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Podcasting
**Podcast Insider**

Blubrry’s official podcast where we talk about the podcasting industry, Blubrry news and interview podcasters on why they started their podcast.

Latest Episodes:

**Podcasting 101: The Terms Every Podcaster Needs to Understand – PCI 476** Mar 09, 2026
Show notes

Podcasting has its own language — and if you’re new to the space, it can feel like everyone already knows what all the terms mean. RSS feeds, hosting, CPM, downloads, distribution… it’s easy to get lost in the jargon. Blubrry breaks down some of the most common podcasting terms in plain English. Whether you’re just starting your show or looking to better understand how the podcasting ecosystem works, this episode will help make sense of the terminology that powers podcast publishing, distribution, and monetization.

**Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell & MacKenzie Bennett**

**General Podcasting Terms**

1. Basic Terms

The basic terms can be the hardest to understand. They seem basic, but when talking about your Podcast, clarity can make all the difference.

Podcast – An episodic show (mostly delivered by RSS)

Interchangeable with the word show

Episode – An individual entry in your overall podcast

One episode is not a PODCAST or POD, it’s a podcast episode

Feed – When talking about a podcast, this is the RSS feed

Not to be confused with a show listing on an app or directory. “My Apple feed…”

YouTube Channel – NOT a feed, there are no feeds coming OUT of YouTube

Upload – In publishing episodes, you have to upload that episode to a podcast host

You do not UPLOAD to Apple Podcasts. Blubrry and other hosts do not upload to Apple. Apple PULLS your episode in via your RSS feed. They do not host the file, the file stays where it is and they LIST your episodes.

2. RSS Feed – Really Simple Syndication

An RSS feed is the distribution engine for a podcast.

It’s a file that contains the core information about your show, including:

Episode titles

Descriptions

Audio files

Artwork

Publish dates

Podcast apps like Apple Podcasts and Spotify read this feed and display the show inside their apps.

When a new episode is published, the RSS feed updates. Podcast apps check the feed and automatically pull in the new episode.

3. Podcast Hosting

Podcast hosting is where the media files for a podcast are stored.

When an episode is uploaded to a host such as Blubrry Podcasting, the platform:

Stores the audio file

Generates the RSS feed

Delivers the file when listeners press play

Podcast directories do not store the audio themselves. They simply read the RSS feed from the hosting platform.

Hosting is the foundation that makes podcast distribution possible.

4. Podcast Directories / Apps

Podcast directories are the platforms where listeners discover and play podcasts.

Examples include:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Amazon Music

These platforms do not host the podcast files. Instead, they pull the show information from the RSS feed and display it inside their apps.

Once a podcast is submitted to a directory, new episodes appear automatically whenever the RSS feed updates.

5. Downloads vs Listens

In podcasting, the primary measurement used for analytics is downloads.

A download occurs when a podcast app requests the audio file from the host.

This means the episode was delivered to a device. It does not necessarily mean the listener played the entire episode.

Downloads are the industry standard measurement used for podcast analytics and advertising reporting.

6. CPM

CPM stands for Cost Per Mille, which means cost per 1,000 downloads.

It is one of the most common pricing models used in podcast advertising.

Example:

$20 CPM

5,000 downloads

That would equal roughly $100 for that advertisement placement.

CPM helps advertisers estimate campaign costs and helps podcasters estimate potential ad revenue.

7. Pre-Roll, Mid-Roll, and Post-Roll

These terms describe where an advertisement appears within an episode.

Pre-roll: Ad plays at the beginning of the episode

Mid-roll: Ad appears in the middle of the episode

Post-roll: Ad plays near the end

Mid-roll placements are often the most valuable because listeners are already engaged with the episode.

8. Dynamic Ad Insertion

Dynamic Ad Insertion allows advertisements to be added to episodes automatically during playback.

Instead of permanently editing ads into the audio file, the ads are inserted when the episode is streamed or downloaded.

This allows:

Ads to change over time

Different ads to play for different listeners

Campaigns to run across older episodes

9. Episode Artwork

Episode artwork is an image attached to an individual podcast episode.

