The Podcast Fast Track

71: How YOU Can Be The Trusted Resource Your Listeners Are Looking For Jul 03, 2017

Show notes

Are you podcasting as a content marketing move? You know, trying to become the trusted resource in your niche that your listeners turn to for help and advice?

I think that’s a good plan. A VERY good plan.

But I don’t see a lot of podcasters actually pulling it off effectively.

There’s only so much you can benefit personally from interviewing OTHER experts, you know?

At some point YOU have got to step out there - YOU have got to let your audience know what you know - and how it can help them. YOU have got to become that trusted resource you’re really wanting to be.

Did you get that? YOU have got to BE that trusted resource.

This episode of Podcastification is brief, but I think it could be the very thing that could help you position yourself to be that resource for your listeners that they’ve been looking for.

Seriously. That’s not an overstatement or smarmy marketing-talk. It’s what I truly believe.

I originally learned this idea from a guy named James Schramko (who has NO idea who I am) simply by listening to his podcast. He did this well - and is what put the idea on my radar.

I believe once you hear this idea and take the time to think it through - and push down your insecurity and fear about putting yourself in the spotlight - you’re going to see that I’m right.

That James is right. That a handful of other podcasters are right. Including one of my clients who I use as an example on this episode.

So… get ready to discover a new way to podcast. Well… it’s not a new way, but it’s new to many of you, I know.

Just listen.

Here’s a rough outline of this episode on being the trusted resource…

[1:28] What’s your true REASON for podcasting in the first place?
[3:43] Where I first got the idea for making YOURSELF the trusted resource.
[7:03] A shining example of a client of mine who did this right.
[10:38] How you can get me to help you. Seriously.

resources we talked about in this episode

Superfast Business with James Schramko
Odell’s podcast - Beyond the Whistle with Odell McCants

Connect with me…

Carey(AT)PodcastFastTrack.com

70: Stop Worrying About Downloads and Make Great Podcasts, with Dave Jackson Jun 27, 2017

Show notes

There are a lot of great podcasts - and none of them just happened or got that way overnight. There’s lots of tweaking involved (that IS the technical term). You’ve got to pivot, iterate, try stuff in order to get things just right.

But sadly, most beginning podcasters don’t start with great content.

Instead, they start with trying to accomplish great downloads, or hitting the New & Noteworthy list, or some other such nonsense. My guest today has seen it all - including THOSE people who want the big bang at the start with no work to support it or make their podcast great. Dave Jackson is the man. He’s the President Emeritus of the School of Podcasting - the Pod-step-father - the Principle over at the School of Podcasting.

Dave Jackson is one of those guys who’s like a breath of fresh air… OK, maybe more like a guy who’s a breath of slightly-less-stuffy air than I’m used to.

The reason? He calls himself “The Worst Salesman for Podcasting,” but that’s EXACTLY why I like him so much. He’s not afraid to tell it like it is.

So get ready to hear Dave bring it, on this episode. And if you listen closely right around 31:02 you’ll hear a surprise cameo appearance by the newest hairy podcast host on the airwaves - Bernie the Cat.

Thanks for being on the show, Dave.

Here’s a rough outline of TOPIC OR GUEST…

[2:17] Who is this Dave Jackson guy?
[3:45] What Dave did because he didn’t want to miss the boat.
[11:50] The 3-year approach to building your podcast.
[14:43] What IS really a good size for a podcast audience?
[19:16] Why you need to focus ONLY on making your show great.
[26:49] Bizarre experiences Dave has had because of his podcast.
[31:02] A surprise cameo appearance from Bernie the cat!
[31:05] Getting to know your audience by hanging out with them.

resources we talked about in this episode

www.SchoolofPodcasting.com
Adam Curry, the “PodFather”
www.NewandNoteworthy.info - Dave’s site about N&N
Special Mouse podcast
Steve Martin’s Comedy Master Class
BOOK: I Can’t Make This Up by Kevin Hart
BOOK: So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport

Connect with me…

Carey(AT)PodcastFastTrack.com

http://www.PodcastFastTrack.com

69: In Search of the Best Way to Record an Interview, with Mark Hills of Cleanfeed Jun 20, 2017

Show notes

Interviews, interviews, interviews. I don’t know the stats but I bet a vast majority of podcasts out there are interview-format shows. And it seems like a trouble-free solution for recording long-distance conversations - which is what most interviewers have to resort to - has not been created yet. But...

I think we’re getting closer to a great way to record interviews.

