Podcast Bestie, the Podcast

Latest Episodes:

From Podcast to Page: Cara McGoogan on Turning Bed of Lies Into Blood Farm Sep 09, 2024

Hey Besties! Today we've got a special bonus episode featuring Cara McGoogan, who ticked off a major item on my bucket list when she successfully transformed the second season of her podcast Bed of Lies into her book Blood Farm (The Poison Line in the UK). In this episode, Cara breaks down the process of adapting a podcast into a book and the opportunities and challenges that come along with it. This conversation explores how podcast writing differs from book writing, how to structure a compelling narrative in each format, the research and fact-checking processes, IP considerations, and so much more.

* Connect with Cara @cjmcgoogan on Twitter.

* Follow Cara @cjmcgoogan on Instagram.

* Listen to Cara’s podcast Bed of Lies.

* Buy Cara’s book Blood Farm.

* Sign up for my upcoming class, Podcasting for Writers: How to Start, Sustain & Grow Your Podcast.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

If you missed the last episode, check out What Is V4V? A Primer on Value4Value Monetization for Indie Podcasters with Kyrin Down.

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

A big thanks to our BFFs for sponsoring this episode:

* Ready to claim your time back? Outsource your editing and social media with Edit Pods. We are your one stop shop for podcast audio/video editing and social media management. We make it easy for you! The Best Podcast Editors

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

I’ve also got a FREE promo opportunity for the Besties: Leave a five-star rating with a review on Apple Podcasts, email me a screenshot with your name and the name of your podcast, and you’ll get a free shout-out on the next episode.

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

Have you considered turning your podcast into a book?

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Visit podcastbestie.com/advertise for info about offerings and rates.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcastbestie.substack.com/subscribe

What Is V4V? A Primer on Value4Value Monetization for Indie Podcasters with Kyrin Down Jan 12, 2024

Hi Besties! For the season finale, Kyrin Down, co-host of the Mere Mortals Podcast, is here to give us a primer on V4V, or Value4Value, which is a new way to think about value in podcasting. Basically, V4V enables payment directly from podcast listener to podcaster using Bitcoin, making it easy to support your favorite podcasters, no matter where in the world they are based. Value4Value is a good option for pretty much every indie podcaster's monetization strategy, and in this episode, Kyrin explains why.

* Connect with Kyrin @meremortalspod on Twitter.

* Follow Kyrin @meremortalspodcast on Instagram.

* Listen to Kyrin’s podcast Value 4 Value.

* Download the Fountain app and get started now!

* Sign up for my upcoming class, Creating Your Podcast.

* Sign up for my upcoming workshop, Start a Newsletter to Supercharge Your Platform, Network & Business.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

Watch the video version of Kyrin’s interview on YouTube.

If you missed the last episode, check out How to Rebrand Your Podcast with Angie Griffith of Podfluencer Society.

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

And thank you to Matt Gilhooly for fine-tuning the video and creating the social media assets for this episode. Follow him on Twitter @theliftshiftpod.

A big thanks to our BFFs for sponsoring this episode:

* Being successful with podcasts and video is a full-time job that most people don’t have the time or experience to do. Momento is an end-to-end AI video marketing tool that finds your shareable moments, creates beautiful shorts, and even schedules straight to social. Can it do more? Yes! Momento can write high-quality show notes, social posts, tweets, and even jokes from your content. Your first upload is FREE, go see what AI can do with your video! https://trymomento.ai?via=podcastbestie

* mowPod is an effective, targeted way to promote your show. It's already trusted by industry giants like Conde Nast, iHeartMedia, and HubSpot Podcast Network, and that's because it works. But mowPod isn’t just for the big guys — mowPod Boost is perfect for indie podcasters. It’s actually been my favorite paid advertising experiment to date, and you can try it for just $100. Plus, if you are a Bestie, you get 10% off with this link: https://boost.mowpod.com/?referrer=podcastbestie. Try it, and let me know what you think!

* The Life Shift podcast recently celebrated 100 episodes! Tune in to hear host Matt Gilhooly bring candid conversations about life-changing moments. The 100th episode features Justin Moore's inspiring journey. Listen to The Life Shift!

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

Do you use V4V as a monetization strategy for your podcast? If so, how do you make the pitch to your listeners?