It can highlight:

A specific topic

A guest

A theme or series within the podcast

Episode artwork is optional but can make episodes more visually engaging across podcast apps and websites.

10. Podcast Landing Page

A podcast landing page is a simple webpage that displays podcast episodes and listening links in one place.

These pages typically include:

Podcast artwork

Episode list

Embedded players

Links to listen in podcast apps

They provide a shareable home for the podcast outside of podcast apps.

11. Publishing vs Distribution

Publishing refers to releasing an episode inside a podcast hosting platform.

Distribution is what happens afterward — when podcast apps detect the new episode in the RSS feed and display it for listeners.

Once a podcast is approved in directories, new episodes are distributed automatically when they are published.

The Big Takeaway

Podcasting terminology can feel complicated at first, but most of the concepts describe simple parts of the same system.

The basic process looks like this:

Upload an episode to a podcast host

The RSS feed updates

Podcast apps read the feed

Listeners receive the episode

Once these fundamentals are understood, the rest of podcasting terminology becomes much easier to navigate.

For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion.

Share your feedback at **surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider**.

Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com)

**What We See Behind the Scenes as a Podcast Hosting Company – PCI 475** Mar 02, 2026
Show notes

Behind the scenes at a podcast hosting company, you start to notice patterns. Not just in downloads or dashboards — but in behavior, expectations, burnout, growth, and momentum. In this episode, we’re sharing what we consistently see across thousands of shows: why some podcasts quietly fade out, why others steadily grow, where creators get tripped up, and what actually builds longevity. This isn’t promotional — it’s observational. If you’ve ever wondered what separates the podcasts that last from the ones that stall, this conversation pulls back the curtain.

**Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell, MacKenzie Bennett & Dave Clements**

1. Why Shows Stop Publishing

Most podcasts don’t stop because of tech issues.

They stop because of:

Lack of a clear goal

Unrealistic expectations

Burnout (which is typically caused by the first two)

Life getting busy

The shows that last usually have simple workflows and a clear purpose.

Consistency beats intensity every time.

2. Common Tech Mistakes

A lot of support questions come down to basics:

Confusion about distribution timing

Not understanding what hosting controls vs. directories

Small publishing setting errors

Podcasting has layers, and when you don’t understand how RSS and distribution work, it can feel chaotic.

A little foundational knowledge prevents a lot of stress.

3. Stats Misconceptions

We often see creators discouraged by their numbers.

Usually because they’re:

Comparing to unrealistic claims

Ignoring industry averages

Focusing on one episode instead of long-term trends

Healthy growth is often gradual.

Audience quality matters more than viral spikes.

4. Monetization Misunderstandings

Many podcasters assume monetization means ads.

Behind the scenes, we see missed opportunities like:

Not leveraging services or expertise

Undervaluing niche audiences

Waiting until they feel “big enough”

Monetization works best when it aligns naturally with your audience — not when it’s forced.

5. Growth Myths That Add Pressure

There’s pressure to:

Do video immediately

Be on every platform

Use every new tool

But the shows that grow sustainably usually:

Stay consistent

Serve a clear audience

Improve gradually

Growth comes from focus — not from doing everything.

The Big Pattern

Most podcast challenges come down to:

Unrealistic expectations

Over-complication

Comparison

And most solutions come down to:

Clarity

Consistency

Patience

For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion.

Share your feedback at **surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider**.

Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com)

**Behind the Mic: Building Confidence as a Podcast Host – PCI 474** Feb 24, 2026
Show notes

If you’ve ever hit record and immediately felt your heart race, you’re not alone. Sitting behind a microphone can feel surprisingly vulnerable — even if you’re completely comfortable talking in everyday life. The truth is, confidence in podcasting doesn’t magically appear. It’s built over time, shaped by repetition, structure, and a willingness to grow in public. In this episode, we’re breaking down what actually creates confidence behind the mic — and why feeling a little awkward at first isn’t a red flag… it’s part of the process.

**Today’s Hosts: Dave Clements and MacKenzie Bennett**

**Building Confidence as a Podcast Host**

1. Confidence Isn’t a Personality Trait — It’s a Skill

A lot of people assume confident hosts are naturally outgoing or extroverted.