On this episode, I’m going to introduce you to a new friend, Mark Hills. He and his co-creator (also named Marc) hail from the UK and come from a radio industry background. In their minds, for live radio, connections simply have to work - and they’ve been working on an internet-based solution for both broadcasting high-quality audio from remote locations, AND recording it.

Here’s where this radio industry solution becomes of GREAT interest to us podcasters.

I invite you to join Mark and me as we chat about the tool they’ve created - Cleanfeed. It’s still in beta but looks very promising.

But more important than hearing our banter - which gets into the details of how Cleanfeed works to record high-quality audio - you need to actually HEAR this episode because we recorded it using Cleanfeed.

Mark was using a laptop with an XLR microphone and an audio interface that was plugged into his computer. I used a USB microphone, directly into my computer. Sound familiar? It should because those are two of the most common ways podcasters connect to their computers for EXACTLY this kind of use.

I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the quality of audio Cleanfeed provides and the possibilities it affords for podcasting. But be warned - it IS still in beta and has glitches now and then. But Mark and Marc are working on them continually.

And the best part is that Mark has committed to always have a fairly full-featured version of Cleanfeed available for FREE. Yes, free.

Have I got your attention? OK - it’s time to listen!

Here’s a rough outline of TOPIC OR GUEST…

[2:56] What is Cleanfeed?
[4:39] How a broadcast radio background led to the creation of Cleanfeed.
[15:59] Cleanfeed is now in beta stage. What are the plans for the software?
[21:12] What the Cleanfeed interface looks like and how it works.

resources we talked about in this episode

www.Cleanfeed.net
The Cleanfeed blog - http://blog.cleanfeed.net/
Skype
Ringer (affiliate)
Source Connect
Zencastr

Connect with me…

Carey(AT)PodcastFastTrack.com

68: Podcast Setup For Beginners. Seriously, Anyone Can Do This Jun 13, 2017

Show notes

If you’ve ever wondered how technical and complicated it is to get a podcast setup - I’ve recorded this episode to simply say (and demonstrate) - not very. Seriously.

I think anyone with half a brain and can follow instructions can easily set up their own podcast, begin recording, post it on the internet, get it submitted to the directories and be LIVE within a week. It’s not a promise because it depends on you, but I’m confident it can and does happen. In fact, I’m confident it WILL happen because of this episode. If it does happen for you, I’d love to hear about it.

Your podcast setup doesn’t have to be technically complicated.

I know it’s the tech stuff that intimidates most people when they think about starting their own podcast. But the getting started part is really not as difficult as you imagine. It’s simply the unknown (which often looks bigger than it really is) that is making you feel that way. You can do this. I know you can. I’ve done it three times simply by following tutorials I found on the internet - and here’s the cool thing - I’ve learned how to do it without those tutorials and am able to teach YOU how to do it now. Which is what I’m doing on this episode of Podcastification.

Do you have a message or body of knowledge or form of entertainment you want to get out there

Why not start a podcast? I want to help you do it - on this episode. And there’s absolutely nothing in it for me - except the satisfaction of knowing that I was able to help you. So start at the beginning, pause, take notes, use the resources listed below, whatever it takes to walk you through this step by step - DO IT. You can have a podcast up and running by the end of the month. Granted, it will be basic - but it will be YOURS. You can do this!

The highlights of this podcast setup episode

[1:37] Why I think I can teach you basic podcast setup for free - and be just as effective.
[2:35] The importance of having something valuable to say - and what that really means.
[4:03] Before you setup your podcast you need to know who it is you are talking to, specifically.
[6:52] Determining the equipment you’re going to use to record.
[11:54] How you can determine topics for your episodes.
[17:58] The most frustrating part of the process is the actual recording.
[22:15] What is a media host and why do you need one?
[27:02] Getting your new podcast submitted to directories like iTunes (Apple Podcasts).
[31:58] If you’re podcasting and nobody hears it, did you really say anything?
[38:21] And finally: how do you record someone else in an interview format?

resources we talked about in this episode

Dan Carlin’s
Hardcore History
Audacity
My microphone - ATR 2005 (also mentioned - ATR2100)
www.AudacityForPodcasting.com (my course)
Gimlet Media
Libsyn
Blubrry
Pinecast
Amazon S3
INSTRUCTIONS for how to get into all the directories
Apple Podcasts (formerly iTunes)
Stitcher Radio
Google Play Podcasts
Podbean
Spreaker Radio
Fiverr

Connect with me…

Carey(AT)PodcastFastTrack.com

67: Grow Your Podcast Via Your Own Custom App, with Rob Walch Jun 05, 2017

Show notes

You want to grow your podcast. I want to grow My podcast(s). There’s no question that we all want to reach a broader audience. That’s part of why we podcast in the first place - we have something to share that we believe will help people. So… there are always new things to learn when it comes to promotion, marketing, building an audience, and so forth and such and such.

