-podcast-statistics - and make a "lively deep-dive discussion" on it. It's (whisper it) quite good. And weird. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, September 13, 2024
Steve Pratt, author "Earn It: Unconventional Strategies for Brave Marketers"
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Steve Pratt, author of the new book "Earn It: Unconventional Strategies for Brave Marketers", joins Sam Sethi of the Podnews Weekly Review to discuss the importance of earning attention in the modern digital landscape. Pratt argues that traditional interruption-based marketing tactics no longer work, and that brands must create unique, valuable content that audiences actively want to engage with. He shares insights on measuring audience attention through metrics like completion rates and first-minute effectiveness, and provides examples of companies like Oatly and Red Bull that have successfully captured attention through innovative, branded content. Pratt emphasizes the need for a mindset shift, where marketers and creators focus on delivering value and building long-term relationships with their audience, rather than short-term reach and impressions. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, September 13, 2024
Russell Harrower, from PodToo
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Russell Harrower, the CEO of PodToo, has announced the launch of the "Pod Fund" - an initiative to support independent podcast app developers who are implementing Podcast 2.0 features. The goal is to provide financial assistance to these developers, as many are struggling to sustain their work due to a lack of revenue, while the major platforms like Spotify and Apple are not investing in the open podcast ecosystem. Harrower explains that the Pod Fund will be funded by a small percentage contribution from participating podcast hosting providers, with the funds distributed to eligible app developers based on the number of Podcast 2.0 features they have implemented. The hosts and app developers aim to work together to support the growth of the open podcast ecosystem, in contrast to the walled gardens created by large tech companies. The discussion highlights the challenges facing the independent podcast community and the need for collaborative solutions to sustain innovation in this space. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, September 13, 2024
Mike Russell, from Music Radio Creative
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Mike Russell, the founder of Music Radio Creative, discussed the use of AI tools in the audio production industry, including voice cloning, transcription, and summarization. He highlighted the ethical considerations around these technologies, such as the need for permission and transparency when altering audio content. Russell also shared his enthusiasm for exploring emerging AI tools and their potential to augment human creativity, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining human connection in the industry. He encouraged attendees to explore the rapidly developing podcast and audio landscape in Asia, which he found to have a strong interest in true crime content and a preference for mobile listening. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, September 13, 2024
Dustin Bluck, from Castro
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Castro is a unique and productivity-focused podcast app for iOS, developed by a small team led by Dustin Bluck. The app has a dedicated user base that loves its differentiated features, and the team is working to bring it up-to-date with the latest podcast standards and functionality, including support for episode artwork, transcripts, and chapters. While Castro is currently iOS-only, the team is also working on an Android version to expand its reach. The app generates revenue through a subscription model and advertising, and the team is focused on improving the app's recommendation engine and cross-device experience to drive further growth and engagement. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, August 30, 2024
Mignon Fogarty, from the Grammar Girl podcast
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Grammar Girl, hosted by Mignon Fogarty, is celebrating its 18th anniversary this week. The podcast, which started as a "quick and dirty tip" about writing, has evolved into a show that explores all things language - from the exciting and fun to the quick tips. Over the past 18 years, Fogarty has seen major changes in the podcasting industry, such as the rise of dynamic ad insertion and the increasing presence of celebrities in the medium. While the core of producing the show hasn't changed much, Fogarty has embraced new technologies like video and AI to enhance the podcast. As Fogarty looks to the future, she is particularly interested in the potential impact of AI on the industry, though she acknowledges the challenge of podcast discovery will likely persist. Listeners can find Grammar Girl and Fogarty's other podcasts on her website or across various social media platforms. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, August 16, 2024
Joe Tannorella, from Pod Engine
Got feedback? Send us a text message. In this episode, host Sam Sethi is joined by Joe Tannorella, the CEO and co-founder of Pod Engine, an audio intelligence platform that mines podcast data at scale. Joe discusses how Pod Engine uses transcription, natural language processing, and other AI techniques to extract deep insights from podcast episodes, including identifying topics discussed, guests, advertising, and more. The conversation covers how Pod Engine's technology can be used for podcast discovery, guest booking, and even monitoring for misinformation. Overall, this episode provides an in-depth look at the capabilities of Pod Engine and how it aims to provide valuable data and analytics to the podcasting community. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, August 16, 2024