That’s not always true.

Some of the most confident podcasters are actually introverts who simply learned how to get comfortable in their format.

Confidence grows from repetition and familiarity.

What actually builds it:

Clear episode structure

Recording often enough that it stops feeling “new”

Regular publishing cadence

The mic feels intimidating when it’s unfamiliar. It feels normal when it’s routine.

2. Your First Episodes Are Supposed to Feel Awkward

There’s this pressure to sound polished immediately.

But early episodes are where you discover:

Your pacing

Your tone

Your rhythm

Your transitions

If you wait to feel confident before publishing, you’ll wait forever.

What actually works:

Accepting that improvement happens publicly

Measuring progress over perfection

Letting your audience grow with you

No one starts smooth. They become smooth.

3. Structure Reduces Nerves

Most hosting anxiety comes from uncertainty.

“What do I say next?”
“Am I rambling?”
“Did that make sense?”

A simple outline can eliminate most of that.

What actually works:

Bullet points instead of paragraphs

A defined beginning, middle, and end

Knowing the purpose of the episode before recording

When you know your direction, your delivery improves automatically.

4. Stop Performing — Start Talking

Many hosts tense up because they think they need to “sound like a podcaster.”

But your audience isn’t looking for a performance. They’re looking for connection.

What actually works:

Imagining one listener instead of a crowd

Using conversational language

Letting small imperfections stay in

The more you sound like yourself, the more confident you’ll feel.

5. Confidence Comes From Consistency

You don’t build confidence in a single episode.

You build it by showing up repeatedly.

The more episodes you record:

The less you overthink

The less you second-guess

The more you trust your instincts

Over time, the microphone stops feeling like a spotlight and starts feeling like a tool.

And that’s when confidence really settles in.

For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion.

Share your feedback at **surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider**.

Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com)

**Monetization Myths: What Actually Works for Independent Podcasters – PCI 473** Feb 16, 2026
Show notes

Your podcast doesn’t need to be massive to make money — but it does need a strategy. Monetization isn’t one-size-fits-all, and most independent podcasters are building income in smarter, more diversified ways than people realize.

**Podcast Monetization Myths**

1. Myth: You Need Huge Downloads to Make Money

A common misconception is that monetization only starts when you hit tens of thousands of downloads per episode.

In reality, smaller, niche podcasts often monetize more effectively because they serve a highly specific audience. Advertisers, sponsors, and even your own products perform better when your listeners are clearly defined and highly engaged.

A focused audience of 500 loyal listeners can be more valuable than 5,000 passive ones.

What actually works:

Niche positioning

Audience trust

Clear listener intent

2. Myth: Sponsorships Are the Only Way to Monetize

When most people think “podcast monetization,” they think ads.

But independent podcasters are generating revenue through multiple streams:

Listener support (memberships, donations, premium content)

Affiliate marketing

Selling their own services (coaching, consulting, speaking)

Courses or digital products

Events and community access

For many shows, sponsorships are just one piece of the puzzle — not the foundation.

What actually works:
Diversifying income instead of relying on a single source.

3. Myth: Monetization Should Happen Immediately

There’s pressure to “make money fast,” especially for new podcasters.

But monetization works best when it’s built on trust. If your audience doesn’t yet understand who you are and why you matter, revenue efforts will feel forced.

The most sustainable monetization happens after:

Consistent publishing

Clear messaging

Audience feedback and engagement

What actually works:
Building value first. Monetizing second.

4. Myth: More Ads = More Revenue

Overloading episodes with ads can damage listener trust — especially for independent creators.

Listeners stick around because they trust you. If monetization disrupts the listening experience, it can hurt long-term growth.

What actually works:

Relevant sponsorships

Honest endorsements

Clear alignment with your audience

Quality beats quantity.

5. The Real Monetization Formula for Independent Podcasters

Successful independent podcasters usually follow this pattern:

Define a clear audience

Build consistent, valuable content

Identify what that audience already spends money on

Align monetization with that need

Monetization works best when it feels like a natural extension of your show — not an interruption.