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Visit podcastbestie.com/advertise for info about offerings and rates.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcastbestie.substack.com/subscribe

How to Rebrand Your Podcast with Angie Griffith of Podfluencer Society Nov 26, 2023

Hello Besties! I’m back with another episode all about rebranding, which is something a lot of podcasters have to navigate as their podcasts evolve, including myself. Today’s guest also has first-hand experience. Angie Griffith started in the music industry as an artist manager before her pivot to podcasting and becoming the talent herself. Angie now hosts a podcast called Podfluencer Society, which recently underwent a rebrand. In this episode, she shares the strategy for how she relaunched her show — which included buying a billboard in downtown Nashville! — and, of course, her tips for executing a successful rebrand.

* Connect with Angie @theangiegriff on Twitter.

* Follow Angie @theangiegriffith and Podfluencer Society @podfluencersociety on Instagram.

* Listen to Podfluencer Society on your preferred podcast listening app.

* For Angie’s Podcast Rebrand Checklist, go to podfluencerproducts.com/rebrand.

* Sign up for my upcoming class, Creating Your Podcast.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

Watch the video version of Angie’s interview on YouTube.

If you missed the last episode, check out Your Indie Podcast Tune-Up with Andreea Coscai of Tink Media.

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

And thank you to Matt Gilhooly for fine-tuning the video and creating the social media assets for this episode. Follow him on Twitter @theliftshiftpod.

A big thanks to our BFFs for sponsoring this episode:

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

Big thanks to the following Besties for their reviews. Make sure to check out their shows:

* Better Call Daddy is for people who love stories. Each episode, host Reena Friedman Watts will interview a person of interest, and her father will chime in with his advice afterwards. “My dad has been my guiding force my whole life, there's nothing that he doesn't know and I want to share that with the world.”

* 2 Lives is hosted and written by Laurel Morales. Stories of people who have faced darkness and how those moments transformed them. "We all have two lives. The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.”

* Secret Mom Hacks - Krista Dykes is someone who was previously terrified of childbirth, parenthood, and all that follows, but she's here to help you pull back the curtain on all of it. Her goal is that you’ll leave every episode feeling refreshed, inspired, and hopeful, knowing you’re not on this mom journey alone.

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

Have you rebranded your podcast? Any big takeaways from the process?

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Visit podcastbestie.com/advertise for info about offerings and rates.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcastbestie.substack.com/subscribe

Your Indie Podcast Tune-Up with Andreea Coscai of Tink Media Oct 11, 2023

Hi Besties! I’m excited to be back with Andreea Coscai, another babe from the Tink Media team. Josh Taylor from The Wild West Extravaganza tweeted: “Every time i find out that @courtneykocak has interviewed someone from @tinkmediaco my ears perk up. They're like the Navy Seals of podcast marketing.” That is both hilarious and very true. In this episode, Andreea shares some great perspective on podcasting marketing, collaboration, community, sustainability, social media, and more for indie podcasters — plus, a few awesome podcast recommendations.

* Connect with Andreea @andreeacoscai on Twitter.

* Follow Andreea @andreeacoscai on Instagram.

* Sign up for my upcoming workshop, How to Build a “Platform” for Writers Who Shudder at the Thought.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

Watch the video version of Andreea’s interview on YouTube.

If you missed the last episode, check out Growing Queens Podcast to 100K Downloads Per Month & a Thriving Patreon Community with Katy Hearne-Church.

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

And thank you to Matt Gilhooly for fine-tuning the video and creating the social media assets for this episode. Follow him on Twitter @theliftshiftpod.

A big thanks to our BFFs for sponsoring this episode:

* Step into the world of Multitudes by Nicole Carter. Filled with beautiful conversations with diverse guests sharing their journeys, passions, and transformative insights. Season 2 is coming soon! Check out multitudespodcast.com and subscribe to Multitudes wherever you listen to podcasts.

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

Big thanks to the following Besties for their reviews. Make sure to check out their shows:

* A Cada Paso is a hybrid Spanish-English podcast in which host Gabrielena Alcala interviews people who are not famous but she considers to be fascinating.

* The 2 Lives Podcast, hosted by Laurel Morales, features stories of people who have faced darkness and how those moments transformed them.

* Sound Judgment takes listeners into the studios — and the minds — of your favorite audio storytellers. In each episode, lifelong journalist Elaine Appleton Grant and a top audio creator deconstruct one of their episodes.

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

What’s your number one priority for your podcast right now? Are you trying to collab more, reformat, next level your guest booking, etc.? I’d love to learn what Besties are focused on improving for their shows.