Dan Misener, from Bumper
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Bumper , a podcast growth agency started by Dan Misener and Jonas Woost, has launched the Bumper Dashboard - a tool that aggregates podcast data from various sources like hosting providers, marketing attribution services, and podcast apps. The dashboard aims to provide a comprehensive view of podcast performance metrics beyond just downloads, which Misener argues may not be the best measure of audience engagement and reach. The dashboard allows users to see verified listener numbers, total listen time, and other insights across different platforms, helping podcasters make data-driven decisions about their content and format. Bumper offers the dashboard as a free tool for its consulting clients, with the value being in the storytelling and interpretation of the data rather than just the charts and graphs. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, August 09, 2024
Josh Divney from Podcast Discovery
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Josh Divney is the Content Lead at Podcast Discovery, a UK-based marketing agency that helps podcasts get discovered. Divney explains that Podcast Discovery was founded by Matt Deegan and Matt Hill to provide marketing solutions for podcasts in the UK. Divney's team at Podcast Discovery has worked with popular shows like Nish Kumar and Coco Khan's Politics podcast, Crooked Media's Pod Save the UK, and The Economist. Divney discusses Podcast Discovery's new "Virtual Studio" service, which provides remote podcast guests with high-quality video and audio equipment as well as custom 3D virtual backgrounds to enhance the production value of remote recordings. The goal is to help podcasts maintain a consistent visual identity and professional look across their content, even for remote contributors. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, August 09, 2024
Mathew Passy, from Custom Podcast Solutions
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Mathew Passy is an experienced podcast consultant who recently sold his previous company, The Podcast Consultant. After taking some time off, he has now started a new venture called Custom Podcast Solutions, where he and a business partner are exploring various podcast-related ideas and products. One of their key projects is the "Podcast Beacon" - an NFC-enabled device like a bracelet or keychain that allows podcast listeners to easily access a creator's show by simply tapping the device. Passy is also working on developing a portable "podcast case" that aims to make it easy for podcasters to record high-quality audio when away from their home studio. Passy plans to showcase some of these new products at the upcoming Podcast Movement conference as he continues to innovate in the podcasting space. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, August 09, 2024
Oskar Serrander, from Wondercraft AI
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Sam Sethi chats with Oskar Serrander, CEO and co-founder of Wondercraft, about their new AI-powered advertising platform. Learn how this innovative tool is revolutionizing audio ad creation, from generating ad copy to producing studio-quality voiceovers and sound effects. Discover how Wondercraft is streamlining the advertising workflow, empowering creatives, and transforming the audio industry. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, August 02, 2024
Andrew Mason, the CEO of Descript
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Sam Sethi interviews Andrew Mason, the CEO of Descript, a popular audio and video editing platform. They discuss Descript's history, innovative features like the "Overdub" voice cloning tool, and future plans for the platform, including improvements to the editing workflow and the integration of AI-powered automation tools. The conversation provides an in-depth look at the evolution of podcast production tools and the challenges of balancing powerful editing capabilities with maintaining an authentic, human-sounded final product. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, August 02, 2024
Harry Morton, from Lower Street and Pacific Content
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Lower Street , a UK-based branded podcast agency, has acquired the Pacific Content brand and trademarks. Lower Street was founded in 2017 and has been a long-time admirer of Pacific Content's work in creating high-quality branded podcasts. The acquisition allows Lower Street to continue the "mission and values" that Pacific Content stood for in pushing the boundaries of creative and impactful branded podcast content. Several Pacific Content employees will be joining the Lower Street team. Harry Morton, founder of Lower Street, believes the branded podcast market still has significant growth potential, despite a slight slowdown in the last 18 months. He sees branded podcasts as a powerful way for companies to build relationships with niche, engaged audiences. While branded podcasts may not top the overall podcast charts, they can still achieve impressive performance and chart positions within their target niches. Lower Street has had over 100 branded podcasts reach the #1 spot on Apple Podcasts charts. Moving forward, Lower Street plans to maintain the Pacific Content brand and blog content, leveraging the strong equity and reputation it has built in the industry. The two brands will work together, with Lower Street's existing strong brand identity remaining intact. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, July 26, 2024