BUT - BUT - BUT - there are some things that I BET you have not considered when it comes to growing the audience for your podcast. What is that mysterious thing? (Yes, I know - you’ve already seen it in the show, but it’s so much fun to say “mysterious,” don’t you think? Or is that just hype-y?). It’s apps. A custom app. For your podcast. For you to provide free of charge to your audience. It’s possible. It’s affordable, and it’s something you should consider yesterday.

So - on this episode of Podcastification Rob Walch is my guest again - who is, by the way, the most-frequently-appearing guest on this show. He’s a pretty gracious guy to put up with all of my shenanigans, don’t you think? He’s got the Libsyn solution to the app need to tell us all about - so you can hear what they’ve got for you and your audience, on this episode.

You can have your own membership site - right on your listener’s phone!

This episode is mainly about audience growth - but there are other aspects to having an app for your podcast that are incredibly powerful. One of the options that THIS humble podcaster thinks is incredibly powerful is to use the app to provide “member only” content to special subscribers (those who pay for the additional content). Libsyn has it all set up for you, takes care of the payment, and handles all the tech issues. It’s pretty incredible and a way that you can make money off your podcast that you likely haven’t thought about. So… what are you waiting for? Listen to this episode to find out more!

People who don’t know about podcasting can be added to your podcast audience.

An app is a very cool way to find people who are totally, rabidly, incredibly interested in the things you talk about - but do NOT listen to podcasts. Here’s a scenario: Somebody is interested in underwater basket weaving (which happens to be what YOU podcast about. Come on… work with me, here). They get it into their noggin that there might be a pretty cool underwater basket weaving app in the IOS or Google Play store. So they go looking. And guess what? They enter the keyword “underwater basket weaving” and they find YOUR podcast app. They don’t know about podcasting, but it’s an app - and they know about that. So they download it, listen, read, check out whatever you’re offering via your app. And Walah! You’ve just discovered another way to grow your podcast.

Find out more stuff like this that an app can do for you, on this episode.

Here’s a rough outline of TOPIC OR GUEST…

[1:24] Back with Rob Walch, winner of the “Most Frequent Guest” award. :)
[2:33] Why Libsyn was one of the first to get into the App Game.
[4:05] How an app can grow your audience - real life examples.
[5:50] But aren’t custom apps expensive? NOPE. Really.
[10:37] How you can monetize your show via “paid” portions of your app.
[15:27] The steps you can take to get your app rolling today!]
[26:10] Get YOUR branding on the home screen of your listener’s phones.

Resources we talked about in this episode

Libsyn App Features and Info
Ben Greenfield’s Podcast (mentioned as a great example)
Libsyn’s podcast - The Feed (in IOS or Android)
Today in IOS (app link for IOS only :) )
Hamish and Andy (app link for IOS and for Android)
www.SchoolofPodcasting.com
www.ChristianHomeandFamily.com

Connect with me…

Carey(AT)PodcastFastTrack.com

66: Podcast Production Tips, Mistakes, and Funny Client Stories, with Steve Stewart May 29, 2017

Show notes

Podcast production gets easier as you do it more. Naturally, right? That’s at least part of the reason I thought it might be helpful for YOU, the listener, to hear from a couple of guys who, between the two of us (and our teams), probably have our hands on over 100 episodes per week. We’ve learned a few things about podcast production (much of it the hard way) and would love it if you did NOT repeat our mistakes.

Funny stuff happens during podcast production. Here’s some proof.

But I also thought there might be some VERY FUNNY stories we could tell on/about our clients, their guests, and the tech nightmares we’ve seen happen. And I wasn’t wrong about that. There are some truly funny moments in this episode.

So, on this episode I welcome my guest Steve Stewart - he’s a peach of a guy (whatever that means to you… unless it means something dirty to you… in which case I retract the statement entirely). You’ll like Steve’s approach to editing, his ability to tell a story, and will also get some great tips from the guy to boot!