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Visit podcastbestie.com/advertise for info about offerings and rates.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcastbestie.substack.com/subscribe

Growing Queens Podcast to 100K Downloads Per Month & a Thriving Patreon Community with Katy Hearne-Church Sep 11, 2023

Hello Besties! I'm thrilled to share today's episode because it's chock-full of practical takeaways from a popular history podcaster. Katy Hearne-Church created Queens Podcast and recruited her bestie to co-host in 2017 — now the show gets 100K downloads a month and has a thriving Patreon community. In this episode, Katy shares how they nurture their community of diehard listeners on Patreon, the power of promo swaps and polling your audience, and her research and editing process. We also discuss the importance of being obsessed with your topic, setting up a sustainable production and release schedule, and her experience with paid advertising on Instagram. There is so much to learn from this history girlie!

* Follow Queens Podcast on Twitter @Queens_Podcast and Instagram @queens_podcast.

* Listen to Queens Podcast.

* Sign up for my upcoming workshops, Creating Your Podcast and/or How to Build a “Platform” for Writers Who Shudder at the Thought.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

Watch the video version of Katy’s interview on YouTube.

If you missed the last episode, check out The Art of the Podcast Trailer with Arielle Nissenblatt.

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

And thank you to Matt Gilhooly for fine-tuning the video and creating the social media assets for this episode. Follow him on Twitter @theliftshiftpod.

A big thanks to our BFFs for sponsoring this episode:

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

Do YOU have a Patreon for your show? If so, what’s your best tip for nurturing your membership community?

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Visit podcastbestie.com/advertise for info about offerings and rates.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcastbestie.substack.com/subscribe

The Art of the Podcast Trailer with Arielle Nissenblatt Aug 09, 2023

Hey Besties! It’s summer — we’re all busy working, traveling, and having fun — so I’m taking my sweet time rolling out the rest of this season… but today’s episode is so worth the wait. I have Big Podcasting’s Bestie and all our Besties, Arielle Nissenblatt, on the show today. Arielle is the founder of Earbuds Podcast Collective and the head of community and content at Squadcast.fm. In this episode, she’s sharing podcast marketing examples from the launch of her new show — Trailer Park, The Podcast Trailer Podcast — plus her recipe for a good podcast trailer, social media tips, how to co-market effectively, her advice on getting featured in the apps, and so much more.

* Connect with Arielle @arithisandthat on Twitter.

* Sign up for Arielle’s newsletter, Earbuds Podcast Collective.

* Listen to Trailer Park, The Podcast Trailer Podcast.

* Sign up for my upcoming workshops, Start a Newsletter to Supercharge Your Audience, Network & Business and/or Grow Your Show & Make Money Podcasting Masterclass.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

Watch the video version of Arielle’s interview on YouTube.

If you missed the last episode, check out How to Grow Your Podcast: A Podcast Marketing Master Class with Jeff Umbro of The Podglomerate.

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

And thank you to Matt Gilhooly for fine-tuning the video and creating the social media assets for this episode. Follow him on Twitter @theliftshiftpod.

A big thanks to our BFFs for sponsoring this episode:

* Get smarter in 5 minutes with Morning Brew. It's free! There's a reason over 4 million people start their day with Morning Brew — the daily email that delivers the latest news from Wall Street to Silicon Valley. Business news doesn't have to be boring... make your mornings more enjoyable, for free.

Check it out!

* Subscribe to The Tilt, the newsletter for professional content creators. Also: Get access to ALL 45 sessions from The Creator Economy Expo CEX 2023 and learn from the best. Get advice from experts on newsletters, podcasts, communities, SEO, and more. Get your digital pass now and grow your business!

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

Thank you to the following Besties for their reviews:

* Maria of Pure Cringe - We are Maria and Michelle—two old friends, book lovers, and BravoTV super fans! Join the fun as we review Bravolebrity books and recap classic BravoTV Episodes!

* Nicolle Galteland of LOOTERS - LOOTERS is an actual play, sci-fi western, Table Top RPG using the Stars Without Numbers gaming system.

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

Do YOU have a podcast trailer for your show? Do you think it’s an accurate representation?

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Visit podcastbestie.com/advertise for info about offerings and rates.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcastbestie.substack.com/subscribe

How to Grow Your Podcast: A Podcast Marketing Master Class with Jeff Umbro of The Podglomerate Jul 17, 2023

Hello Besties! We’re all here because we want to know how to grow our podcasts and today’s episode is a banger in that department. We’re getting a podcast marketing master class from Jeff Umbro of The Podglomerate. He’s going to teach us all about their five tiers of audience development and some case studies for how to apply them. And guess what, Besties? Before Jeff was spending millions on podcast marketing, he got his start as a podcast listening addict and indie podcaster like so many of us.

* Connect with Jeff @podglomerate on Twitter.

* Check out The Podglomerate’s website for more info.

* Sign up for my upcoming workshop, How to Build a “Platform” for Writers Who Shudder at the Thought.