Manan Bhalodia, from Quickie
Got feedback? Send us a text message. "Startup Daily" was an automated daily podcast that provided the latest startup news without any human hosts. The creators, Manan Bhalodia and his co-founder, originally wanted to create a daily podcast covering startup news but found it too time-consuming given their other commitments. They ended up automating the podcast, which surprisingly gained a growing audience who enjoyed the unique non-human voices delivering the news. Bhalodia has now evolved this concept into a new app called "Quickie" which allows users to create their own personalized daily news podcasts. The app uses AI technology to curate relevant content based on a user's interests, generate engaging scripts, and produce the audio with synthetic voices. Bhalodia discusses the technical details behind Quickie, the target audience of busy professionals, and the challenges of making AI voices sound natural and human-like. Overall, the podcast explores an innovative approach to delivering daily news and information in an efficient, automated manner. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, July 26, 2024
Micah Engle-Eshleman, from the Adblock Podcast app
Got feedback? Send us a text message. The podcast discusses a tool created by Micah Engle-Eshleman, the Adblock Podcast app, that analyzes podcast audio to detect and skip over advertisements. The tool downloads the full podcast audio, identifies where ads are inserted, and allows users to skip those ads for a subscription fee. The revenue from the skipped ads is then shared with the podcast creators. The discussion covers how the tool works, the challenges of accurately detecting ads, the pricing model, and the potential impact on the open podcasting ecosystem. Micah acknowledges the concerns some creators may have about his tool, but argues it provides an alternative monetization model for listeners willing to pay. He is open to feedback and further discussions with the podcasting community. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, July 19, 2024
Gordon Firemark, the Podcast Lawyer
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Gordon Firemark, known as "The Podcast Lawyer," is an entertainment lawyer who specializes in providing legal guidance for podcasters, bloggers, and digital media creators. In this interview, Firemark discusses the importance of understanding copyright law, trademark protection, and other legal considerations when producing a podcast. He explains the concept of "fair use" and why podcasters should not assume that everything on the internet is fair game for reuse. Firemark also highlights the need for transparent labeling when using AI-generated content, and the potential for new podcast licensing models to help creators properly compensate each other for content reuse. As an expert in this field, Firemark provides valuable insights for any aspiring or established podcaster looking to navigate the legal landscape. (This description is generated by AI from the transcript) We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Sun, July 07, 2024
Podnews, 5 July 2024, in Arabic
Got feedback? Send us a text message. This cloned voice and translation is from Wondercraft. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Thu, July 04, 2024
Podnews, July 4 2024, in Dutch
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Especially for Adam Curry, here we are with a Dutch edition of Podnews, thanks to wondercraft.ai We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Wed, July 03, 2024
Podnews, July 3 2024, in Danish
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Here's a version of Podnews today... in Danish, thanks to Wondercraft.ai. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Wed, July 03, 2024
Kim Fox, the Podcast Professor
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Kim Fox , a professor of practice at the American University in Cairo (AUC), is known as the "Podcast Professor" and teaches courses on podcasting, radio, and audio production. After transitioning from a radio career in the U.S., Kim now leads the annual PodFest Cairo event, which brings together a small but passionate community of podcasters and listeners in Egypt. Kim has helped nurture a new generation of audio storytellers from AUC, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in the field. Through her podcast, research, and campus activities, Kim is working to expand the potential of podcasting in Egypt and the broader Middle East region. (description from kagi.com/fastgpt) We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Wed, July 03, 2024
Podnews - 2 July 2024 - in Japanese
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Using Wondercraft, we're producing a set of examples of our daily podcast in other languages. Today, it's the turn of Japanese. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Mon, July 01, 2024
Podnews - 1 July 2024 - en Français
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Here's Podnews Daily from today, but in French, created by Wondercraft AI. We just uploaded the voice track from our normal podcast, and did nothing else - after five minutes or so, it gave us this file back, which we've mixed as we would normally do. So, that's fun, isn't it. Want another language tomorrow? We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, June 28, 2024