And I throw in a couple of stories and tips of my own as well. So… will you join us? We’d like to podcastificate you. It won’t hurt, honest. In fact, you might find you like it. ;)

Here’s an overview of the podcast production tips Steve and I covered…

[1:30] A thumbnail sketch of the amazing Steve Stewart, esquire. OK, he’s not an esquire - but he IS a cool guy.
[4:26] Ways you can BETTER help your guest make a better recording (and bring their best game) - INCLUDING microphone options.
[14:57] The things you notice when your EDITOR BRAIN kicks in (it can be ugly).
[17:26] The things podcasters do that EDITORS LOVE!
[20:53] My crazy story of the whining dad trying to control his kid who interrupted his recording.
[24:16] If you don’t want to miss things in your podcast production workflow, you NEED a process checklist (bullet point outline).
[32:54] The 3 biggest pain points in a podcaster’s life - and Skype nightmares!
[43:42] Do you use too much DATED COMMENTARY in your podcast?
[48:43] How you can get in touch with the incredible Steve Stewart.

resources we talked about in this episode

www.SteveStewart.me
www.AudacityWorkshop.com
Podcast Editors Facebook Group
Heil PR-40
ATR 2500
ATR 2100 (Steve’s recommended, least expensive mic for guests)
Zencastr
Skype
Getting Things Done (book)
Trello
My video demo of how I use Trello for episode ideas and publication
Dan Miller
BOOK: No More Mondays
You Can Book.me
Schedule Once
Calendly

Connect with me…

Carey(AT)PodcastFastTrack.com

64: How to Stay Encouraged On Your Podcasting Journey, with Rob Greenlee May 23, 2017

Show notes

It is hard to stay encouraged in any pursuit in life - simply because discouraging things come up against your efforts. I’ve found podcasting to be that way - IN SPADES! There seem to be so many things - from the rest of life to the technology hurdles - that make it hard to stay consistent and encouraged when it comes to keeping your show alive and the vision you first had for it front and center.

That’s why I invited a podcasting veteran to be on the show today. And he’s not just a veteran, he’s like the Grand-Daddy-Grand-Poobah of podcasting. I’m talking about Rob Greenlee - a guy who was doing podcasting before it was podcasting. Seriously, you need to hear his story to see how that was even possible. It’s all on this episode.

I want you to stay encouraged, because you have great things to publish on your podcast.

On this episode of Podcastification, Rob Greenlee digs into the archives of his past to share some of the most discouraging and difficult things he faced in those early years - and he follows it up with sage advice for those of us who are coming behind him on the podcasting journey. His advice about how to stay encouraged is practical, down to earth, and stuff you can implement right away, so be sure you take the time to hear what he’s got to say. Rob’s track record proves that he truly cares about you being the success we all know you can be!

How Microsoft shut down podcasting WAY before Apple came along.

One of the most interesting little bits of trivia Rob Greenlee shared on this episode is a little-known fact about podcasting from the history of a mega-company that is not even remotely associated with podcasting today - Microsoft. Listen in to hear how Microsoft had all the technology in place to make podcasting simple and possible for the average person and then made the decision to pull the plug on it entirely. Oops! You’ll get a kick out of it - and learn a lesson or two from Rob along the lines of - where your mindset is, your actions will follow!

Outline of this conversation about staying encouraged

[2:09] Rob’s experience with podcasting before it was podcasting. Yep.
[5:36] How Rob’s passion for marketing led him to podcasting.
[10:44] The obstacles and discouragement Rob faced and how he pushed through them.
[13:41] How do you carve out the time to produce a quality podcast?
[20:20] The things Rob has seen that most commonly sidetrack podcasters.
[26:11] Rob’s role at Spreaker - and what Spreaker is.
[28:34] Advice for fairly new podcasters to endure the slog.
[31:43] How to determine if your podcast is bringing the ROI you want.
[34:28] Why podcasting needs to be seen as a marathon, not a sprint.

resources we talked about in this episode

Connect with me…

Carey(AT)PodcastFastTrack.com

http://www.PodcastFastTrack.com

62: A Hack For Making Better Connections With Your Listeners May 08, 2017

Show notes

The better your connections with your listeners - the better your connection with the EXACT people who can propel your podcast and brand forward. Just think about the way people feel connected to Apple or Southwest Airlines, or Tom’s Shoes - those things don’t happen by accident. And YOU have the opportunity to make it EASIER and MORE CONVENIENT for your listening audience to connect with you… and I’m going to tell you a way that you can do it, on this episode of Podcastification.

What I cover on this episode about making better connections:

[2:03] Using the description portion of podcast apps to your (and your listener’s) advantage.
[6:49] Where do you put all your cool information? This needs some explaining...
[9:31] Do you know what feed you fed to iTunes?
[12:15] Where do you post all your cool info that will help you make better connections with your audience ?
[14:54] My best practices for what to post in your description (but make up your own mind).
[19:40] Timestamps can be VERY useful to your listeners. Here’s how to include them.
[21:22] Images can help your listeners trust you more. Talk about better connections! Trust is what you want!
[23:09] Help your not-so-savvy listeners know HOW they can use your resources (it’s called marketing).
[24:59] Helping your listeners help you (and them).