* I’m also teaching a five-week podcasting course through Roadmap Writers, Creating Your Podcast.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

Watch the video version of Jeff’s interview on YouTube.

If you missed the last episode, check out Podcast Like a Motherf*cker with Emily McElwreath (& Cheryl Strayed!).

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

And thank you to Matt Gilhooly for fine-tuning the video and creating the social media assets for this episode. Follow him on Twitter @theliftshiftpod.

A big thanks to our BFFs for sponsoring this episode:

* Check out the Label Free podcast: Join Deanna Radulescu on her journey welcoming dynamic guests on her show who embody living label free! She connects with entrepreneurs, authors, artists, coaches; all bring tremendous value to her audience. To Live Your Best Life, Live Label Free

https://trymomento.ai?via=podcastbestie

* Looking for some words of inspiration to kickstart your creative process? Magic Write in Canva Docs is your very own AI text generator to help you get out a first draft, fast. Simply start with a prompt and watch as copy, blog outlines, lists, bio captions, content ideas, brainstorms, and more appear in seconds. Try Magic Write by Canva

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

Thank you to the following Besties for their reviews:

* Ashley Hamer Pritchard of Taboo Science - Every episode dives into a different societal taboo to understand the science that makes it tick, the reasons we don't talk about it, and the impact that has on society at large.

* Taylor Faust of Sisters Assembled - Two sisters discussing the latest and greatest in Marvel!

* Andi Smiley of The Friendly Podcast Guide - Helping you discover the right podcast by giving you the pertinent details and helping you get a feel for the show in around 10 minutes.

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

Jeff’s a wealth of podcast marketing wisdom. What was your favorite takeaway?

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Visit podcastbestie.com/advertise for info about offerings and rates.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcastbestie.substack.com/subscribe

Podcast Like a Motherf*cker with Emily McElwreath (& Cheryl Strayed!) Jul 03, 2023

Hi Besties! Today’s guest is Emily McElwreath, host of The Art Career podcast, and Emily’s superpower is guest booking. Some of us feel like we need to work our way up to our dream guests, but not Emily. Starting season one of her podcast, she didn’t wait for permission to approach top-tier talent. She was hot out the gate with Laurie Simmons, Marilyn Minter, and other big names in the art world. She’s even managed to land Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic Jerry Saltz and one of my all-time favorite authors, Cheryl Strayed (which, to me, is like landing on the moon as far as podcast guest booking goes). So I invited Emily on Podcast Bestie to tell us about her guest book strategy, along with some tips for approaching a high-profile dream guest of your own.

Cheryl Strayed famously coined the mantra “Write Like a Motherf*cker” for her Dear Sugar column (which later became a book called Tiny Beautiful Things that I have gifted to no less than 20 people, and now it’s also a TV show on Hulu) — and that sentiment can be applied to any creative endeavor. So after Emily’s interview, you’ll get a pep talk from Cheryl herself, and I hope it inspires you to podcast like a motherf*cker. That is a pep talk we all need to hear sometimes.

* Connect with Emily @emilymcelwreath_art and The Art Career podcast @theartcareer on Instagram.

* Tune into Emily’s podcast, The Art Career.

* Check out the website for The Art Career.

* Sign up for my upcoming workshop, How to Build a “Platform” for Writers Who Shudder at the Thought.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

If you missed the last episode, check out How to Leverage Blogging Strategies for Your Podcast with Danielle Desir Corbett.

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

And thank you to Matt Gilhooly for creating the social media assets for this episode. Follow him on Twitter @theliftshiftpod.

A big thanks to our BFFs for sponsoring this episode:

Check it out!

* Start your morning with The Newsette! The Newsette is a newsletter for women, written by women, about topics that are important to women. They break down trending topics in news, fashion, and lifestyle to keep you up to date but not weighed down. It’s like getting the news from your BFF. Subscribe for free!

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

Who’s YOUR dream podcast guest? Any inspiring stories about going for it with a big name?

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Visit podcastbestie.com/advertise for info about offerings and rates.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcastbestie.substack.com/subscribe

How to Leverage Blogging Strategies for Your Podcast with Danielle Desir Corbett Jun 15, 2023

Hey Besties! Today's guest is Danielle Desir Corbett, the multi-talented host of The Thought Card podcast and the creator of a blog by the same name. She is also the founder and host of the podcast and community Women of Color Podcasters and the creative mind behind the Grants for Creators Substack. In this episode, Danielle shares how she launched her podcast from her blog and some big lessons she learned along the way, including the importance of embracing failure. Don't let your podcasting fears keep you from success, Besties! Everyone makes mistakes on their path to greatness; give yourself the grace to do the same.

