Podcasting Smarter

Josh Hallmark is the podcast host and producer of not only the Our Americana Podcast, but also the podcast network of the same name. The Our Americana Podcast Network curates and creates podcasts that celebrate American storytelling, mythology, and folklore. It's also home to it's titillating new show with a quickly growing cult-like following, The Karen & Ellen Letters. The Karen & Ellen Letters are a series of real letters from the 1980s between a landlord and his two, naive and unbelievaby demanding young, female tenants. We discuss how the unique premise of this podcast has all the elements for Serial-Like success.    Josh's Podcasting Smarter Tips:  After a six month road trip around America, Josh discovered podcasts (starting with Serial), and also discovered he had a story to tell about small town America. The yearning to stay connected to the small towns he visited, was what inspired his first podcast, Our Americana.  Podcasts give us an opportunity to have open-minded conversations

  We are podcasting from the Podfest Multimedia Expo on this enthusiastic episode of Podcasting Smarter! I got the honor of representing Podbean at #PME17 along with Vernon Ross, the newest member of the Podbean sales team. You may remember Vernon from Season 02 Ep. 8. Together, we got to talk to hundreds of podcasters, participate in a couple of panels, and connect with an incredible community of creators.  We hope we can convince you of the importance of attending podcasting conferences. This is where you can connect and collaborate with other podcasters. The opportunities are endless! You also have an incredible bounty of education in the form of keynote speakers with a wide breadth of knowledge, workshops, and breakout sessions that cover a variety of topics to help you be a better, smarter podcaster. PodFest Multimedia Expo had a wide range of compelling topics, and dynamic speakers. What we loved most though, was the continual message of support and community that was communicated and exercised thro

  We go on a real adventure with Kathy Pulkrabek, the intrepid co-host of XX Will Travel, a podcast for independent, women travelers. She is also a writer, editor, and occasional performer in Chicago. Join us as we unpack the details of her podcasting journey!    Kathy's Podcasting Smarter Tips:    As an avid solo traveler, Kathy grew frustrated with the number of people who thought it was weird for a woman to travel alone but thought nothing of a man doing the same thing. XX Will Travel became a way to find and serve a community of women travelers.  She is delighted with the support and collaboration she has found with other women podcasters.  Having a mission behind the podcast is empowering, and inspired them to create a popular "How To" series for women new to traveling by themselves.  Their first live show was a success and a failure. They drew a huge crowd, but the show failed to record. Luckily, they were able to recreate the content of the show.  One thing she loves about podca

  Vernon Ross teaches podcasters, authors, coaches, and companies how to find their voice online, behind the microphone, on stage, and in any situation. He is also the host of the Social Strategy Podcast, author of Master Your Message, social and digital strategist and inspirational speaker whose insights are based on real world experience.   I met him at Podcast Movement 2016, and I am so happy to welcome my new pod pal to the show!   Vernon's Podcasting Smarter Tips:  Vernon started his podcast to increase his professional authority in his business.  Through podcasting, Vernon learned self-awareness, and discovered his gift for talking to people and helping them tell their stories.  He has collected a number of opportunities directly and indirectly from podcasting including speaking gigs, a book deal, and a college teaching job.  Know who you are, and reflect that in your show. Knowing who you are and what you have to say will help you find sponsors that align with your message.  Don't worry

  Do you dream of the day when you can say you've reached 200 podcast episodes?  My guest this week has accomplished that podcasting milestone. Evan Harris is an improviser and actor in Greenville, SC. He is also the creator and co-host of The Bearded Ones Podcast and generously shares his perspective after reaching his 200th episode.   Evan Harris' Podcasting Smarter Tips: His podcast is a prime example of podcast evolution. His early episodes were burdoned with a rigid format that wasn't working, and horrible sound quality. Luckily, they made the changes needed to improve the show, but it took some time to get there. Big Lesson: Don't quit, work on getting better, and keep going! He and his co-host, Jason Underwood alway skeep their goal in mind: To always be entertaining and/or funny.  This means aggressively editing out any pieces of the show that just aren't interesting. Big Lesson: You need to edit your show Don't assume that people want to hear you talk. They don't. Evan and Jason both p