Russell Harrower, Pod Too
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Sam Sethi chats with Russell Harrower from Pod Too. Pod Too is a podcast hosting platform that allows podcasters to easily syndicate their shows to radio stations around the world. The platform provides features like live listener tracking and the ability to convert podcasts into radio-friendly formats, making it simple for podcasters to expand their reach beyond just on-demand audio. Founded by a radio station owner who wanted to ensure his station could continue operating even if he was unavailable, Pod Too aims to bridge the gap between the podcast and traditional radio worlds, empowering creators to share their content across multiple mediums. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, June 28, 2024
Alban Brooke, Buzzsprout
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Sam Sethi talks with Alban Brooke , the Head of Marketing at Buzzsprout, about the company's new Buzzsprout for Android app and their plans for expanding their podcast offerings. Alban discusses the features of the native Android app, the success of the iOS app, and Buzzsprout's new podcast called "Buzzsprout Weekly" that repurposes their existing newsletter content. The conversation also touches on Buzzsprout's approach to video podcasting and the use of AI technology in their "Co-host" feature. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, June 21, 2024
Kendall Brietman, Riverside.fm
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Sam Sethi interviews Kendall Brietman, the community manager for Riverside.fm , a popular podcast and video recording tool. Kendall discusses the exciting new features that Riverside.fm has launched, including enhanced live streaming capabilities, a powerful multi-track editing suite, and AI-powered tools to streamline content creation and promotion. The conversation covers Riverside.fm's goal of making high-quality audio and video production accessible to both professional and beginner content creators. Kendall highlights how the platform's intuitive interface and customizable templates allow users to create engaging, polished content without advanced technical skills. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, June 21, 2024
Nathan Gathright, episodes.fm
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Sam Sethi and Nathan Gathright discuss the development of a new "events feed" feature for podcasts, which would allow podcasters to publish information about live, in-person events like concerts or tours in their podcast RSS feed. They explain how this would work by leveraging existing podcast metadata tags in a new way, and how it could integrate with ticketing platforms to display event details and ticket availability to podcast listeners. The two also discuss the idea of creating a "radio feed" that would aggregate live/upcoming shows from multiple podcasters, potentially allowing podcast platforms to earn a percentage of plays from this aggregated feed. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Thu, June 20, 2024
Theo Gadd, Podlife Events
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Theo Gadd , the co-founder of PodLife Events , discusses his company's mission to build a platform exclusively for live podcast events. Pod Life Events operates two models - a ticketing platform tailored for podcasting, and an end-to-end events agency that handles all aspects of podcast events. Gadd explains how they leverage their network of partner venues and integrations to create a seamless experience for podcasters and fans. The conversation also covers their collaboration with True Fans to develop a new standard for embedding podcast events within RSS feeds, allowing for better discovery and interactivity around these live experiences. https://podlifeevents.com/ We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, June 14, 2024
Jon Savage, Africa Podcast Network
Got feedback? Send us a text message. The Africa Podcast Network is the largest podcast network on the African continent, focused on monetization and representing some of the biggest podcasts and networks like Sirius and Amazon. The network now represents popular shows that cover business, entertainment, and inspirational topics for African audiences. The network provides podcasters with access to equipment, community, and monetization opportunities. Despite challenges around data costs and conservative brand attitudes, the network sees significant growth potential in the rapidly expanding African podcast market. Jon Savage, the CEO, chats with Sam Sethi. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Thu, June 13, 2024
Kevin Y Brown, Afripods
Got feedback? Send us a text message. In this episode, host Sam interviews Kevin Y Brown, the Chief Content Officer of Afripods , a Pan-African podcast hosting and distribution platform. They discuss the current state of podcasting in Africa, including the opportunities for innovation, the rise of vernacular language podcasts, and the challenges around monetization and payouts for creators. The conversation highlights the vibrant and collaborative nature of the global podcasting community and the unique potential for Africa to leapfrog traditional media models. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, June 07, 2024
Laura Burkhauser, Head of Product, Descript