During our conversation, Danielle enlightens us about a crucial website mistake to avoid and provides valuable pointers on leveraging blogging and SEO tactics for your podcast. We also discuss easy workflows and incorporating AI tools into the process of writing effective show notes. In addition, Danielle offers tips for launching a new podcast and monetization strategies for small podcasts.

My favorite moment from the interview is how, early on, Danielle did a poll on social media asking her audience if they wanted a podcast from her — and surprisingly, most of them said no! But luckily, she didn't let that stop her. This serves as a powerful reminder that you shouldn't always feel obligated to heed your audience's opinions… ultimately, you gotta do you.

* Connect with Danielle @thethoughtcard on Twitter.

* Subscribe to Danielle’s newsletter, Grants for Creators.

* If you’re a woman of color, connect with Danielle’s podcasting community @WOCPodcasters on Twitter.

* Tune into Danielle’s podcasts, The Thought Card and Women of Color Podcasters.

* Sign up for my upcoming workshop, How to Build a “Platform” for Writers Who Shudder at the Thought.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

If you missed the last episode, check out How to Go Pro & Get Started as a Freelance Podcast Producer with Pod the North's Kattie Laur.

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

And thank you to Matt Gilhooly for creating the social media assets for this episode. Follow him on Twitter @theliftshiftpod.

A big thanks to our BFFs for sponsoring this episode:

* Grow your audience with shareable podcast highlights for social media and reach listeners wherever they are. Effortlessly create video clips with Vizard in a few clicks. They make the editing process easy, so you can start posting daily. Try Vizard for free: https://vizard.ai/?source=podcastbestie

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

Are you a blogger, as well? What are the best blogging, SEO, and website tactics you recycle for your podcast?

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Visit podcastbestie.com/advertise for info about offerings and rates.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcastbestie.substack.com/subscribe

How to Go Pro & Get Started as a Freelance Podcast Producer with Pod the North's Kattie Laur Jun 02, 2023

Hi Besties! Whether you're trying to get your indie show off the ground, break into freelancing, or recover from burnout, this episode has something for folks at every stage of their audio journey. Our guest is Kattie Laur, a public radio enthusiast who turned her passion for audio storytelling into a career as a freelance podcast producer.

As co-creator of the responsible travel podcast Alpaca My Bags, Kattie and host Erin Hynes help you travel in a better way, so we can avoid “blowing up the planet” — a worthy goal, indeed. After studying radio and completing a CBC internship, Kattie has also managed gain a professional foothold in the industry and share her ever-evolving audio expertise with numerous podcasting clients. Besides producing podcasts, Kattie also writes the Pod the North newsletter, providing valuable conversations and community for Canadian podcasters.

* Connect with Kattie @podkatt on Twitter.

* Subscribe to Kattie’s newsletter Pod the North.

* Tune into Kattie’s indie podcast, Alpaca My Bags. (They’re trying to grow. Maybe there’s an opportunity to collab?)

* Sign up for my upcoming workshop How to Build a “Platform” for Writers Who Shudder at the Thought.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

If you missed the last episode, check out Organic Growth Hack: Recurring Collaborations with Niche Podcasts with Aakshi Sinha of Tink Media.

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

A big thanks to our BFFs for sponsoring this episode:

* Hosted by book coach Paul Zakrzewski, The Book I Had to Write introduces you to the stories behind some of today’s most fascinating and dynamic nonfiction. Learn tips and secrets to getting your own book done—and why it will change your life. New episodes every other Tuesday starting May 9.

* To all the women podcasters: Submit your news to Podcasting by the Moon & subscribe for FREE! You’ll join 1,000+ readers keeping up with women in podcasting news & recs each full moon (& more!).

* Keep your listeners coming back for more. Sound Judgment is a podcast and newsletter that unpacks the techniques of top hosts and producers so you can learn from the best. Subscribe now!

* Lizzie Borden Audio is the only show that dramatizes the trial testimony of Lizzie Borden in 1892, beginning with the Witness Statements and Lizzie’s famous Inquest, which was ruled Inadmissible. Listen now!

* Discover the world of skin care redefined in The Skin Report, hosted by Dr. Simran Sethi. From debunking TikTok trends to addressing common skin issues like hyperpigmentation, Dr. Sethi has got you covered. Learn about the benefits of retinol, Vitamin C, medical spa treatments, and more. Tune in today!

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

Are you a Bestie currently trying to go pro? Put your intention out there! Just yesterday I hired an assistant who I’d seen post about his desire for a podcasting job.