Your podcast isn’t just content. It’s a relationship. And relationships are what create revenue opportunities.

🧠 Bottom line:
Monetization isn’t about chasing trends or copying big shows. It’s about understanding your audience, building trust, and choosing revenue streams that fit your strengths.

For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion.

Share your feedback at **surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider**.

Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com)

**Branding Your Podcast: Standing Out With Purpose and Personality – PCI 472** Feb 10, 2026
Show notes

**Branding Your Podcast**

Your podcast brand is the story you’re telling before a listener ever hears your voice. It’s built through your artwork, your title, your description, and the tone you use everywhere your show shows up. Today, Blubrry discusses how, when and why you should change up your podcast branding.

Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Aaron Hope

1. Branding Is More Than Just Artwork

Your cover art is important — but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Your show name, episode titles, descriptions, and even how you introduce yourself all contribute to your overall brand. When those elements work together, your podcast feels intentional and trustworthy.

2. Consistency Builds Recognition

Strong brands feel familiar. Using consistent colors, fonts, language, and tone helps listeners recognize your show instantly — whether they see it in a podcast app, on social media, or on your website. Consistency isn’t about being boring; it’s about being memorable.

3. Your Podcast Should Have a Personality

Every podcast has a personality — even if it’s accidental. The key is making sure that personality matches your content and your audience. Is your show conversational or polished? Playful or serious? Educational or storytelling-driven? Your branding should set the right expectations from the start.

4. Standing Out Doesn’t Mean Following Trends

Trends come and go, but clarity lasts. You don’t need flashy design or gimmicks to stand out. The most effective podcast brands clearly communicate who the show is for, what it’s about, and why someone should care — at a glance.

5. When to Refresh Your Podcast Brand

If your show has evolved, your branding should evolve too. A refresh might make sense if your audience has changed, your topic has narrowed or expanded, or your current artwork no longer reflects the quality of your content.

🧠 Bottom line:
Podcast branding isn’t about perfection — it’s about alignment. When your visuals, messaging, and tone all point in the same direction, it becomes easier for the right listeners to find you, trust you, and stick around.

For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion.

Share your feedback at **surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider**.

Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com)

**Podcast SEO in 2026: How Listeners Find Your Show – PCI 471** Feb 02, 2026
Show notes

🔍 Podcast SEO in 2026: How Listeners Find Your Show

Podcast SEO still matters in 2026, but it’s no longer about gaming algorithms. It’s about clarity, structure, and helping the right listeners find your content across search engines and podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

In this episode of **Podcast Insider**, we break down what actually moves the needle when it comes to podcast discoverability.

🎧 Podcast SEO Basics (Quick Version)

Podcast SEO works because platforms rely on **written context**, not audio alone. That means:

Clear show and episode titles

Descriptive show notes

Clean, accurate RSS feeds

Transcripts when possible

Each episode should stand on its own as searchable content.

🧠 Keywords, Titles & Show Notes

Focus on real listener questions and topics

Use natural language, not keyword stuffing

Front-load clarity in episode titles

Use the first lines of show notes to explain the episode clearly

Break descriptions into short sections or bullets

📝 Transcripts & Your Website

Transcripts improve accessibility and search visibility

A dedicated podcast page gives you full SEO control

Fast load times, mobile-friendly design, and embedded players all help

📡 Platforms, Reviews & Promotion

Keep your RSS feed clean and up to date

Choose accurate categories

Encourage ratings, reviews, and shares

Repurpose episodes across blogs, email, and social media

📊 Keep Improving

Track downloads and listener behavior

Review which episodes get discovered most

Refresh older titles and descriptions when needed

Podcast SEO is ongoing—but small improvements add up.

For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion.

Share your feedback at **surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider**.

Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com)

Podfest 2026 Blubrry Recap – PCI 469 Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

🎙️ Podfest 2026 Recap: Creators, Community & What’s Next

In this special episode of Podcast Insider, Mike Dell, Dave Clements, and MacKenzie Bennett are joined by Cyndee Harrison and Rachael Amato from Synaptic to recap Podfest 2026 — and the conversations that stood out most.