  This week we are joined by Joe Cozzo of The Joe Cozzo Show. Joe is a comedian, podcaster, and criminal defense attorney who describes his show as a podcast about absolutely nothing and everything.   Prepare to be guilty as charged of being a smarter podcaster thanks to Joe's unique podcasting insights!   "If you aren't doing video you are doing yourself an injustice." --Joe Cozzo    Joe Cozzo's Podcasting Smarter Tips: Joe is always searching for people with great stories. He uses a combination of Craigs List Ads, his past criminal clients, and interesting people in his life like Crazy Robert. His interviewing skills are a direct result of studying Howard Stern. Joe is so passionate about podcasting he gets up at 5:30am to start gathering research and organizing sound bites. Joe preps his guests through email and texts rather than talk to them directly in order to keep the interview as fresh as possible. He instructs every guest to be as real as possible. Everyone is unique if you list

  This week, I am joined by podcaster, Rebecca Duke. Rebecca is the co-host of the True Crime and Mysteries Podcast which is on a mission to bring awareness and ultimately, resolution to victims of violent crime. She and her co-host Michael give victims a voice through advocacy and real investigative journalism, using their podcast.   Rebecca's Podcasting Smarter Tips: Rebecca had an idea to do more than entertain with a podcast. She now uses her podcast to act as an advocate for crime victims, and actively investigates criminal cases. She podcasts with a purpose! As a podcaster, she has found that witnesses are more willing to open up to her as a non-traditional journalist. She feels that more podcasters can and should use the medium to act as journalists to help solve crimes, and complement the work of police departments because podcasters are less constrained and more agile. Rebecca is an academic writer, so she finds storytelling challenging, but her co-host, Mike helps keep her on

    On this episode, we are shaken and stirred by Mike Stojic, the host and creator of Make It A Double--The podcast that talks booze, spirits, history, mixology, and the people and stories that make them great. Mike mixes us up a cocktail of great advice on this episode of Podcasting Smarter.   Mike's Podcasting Smarter Tips: Mike invests extra time editing his podcast in order to tell a story in a creative, entertaining fashion. He finds all his music at freemusicarchive.org where he selects the perfect music for the mood of his show. He puts attributes for all the music on his website. Find your passion. Anyone can talk. but not everyone has a passion they can share that they enjoy talking about. The best guests are great storytellers, and the best storytellers have a passion. He grows his audience through his guests' networks, and by collaborating with other podcasters with sponsor spot exchanges and cross promoting. He uses Facebook ads to promote his episodes and sees a jump in do

This week I am joined by Scott Wagaman, the co-host of Watch Talk Wrestling. Scott is apodcaster who has taken his extreme passion for wrestling and transformed itinto a unique podcast. Scott shares what it's like wrestling with a podcast, and let's us know what he learned along the way to 100 episodes.    Scott's Podcasting Smarter Tips: Scott found a way to differentiate himself in the crowded genre of wrestling podcasts. To do this, he had to take his time launching the podcast until he figured out an angle to make his show unique. The best money he has ever spent on his podcast was for better microphones. They now use Shure SM58 mics and pop filters for better sound quality. They keep their podcast entertaining by adopting characters grounded in themselves while staying true to a wrestling theme. They primarily use Twitter for social media. Follow them! Outside of social media marketing, they print and handout fliers as people leave local music shows, and wrestling e

On this episode of Podcasting Smarter, I am joined by Dave Bullis who is a screenwriter, director, producer, and podcaster in the Philadelphia area. He is just one person, and his show, the Dave Bullis Podcast was voted one of the best filmmaking podcasts by Mentorless, the Indie Film Academy. And Podbean. Dave Bullis' Podcasting Smarter Tips: Don't underestimate the value of creating. Podcasting reignited Dave's creativite spark and got him writing again. Podcasting will expand your network by giving you a reason to connect with interesting and influential people by inviting them on your podcast. Everyone has a unique story based on their journey. Even when they come from the same background or industry. Instead of looking at podcast production as a ton of work, be happy that you get to do it and reap all its benefits. Find guests by having a contact form on your website, getting previous guest recommendations, and scouring social media. Make it easy for guests to share their episode b