For those who are already audio professionals, how long did it take you to land your first job in podcasting? Any tips for breaking into the industry?

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Visit podcastbestie.com/advertise for info about offerings and rates.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcastbestie.substack.com/subscribe

Organic Growth Hack: Recurring Collaborations with Niche Podcasts with Aakshi Sinha of Tink Media May 26, 2023

Hey Besties! This episode is such a treat because I had the chance to chat with Aakshi Sinha, a Podcast Marketing Specialist from Tink Media, all the way from India. Connecting with people around the world is one of the many reasons I love podcasting!

Prepare to be inspired as we delve into Aakshi's podcasting origin story — exploring her gateway podcast, her desire to be a part of the podcasting community, and how she landed her job in the podcast industry. She also shares her love for creating curated playlists (Podcast Bestie playlist to come soon!), along with expert advice from her time at Tink, especially the importance of finding joy in podcast marketing for long-term sustainability and how to set up effective podcast collaborations, including promo swaps, guest swaps, and feed swaps.

Aakshi highlights the value of collaborating with smaller shows that have a niche audience, rather than solely focusing on larger shows with higher numbers. And I preach my cardinal rule for indie podcasters trying to engineer organic growth: recurring collaborations. Plus, the likely necessity of making strategic investments to propel podcast growth before achieving meaningful monetization.

So grab your headphones, Besties, and treat yourself to this fun and informative podcasting pep talk!

* Connect with Aakshi @aaklovesaudio on Twitter.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

If you missed the last episode, check out Podcast Marketing Is About Finding Your Podcast Besties with Lauren Passell of Tink Media + How to Get Featured on Apple Podcasts.

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

A big thanks to our BFFs for sponsoring this episode:

* To all the women podcasters: Submit your news to Podcasting by the Moon & subscribe for FREE! You’ll join 1,000+ readers keeping up with women in podcasting news & recs each full moon (& more!).

* Podcast strategist Eric Nuzum describes Skye Pillsbury’s The Squeeze as “an utterly fantastic addition to the journalism looking at podcasting.” Don’t miss a single issue; subscribe for free here.

* Having many passions doesn't have to be overwhelming. Join Multi-Passionate Mastery for actionable tips on how to prioritize, focus, and succeed as a multi-passionate creative. Find Multi-Passionate Mastery on your favorite podcast app!

* That Wasn't In My Textbook Podcast helps us uncover the things we always wished we learned from that boring, bulky textbook- From History of Taxes to Cannabis, it's the history you always wanted to know! Check it out!

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

Thank you to the following Besties for their reviews:

* Raphaël Titsworth-Morin of The Small Tech Podcast by EC

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

Do you have any recurring collaborations underway? Share your experience in the comments below.

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Visit podcastbestie.com/advertise for info about offerings and rates.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcastbestie.substack.com/subscribe

Podcast Marketing Is About Finding Your Podcast Besties with Lauren Passell of Tink Media + How to Get Featured on Apple Podcasts May 08, 2023

Hey Besties! Can't afford PR right now? Don't worry — Sweet Mama Swap is in the house to help you get started all by yourself! That's right, today's guest is Lauren Passell, the founder of Tink Media, and she's giving us the Tink treatment for free, generously sharing the strategies she uses to help her clients get coverage and grow their shows. She dishes her expert advice on how to make podcast collaboration effective, fun, and EASY, land a coveted Apple Podcasts feature, pitch bigger shows for feed swaps, get good press, and more. This is a master class in podcast marketing from a PR master.

* Connect with Lauren @laurenpassell on Twitter and Instagram.

* Subscribe to Lauren’s newsletters Podcast The Newsletter and Podcast Marketing Magic.

* Sign up for my Pandemic University Grow Your Show and Make Money Podcasting One-Day Intensive.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

If you missed the last episode, check out Cross-Media Promotions for Your Podcast with Anna Van Valin of Every Day is a Food Day.

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

A big thanks to our BFFs for sponsoring this episode:

* The Wild West Extravaganza is a weekly history podcast that delves into the fascinating and often tumultuous world of the American Old West. From famous outlaws like Billy the Kid and Jesse James to lawmen like Wyatt Earp and Wild Bill Hickok to Native Americans and trailblazing pioneers and frontiersmen, this podcast tells the true stories of the real-life characters who shaped this iconic period in American history. So, saddle up and discover the true history of the American frontier — the good, the bad, and the ugly. It’s a journey you don’t want to miss. Listen to The Wild West Extravaganza on your favorite podcast player and follow @wildwestxtra on Twitter.