Got feedback? Send us a text message. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Wed, May 29, 2024
Matthew Sherry, CEO, Platform Media
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Matthew has just sold his company to PodX. We find out why, and what the company's plans are. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Wed, May 29, 2024
Adam Curry's address to Podcast Movement Evolutions
Got feedback? Send us a text message. As part of Podnews Editor James Cridland's speech at Podcast Movement Evolutions, Adam Curry gave the audience a short talk about the last twenty years of podcasting, and the future. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Wed, May 29, 2024
Ellie Rubenstein, Pocket Casts
Got feedback? Send us a text message. A full interview with Ellie Rubenstein, Head of Pocket Casts - what's coming next on Pocket Casts, and how it all works with Automattic. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Thu, April 18, 2024
Lewitt Audio Ray review
Got feedback? Send us a text message. This was recorded, flat with no EQ, into a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. I uploaded the raw WAV, normalised for -16 LUFS, to Buzzsprout. It will have produced a 192kbps MP3 from it; I turned off Magic Mastering. Pictures and this text at https://podnews.net/article/lewitt-audio-ray-review We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, August 04, 2023
Adam Curry - how music in podcasting, and IPFS, both work for the Boostagram Ball
Got feedback? Send us a text message. This is the full version of the interview with Adam Curry for the Podnews Weekly Review. This is about an hour long; we edited out the stuff about IPFS, which we'll return to in a later date, and much of the history; so here it all is for your enjoyment and entertainment. This was recorded on Streamyard - the version in the Podnews Weekly Review was treated by Adobe's enhancement tool, but this version isn't. Sorry for any choppiness of the audio. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, June 02, 2023
Alison Lomax (YouTube) and Jordan Schwarzenberger at The Podcast Show
Got feedback? Send us a text message. We recorded this for our own use, but then thought - well, we've got it, so why not share it here? This is Alison Lomax (UK Managing Director, YouTube) and Jordan Schwarzenberger (the host of Unboxed) on stage talking about "How To Win Big On YouTube With Podcasts" at The Podcast Show. In the Podnews Weekly Review, our Editor, James Cridland, suggests that there wasn't really much information in this talk - but you might feel differently. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, April 28, 2023
Ami Thakkar - The Podcast Academy, Board Member
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Sam Sethi chats to Ami about her podcast and her role as a board member of The Podcast Academy We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Mon, March 13, 2023
We try Podcast Mania
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Powered by ChatGPT, Podcast Mania lets you type in a few words to create a full podcast using AI. We asked it for a full episode on a very important subject. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, February 24, 2023
Nayeema Raza
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Nayeema Raza is Director/Executive Producer of On with Kara Swisher, a Vox Media podcast. She spoke with Sam Sethi about video podcasts and the benefit of doing live shows. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
Fri, February 10, 2023
Jordan Harbinger
Got feedback? Send us a text message. A full interview, as previewed in this week's Podnews Weekly Review. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
S1 E4 · Wed, February 01, 2023
Daniel Ek talks about why Spotify was right to invest in podcasting
Got feedback? Send us a text message. A clip from Spotify's earnings call on 31 Jan 2023. The full earnings call is available on this Spotify podcast feed: https://podnews.net/podcast/i9vz9 We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
S1 E3 · Sun, November 27, 2022
The history of podcasting
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Who's idea was it? Who came up with the name? What was on the first podcast? Join Podnews's Editor, James Cridland, for a short trip back to the early 2000s. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
S1 E2 · Thu, November 17, 2022
Chris Messina: Interview about ActivityPub
Got feedback? Send us a text message. Chris Messina (the inventor of the hashtag) talks to the Podnews Weekly Review's Sam Sethi about ActivityPub and his work on its predecessor; podcast:txt, the person tag, and more. An extra clip from the Podnews Weekly Review. We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
S1 E1 · Sat, February 15, 2020
In full: Hernan Lopez's speech, launching The Podcast Academy
The full speech, and Q&A, from Hernan Lopez at Podcast Movement Evolutions - launching The Podcast Academy. From Feb 15 2020. Visit https://podnews.net to get our daily newsletter, free See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 E1 · Sat, February 15, 2020
In full: Hernan Lopez's speech, launching The Podcast Academy
Got feedback? Send us a text message. The full speech, and Q&A, from Hernan Lopez at Podcast Movement Evolutions - launching The Podcast Academy. From Feb 15 2020. Visit https://podnews.net to get our daily newsletter, free We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting. Support the show
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