On this episode of Podcasting Smarter, I am joined by Stacey Taylor, a veteran podcaster from Birmingham, England who started podcasting back in 2007 when she worked at the world's most boring job. She is the host of Stacey's Pop Culture Parlour and Podcast On A Half Shell where she talks nerdy about comics, films, TV shows, books, video games, and of course the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. We have lots of fun nerding-out on podcasting.  Stacey's Podcasting Smarter Tips: Don't be surprised when people care about what you have to say. When Stacey's first podcast came to an end, she thought that was the end of her podcasting until some listeners encouraged her to start another one. Podcasting helps you find other people who care about the same things you do. Podcasting has given her the confidence to reach out to her heroes and to really get to know them by inviting them on her podcast. Stacey enjoys a large social circle of people from all over the world that is a direct result of her podc

This week, I am thrilled to be joined by Zephan Moses Blaxberg. Zephan is the host of The Year Of Purpose Podcast,and the author of the best selling book, Life Re-Scripted. He shares a lot of wisdom about podcasting with a purpose and standing out in a crowd. Zephan's Podcasting Smarter Tips: When he first started, he wanted to interview remarkable people and used a booking service to get his initial guests. Once his show was more established, he started looking for lower profile guests with interesting stories that jelled with the premise of his show. Podcasting helped him get comfortable in his own skin by getting accustomed to his voice, and growing a an audience. People spend too much time and energy trying to strategize ways to get on iTunes New & Noteworthy. Zephan used the book, Outrageous Advertising That Is Outrageously Successful as marketing inspiration for his podcast instead. At his first podcasting conference, with thousand of people in attendance, Zephan knew he wanted t

"Success for me, for the podcast is making sure I have an interactive community." --Elijah Bailey This week on Podcasting Smarter, I am joinedby Elijah Bailey who podcasts out of Blacken Studios; a professionalpodcast studio located in Oklahoma City. Elijah is the co-host of severalpodcasts including: The Elijah Bailey Show, The Black Box, Hoya The Warrior Way Podcast, and A Lil Bit O Anime. Get ready because you are about to learn how to be a podcast warrior. Elijah's Podcasting Smarter Tips: Don't obsess over downloads. Instead, focus on giving your audience what they want, so they want more. Strive for joy in the production of your show while staying consistent, and producing quality content. When that joy is gone, it may be time to end your podcast. As a co-host for several shows, he looks for a 50/50 split in responsibilities as well as a balance in air time on the show for a healthy, long-term working relationship. Make it easy for people to find and listen to your show. Elijah's

“You can be a very charismatic introvert.” Olivia Fox Cabane This week on Podcasting Smarter, Beth Buelow is here to help us get out of our heads and into being smarter podcasters. Beth is the host of the Introvert Entrepreneur Podcast where she helps introverts amplify their strengths so they can become better leaders and entrepreneurs. She is also a business coach, author, blogger, and a professional speaker. Wowzer! Beth's Podcasting Smarter Tips: Introverts make great podcasters because they prefer one on one conversations, and tend to be the best listeners. Due to the intimate nature of podcasts, they can be effective lead magnets for people with personal service businesses such as coaches. The podcast allows potential customers to get to know you, and trust you which makes it easy for them to decide to work with you. Think of all the ways you can use your audio content. Beth re-purposed her podcast into a popular blog, and even wrote the book, The Introvert Entrepreneur. Beth regr

"It's probably not great for your brand, as a blogger, to promise a podcast, and pod fade." -- Abby Glassenberg P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; } This week on Podcasting Smarter we learn a lot from Abby Glassenberg. Abby is the host of the successful podcast, While She Naps. She is also a creative entrepreneur whose podcast is just one thread of a rich career she has sewn together that includes blogging, writing, sewing, teaching, and design. So impressive! Abby's Podcasting Smarter Tips: Podcasting gives you an excuse to reach out to influencers and industry leaders in your field and connect with them in depth by having a conversation with them on your show. Curating your guest list is an act of creativity. There is an art to finding a guest that will benefit from being on your podcast as much as your show benefits from their interview. As a blogger, Abby already had an audience. She didn't want to make a promise to her audience that she couldn't keep, so she took the time to plan her podcast