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

Have YOU been featured on Apple Podcasts? If so, what was the hook of your pitch? Do you have any tips for how to stand out based on your experience?

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Visit podcastbestie.com/advertise for info about offerings and rates.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcastbestie.substack.com/subscribe

Cross-Media Promotions for Your Podcast with Anna Van Valin of Every Day is a Food Day Apr 26, 2023

Hey Besties! Today, we're taking an out-of-the-box approach to podcast collaborations. Our guest is Anna Van Valin, an independent podcast producer, consultant, and host of the Every Day is a Food Day podcast. Anna is an advocate for cross-media promotions, which is a different way to go about the whole promo swap strategy. In this episode, she shares how she got started, some great case studies, and tips for pitching brands for this type of collaboration. Plus, we discuss whether Instagram Reels are worth it for indie podcasters.

* Connect with Anna @annavanvalin on Twitter and Instagram.

* Check out Anna’s podcast, Every Day is a Food Day.

* Sign up for my Pandemic University Grow Your Show and Make Money Podcasting One-Day Intensive.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

If you missed the last episode, check out From Zero to 100K Real Quick: How Mina AF Engaged Mina Starsiak Hawk’s Existing Audience with Producer Megan Hayward.

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

A big thanks to our BFF for sponsoring this episode:

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

Have you tried any cross-media promotions for your podcast? If so, what were the results?

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Visit podcastbestie.com/advertise for info about offerings and rates.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcastbestie.substack.com/subscribe

From Zero to 100K Real Quick: How Mina AF Engaged Mina Starsiak Hawk’s Existing Audience with Producer Megan Hayward Apr 19, 2023

Hi Besties! Today’s special guest is Megan Hayward from editaudio. We are very lucky because she has a delightful British accent that is very easy on the ears! Megan is here because last month (March 14th, to be exact), I saw on Twitter that the show she’s producing hit 100K downloads. The show is called Mina AF, and it’s hosted by HGTV star Mina Starsiak Hawk. In this episode, we discuss how Megan and the team approach the creative and producing on this new show, plus how they engaged Mina’s pre-existing audience (and tapped a podcasting headliner) for a successful launch. Megan also shares tips on how to get started in freelance producing, the software tools that help her stay organized, her philosophy on video’s place in podcasting — a hot-button topic right now — and more.

* Subscribe to editaudio’s monthly newsletter.

* Visit Megan and the editaudio team at The Podcast Show 2023 on May 24th and May 25th in London. Check out thepodcastshowlondon.com for more information.

* Sign up for my Pandemic University Grow Your Show and Make Money Podcasting One-Day Intensive.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

If you missed the last episode, check out The Art of Podcast Marketing with Devin Andrade from Tink Media.

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

A big thanks to our BFF for sponsoring this episode:

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

Thank you to the following Bestie for their review:

* Kyrin Down of Mere Mortals Podcast

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

What are YOUR favorite software tools for staying organized and making great podcasts?

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Visit podcastbestie.com/advertise for info about offerings and rates.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcastbestie.substack.com/subscribe

The Art of Podcast Marketing with Devin Andrade from Tink Media Apr 11, 2023

Hey Besties! I’ve got Devin Andrade on the podcast today. She’s from Tink Media—Lauren Passell’s company that crushes it on the podcasting marketing side—so we discuss the creative side of podcast promotion and marketing lessons she’s picked up from working at Tink, including a great cross-promo example. Devin also shares her top tip for indie podcasters trying to grow their shows, how to make your content more accessible, some of her favorite recent podcast discoveries, and more.

* Subscribe to Devin’s newsletter Pod Stack on Substack.

* Find out how to participate in Tink Media’s Adopt-A-Listener Month at tinkmedia.co/adopt.

* Check out the latest episode of Pod-At-Me and call 1-844-POD-AT-ME to leave a message for a chance to be featured on the show.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

If you missed the last episode, check out From Globetrotting Travel Photographer to Daily Podcaster with 13 Million Downloads with Gary Arndt of Everything Everywhere Daily.

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

A big thanks to our BFF for sponsoring this episode:

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

Thank you to the following Besties for their reviews:

* Kate Lavender of Lizzie Borden Audio

* Angie Griffith of 4 Things for Your Podcast (Stay tuned for more about her upcoming rebrand!)

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

Smash that like button, and share your favorite out-of-the-box podcast collaboration in the comments below.

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Here’s info about offerings and rates.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcastbestie.substack.com/subscribe

From Globetrotting Travel Photographer to Daily Podcaster with 13 Million Downloads with Gary Arndt of Everything Everywhere Daily Apr 03, 2023

📣 Attention: Season one of Podcast Bestie, the Podcast is now in session! New episodes will drop every Monday in April and May.