Do you know what feed you fed to iTunes?

If you’re going to make full use of the process I describe in this episode to better connect with your listeners, you’re going to need where your podcast feed is coming from. What? You don’t know what a podcast feed, is? That’s OK - I’ll tell you on this episode. But MORE IMPORTANTLY, I’m going to tell you exactly how to DISCOVER where your podcast feed is coming from and make use of that information to best effect. Sounds like a super-secret-government-conspiracy. But it’s not. It’s just learning the tech that is at your disposal to give yourself more opportunities to build better connections with your listening audience.

What is the point of making better connections with your listeners?

Whether or not you are using your podcast to generate money or not, if you think about the connections you make with your listeners from a marketing perspective, I think you will easily see why it's vital that you get this right. Your listeners are not just leads for whatever you are promoting, they are hot leads. They have self-selected to listen to your show and to receive counsel from you as their expert. That means they are chomping at the bit to receive your advice, apply it, and possibly even purchase whatever you create. And they are more likely to take that final step if they know, like, and trust you. That means they need to be connected to you in a way that they feel comfortable with. Are you getting my drift? Find out how to use the current technology to make it easier for them to make those connections with you, on this episode.

resources we talked about in this episode

Pocketcasts
Libsyn (podcast hosting)
iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, iHeart Radio
Blubrry PowerPress Plugin
Podbean
Regan Starr’s feed discovery tool
HTML cleaner (pre-Libsyn step when copying from a doc of any kind)
Blogtalk Radio

The Regan Starr interface for locating your feed address (click for a larger image)

Connect with me…

Carey(AT)PodcastFastTrack.com

http://www.PodcastFastTrack.com

61: The Art & Skill of Great Conversations With Your Podcast Guests May 01, 2017

Show notes

One of the reasons we do interviews at all is because we want the value a great conversation can bring to our show. But there’s both an art and a skill to pulling it off. I’ve learned - through a lot of mistakes and by watching others - that there are some very practical things you can do in order to turn the odds of having great conversations with your guests in your favor. That’s what this episode of Podcastification is all about - my lessons-learned.

[2:21] Why you need to show up on time and get off on the right foot.

There is never a second-chance to make a first impression - so you want to be sure you NAIL things when you first connect with your guest in person. That means being professional and respecting their time by showing up on time when you said you would. But that’s just one piece of making your conversation truly great. And you’re in luck - I’m going to walk you through those issues, as I see them, on this episode.

[4:02 ] Pre-recording small-talk. It’s a valuable thing.

I’ve been on a number of podcasts myself as a guest and I’m often surprised at how LITTLE small-talk goes on before some of those conversations. The host doesn’t take time to truly get to know me, understand what’s important to me, or find out how they can best highlight what I’ve got to share in order to be of the greatest value to their audience. I prefer to go another way. In this episode, I’m walking you through what I try to do with each guest to make for great conversations that my audience actually enjoys listening to. I hope you take the time to listen.

[6:27] My pre-recording checklist - and why I go through it WITH my guest.

If you don’t have a pre-recording checklist that you use every single time you do a podcast interview, you are probably making the same minor mistakes over and over again. I’ve learned that I can’t trust my brain to remember everything, every time - so I have created a checklist for myself to ensure that the important stuff is not overlooked. So… if you want to hear what I include on my checklist, I’m happy to share it - and I do on this episode.

[16:25] Once you hit the “record” button - don’t start your conversation just yet.

I know you’re eager to get started with that great conversation with your ideal guest - but once you hit the record button, don’t launch into your interview questions just yet. There are a few very small but very key things you need to do to ensure that your conversation actually makes it on-air in the way you are envisioning. It’s part of what makes great conversations as impactful as they can be, so don’t miss this important step!

[18:12] How to have great conversations with your guests? Focus on the emotion.

I’m not a particularly emotional guy, but as I’ve become a bit older and have grown in my relationships I’ve discovered that everybody speaks the language of emotion. And the more I can get my podcast guests to share on that level the more it impacts my audience and the more it makes for a great conversation with them. On this episode I’m going to tell you what I’ve learned when it comes to sharing on an emotional level and how I, as the podcast host, can get my guests to share on more of an emotional level as well. If you can learn this one - you’ll be on your way to great conversations that you can feature on your podcast.

Connect with me…

Carey(AT)PodcastFastTrack.com