From a packed booth and plenty of “pre-podcasters” (people planning their very first show) to meaningful reconnects with longtime customers, the team shares why Podfest continues to be one of the most creator-focused events of the year.

What We’re Hearing From Creators

AI has shifted from fear to usefulness: More creators are asking how AI can help with planning, editing, and promotion — without losing the human connection that makes podcasts work.
Video podcasting is here (and the debate is tired): Whether creators are video-first or audio-first, the goal is the same: reach people where they listen/watch. Blubrry’s focused on supporting both.
Monetization is bigger than sponsors: More sessions and conversations centered on using a podcast to support a business funnel — like books, coaching, courses, and community building.
Podcast-to-book momentum is growing: The team noticed more creators turning transcripts and story-based content into tangible, published books.

Honoring Todd Cochrane & Podcasting’s Legacy

Blubrry was proud to sponsor the Podcast Hall of Fame ceremony, which included a meaningful moment honoring our late CEO, Todd Cochrane. The team reflects on the respect Podfest showed for podcasting pioneers — and why building the future still means honoring the legacy.

🔗 Links & Resources

Vid2Pod
Podcast Hall of Fame ceremony video: watch here

For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion.

Share your feedback at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider.

Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com)

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

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Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell & MacKenzie Bennett

General Podcasting Terms

1. Basic Terms

2. RSS Feed – Really Simple Syndication

3. Podcast Hosting

4. Podcast Directories / Apps

5. Downloads vs Listens

6. CPM

7. Pre-Roll, Mid-Roll, and Post-Roll

8. Dynamic Ad Insertion

9. Episode Artwork

10. Podcast Landing Page

11. Publishing vs Distribution

The Big Takeaway

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell, MacKenzie Bennett & Dave Clements

1. Why Shows Stop Publishing

2. Common Tech Mistakes

3. Stats Misconceptions

4. Monetization Misunderstandings

5. Growth Myths That Add Pressure

The Big Pattern

Today’s Hosts: Dave Clements and MacKenzie Bennett

Building Confidence as a Podcast Host

1. Confidence Isn’t a Personality Trait — It’s a Skill

2. Your First Episodes Are Supposed to Feel Awkward

3. Structure Reduces Nerves

4. Stop Performing — Start Talking

5. Confidence Comes From Consistency

Podcast Monetization Myths

1. Myth: You Need Huge Downloads to Make Money

2. Myth: Sponsorships Are the Only Way to Monetize

3. Myth: Monetization Should Happen Immediately

4. Myth: More Ads = More Revenue

5. The Real Monetization Formula for Independent Podcasters

Branding Your Podcast

Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Aaron Hope

1. Branding Is More Than Just Artwork

2. Consistency Builds Recognition

3. Your Podcast Should Have a Personality

4. Standing Out Doesn’t Mean Following Trends

5. When to Refresh Your Podcast Brand

🔍 Podcast SEO in 2026: How Listeners Find Your Show

🎧 Podcast SEO Basics (Quick Version)

🧠 Keywords, Titles & Show Notes

📝 Transcripts & Your Website

📡 Platforms, Reviews & Promotion

📊 Keep Improving

Give Your Podcast Catalog New Life

Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Mike Dell

Why Your Podcast Back Catalog Matters

How to Bring Old Podcast Episodes Back Into the Spotlight

Refresh, Revisit, or Rerun — The Right Way

Monetizing Your Podcast Back Catalog

Use Your Data to Guide Future Episodes

🧠 Bottom Line

🎙️ Podfest 2026 Recap: Creators, Community & What’s Next

What We’re Hearing From Creators

Honoring Todd Cochrane & Podcasting’s Legacy

🔗 Links & Resources

Today’s Hosts: Dave Clements and MacKenzie Bennett

Planning a Year of Podcast Growth

📊 Why IAB-Certified Stats Matter — and How Blubrry Makes It Easy

Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Dave Clements

1. They’re the Industry Standard for a Reason

2. Blubrry Helped Set the Standard

3. IAB-Certified Data Helps You Monetize

4. Blubrry Offers Stats for Everyone

🧠 Bottom Line:

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