"The more we are willing to reach out and help each other, the better the world will be." -- Bruce Langford  Bruce Langford is not only the host of the Mindfulness Mode Podcast, but he is also a life coach and mindfulness counselor. Stay in this moment, because Bruce is going to help us wrap our minds around our microphones and be more calm, focused and intentional podcasters! Podcasting Smarter Tips From Bruce: Three ways podcasters can be more mindful: 1. Meditate daily. 2. Use the power of habit and read the book, Power of Habit. 3. Make it a professional thing, and take it seriously.  Don't strive for perfection. 80% is usually good enough to get things done, and move on to the next project. Don't let perfection be your excuse not to launch.  Don't be afraid to request interviews from big name guests such as best selling authors. Be sure to do a little extra research, so you can approach from a place of knowledge.  Preparation is a way to calm to your mind in times of stress and nervousnes

If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, you must be the one to write it.  –Toni Morrison If there is a podcast you want to hear, and it hasn't been recorded yet, you must be the one to produce it!  This week I am joined by Halle from the Well-Read Podcast. Halle and her co-host Ann, are librarians at the Beaufort County Library in South Carolina, and the podcast is an extension of the library's public outreach programs. These lovable librarians have reached over 150,000 downloads with just 35 episodes. Like a good book, you are going to want to check their show out! Podcasting Smarter Tips from Halle Co-host chemistry builds over time Divide up the show production duties for an equal division of work.  In addition to social media, and newsletters, she promotes the podcast grass roots style when attending community groups, or doing presentations through the library. When they started, they weren't many shows doing reading recommendations so that helped them stand

P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }A:link { } "You've gotta think big to be big." --Austin Petersen Austin Petersen is the founder and owner of The Libertarian Republic, and the host of The Freedom Report podcast. Austin  grew The Freedom Report podcast into a popular, political news source which now earns over a million downloads a month. Austin credits the influence of his podcast for his former candidacy for the Libertarian Party's 2016 nomination for President of the United States. He came in second to Gary Johnson.  P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }A:link { } Podcasting Smarter Tips From Austin Petersen: It can be dangerous to share how you truly feel on your podcast. You risk alienating people. You may lose career opportunities. On the future of podcasting: Podcasts will be important in advancing individualism, and will take power away from mainstream media, and corporations. Find a niche that is not being served well and hopefully aligns with your passion and/or your business. Don't do w

This week on Podcasting Smarter, Jen talks to Graham Duke of the Rex Factor Podcast. Rex Factor is a light-hearted podcast reviewing all the kings and queens of England & Scotland. On each episode, Graham and Ali determine if the monarch has the mark of greatness, known as the Rex Factor! It all started with a pub conversation and a friendly debate about great monarchs. That conversation is now a weekly, award winning, themed podcast with over a million downloads. Graham shares with us how they created a community as well as financial support for the show through their creative crowd funding efforts. Podcasting Smarter Tips from Rex Factor: Use your crowdfunding reward levels to create community. Rex Factor patrons become members of the special Privy Council and get access to premium episodes. Your fans will want to financially support your show and you can do more for them with their funding. Have fun with your audience. Rex Factor top level patrons get to commission an episode w

This week on Podcasting Smarter, we are recording from Podcast Movement 2016 with Shawn and Richard, the co-hosts and producers of The Language of Bromance Podcast. This episode was recorded using Podbean's mobile app recording feature and the Go Mic by Samson. I picked it up at the Samson booth the day we recorded! It's only $40! We purposefully left an interruption in the recording since it was part of the experience of recording during the Podcast Movement conference. Richard and Shawn initially started podcasting as a means to stay connected after moving apart. Now, two years later, they are part of the PodBros Network, and have a growing community of rabid fans who enjoy the hilarious worlds they create around obscure, historical events. "Always remember why you are doing your podcast. Praise is humbling, but that doesn't make me talk into the mic, it encourages me to talk into the mic." --Richard Must Listen To Episode: 84 Planet Of The Emus  (seriously, I laughed so hard, I cried.)