Today, I’ve got Gary Arndt of Everything Everywhere Daily on the show unpacking his journey from globetrotting travel photographer and blogger to daily podcaster. His latest podcast was a lucky pandemic pivot that now has 13 million downloads and counting. Gary shares his strategies for making Everything Everywhere Daily a successful show — everything from shorter episodes to paid advertising to promo swaps to joining a network.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

If you missed the last episode, check out Podcast Websites That Convert, Plus SEO for the Web & Podcast Players with James Cridland of Podnews.

Thanks to Michael Castañeda for mixing and mastering this episode. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @plasticaudio.

A big thanks to our BFF for sponsoring this episode:

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

Thank you to the following Besties for their reviews:

* Ken Volante of Something (Rather Than Nothing) Podcast

* Gene Liverman of Volunteer Technologist

* Matt Gilhooly of The Life Shift Podcast

* D'Ana Joi Spencer of Multi-Passionate Mastery

* Lauren Passell of Tink Media and Podcast the Newsletter

* Arielle Nissenblatt of Earbuds Podcast Collective and The Trailer Park Podcast

* Madison Lewis of Just A Person

* Becky Taylor of This Sounds A Bit Woo Woo To Me

* Jodi Murphy of Dorktales Storytime

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

Smash that like button, and let me know what you think of this episode in the comments below! What were your big takeaways? What do you want to learn next?

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Here’s info about offerings and rates.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcastbestie.substack.com/subscribe

Podcast Websites That Convert, Plus SEO for the Web & Podcast Players with James Cridland of Podnews Mar 03, 2023

Hi Besties!

Today is the day… Podcast Bestie, the Podcast has officially dropped its debut episode.

I’ve got James Cridland of Podnews on the show today talking all about SEO for websites and podcast apps, how he’s helping audit your podcast, press release tips, and more. First, we discuss James’s place in podcasting history, which I found very interesting, but if you’re just here for the tips and the fish ‘n’ chips references, jump ahead to the six-and-a-half-minute mark.

Here’s a link to the TRANSCRIPT.

For more from James, check out his previous Podcast Bestie Q&A: Business & Tech 101 for Indie Podcasters.

A big thanks to our BFFs for sponsoring this episode:

* What happens when the watchdog tasked with overseeing the largest law enforcement agency in the country looks the other way? In Bad Watchdog, host Maren Machles exposes a series of shocking cover-ups at the Department of Homeland Security. Listen now.

* Hey Canadian Podcasters! Are you tired of feeling like the podcasting space is fractured between indies and networks? Pod the North is the Canadian podcasting newsletter that's changing all of that. Read the latest issue!

* Pop Culture Retrospective Podcast - In March of 2019, host Amy Lewis lost her sister. She decided to use her grief for something productive and fun, so she started a podcast as a way to re-live and share memories from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s.

* Soothe your promotional aches and pains with a FREE subscription to the Podcast Clinic from Podspike. Get monthly tips, tricks & articles to help your podcast marketing become that little bit easier.

If you want to sponsor a future newsletter AND episode, you can purchase your ad spot here.

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣

Smash that like button, and let me know what you think of this first episode in the comments below! What do you want to learn next?

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

💸 Wanna advertise on Podcast Bestie? Here’s info about offerings and rates.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcastbestie.substack.com/subscribe

Announcing Podcast Bestie the Podcast! Feb 07, 2023

I have an exciting announcement: Podcast Bestie is now a podcast! I just dropped the trailer. Please give it a listen.

I love doing Q&As for the newsletter, but I want the chance to ask follow-up questions and dig even deeper into our guests’ craft and marketing advice.

Don’t worry, Podcast Bestie will continue in its current form with the newsletter as the main thing, but moving forward, I’ll be sprinkling in some long-form interviews that help us make better content and grow and monetize our shows.

I want to cover things like SEO as an engine for show growth, successful cross-promotional and advertising campaigns, archival and SFX sourcing for sound design, and much more.

So if you’re a podcasting professional or indie podcaster who is crushing it and are willing to share your industry secrets with the Besties, please reply to this email and let me know about your area of expertise and what you can teach the Besties with 4-5 talking points.

Check out the trailer for more about my Podcast Bestie podcast vision and how you can be a part of it. I would also love it if you could help me spread the word.

Subscribe to Podcast Bestie on Substack and your favorite podcast player.

Follow me @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcastbestie.substack.com/subscribe

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Podcast Bestie, the Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected