Technology
**The Podcast Fast Track**

Podcasting is not what it used to be.
Video has taken over as the driving platform and Social Media as the growth engine.
It’s easy to get lost in the changes. This podcast exists to equip you to create the best possible content for your audience, that delivers value and results.
And if you need help with your podcast production, show notes, etc. – my team is here to help. www.PodcastFastTrack.com

Latest Episodes:

137: The World’s FIRST Growth Focused Podcast Hosting Company? Aug 20, 2020

Show notes

Reasons this episode is for you...

[2:40] How Mark Asquith’s blonde highlights led him into the entrepreneurial life
[6:36] The “figure it out” mindset Mark has adopted, and he didn’t even know it
[10:52] Why Mark came to believe that communication is a sellable skill
[19:30] Mark’s first venture into podcasting in 2013 - about DC Comics
[25:30] The many podcast related services Mark’s company provides
[29:15] What Mark and his team saw missing in the podcast hosting world
[34:01] Features found in the Captivate platform - in detail and with specific questions

Podcast hosting companies are multiplying more than rabbits these days. Each one believes that THEY have what podcasters really need — and have no problem telling you so.

I have no beef with that. If you believe in your service or product, you SHOULD be telling everyone it can help, that it can help them. But most of them don’t impress me very much.

One of the newcomers in the last few years that I AM impressed by is Captivate (affiliate link). I started one of my 5 podcasts on the Captivate service just to try it out and I have enjoyed the way they handle things so much, I plan on moving some of my other shows over to them.

Listen to his conversation with Captivate co-Founder Mark Asquith to hear about all the bells, whistles, and cool stuff the Captivate team has baked into their podcast hosting platform.

REACH OUT TO MARK

Mark Asquith
The MANY Podcasts Mark is involved in producing
On Twitter: @MrAsquith
On LinkedIn
www.PodcastWebsites.com

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Get a 7-day free trial by trying www.Captivate.fm (affiliate link) or a NON-affilaite link - www.Captivate.fm

Subscribe to Podcastification here!

136: Jessica Kupferman: Helping Women Podcasters Everywhere Jun 18, 2020

Show notes

https://podcastfasttrack.com/

You’ll benefit from listening to this episode if you...

>> Feel like you don't always fit in

>> Have something to say that is important, but you don't know exactly how to say it

>> Are looking for a way to use the gifts you've been given to help others

>> Aren't afraid of exploring your talents and how they might be used to add value to the lives of others

>> Are (finally) OK being the outsider and are willing to help other outsiders

>> Are a woman podcaster who is eager to find your "tribe"

"Do you think everyone SHOULD podcast?"

"No! Nooo!!"

That's not what you'd expect to be the very first thing you hear on a podcast episode that's trying to help you learn how to podcast (or do it better).

But it is... because that's just WHO my guest on this episode is - Jessica Kupferman.

Jess has an amazing story, one that inspires anyone who will take the time to listen with the belief that THEY can do it too. That's because Jessica is a real-world person who has taken on podcasting with both hands.

Click the play button now - and get to know Jessica and the work she's doing to help women podcasters around the world to stand up, speak up, and get their message out to change the world.

Connect with Jessica at: https://www.shepodcasts.com/

Subscribe to Podcastification here!

135: The Best Monetization Strategy: Niche Podcasting, with Ashley Hodge May 20, 2020

Show notes

https://podcastfasttrack.com/

You’ll benefit from listening to this episode if you...

>> Wonder of podcasting is something you could do

>> Have been trying to figure out how to attract sponsors (Please, don't. Try Ashley's approach instead).

>> Are interested in serving others through a podcast and are more interested in relationships than revenue (at least at first).

>> Have an area of expertise that you are passionate about that you can't help but share with the world.

>> Are eager to find the people who resonate with the topics you are most passionate about

>> Would like to know how Ashley generates over $25K per year from 6 hours per month working on his podcast

>> Experienced advice about how to get started with your own podcast, including content ideas and creation

Sometimes I think of podcasting as “The Great Equalizer.” Why would I say that? Because no longer do giant media conglomerates have exclusive power to decide who gets to broadcast a message or not. We the people get to publish whatever we want to publish. That’s cool. That’s an overall WIN in my book.

Ashley Hodge is a perfect example of that reality in action. He’s a self-confessed “academic slacker” who slept through class during his High School years, only interested in playing basketball. Once he hit college, he chose the school he did only because there were cute girls there and a decent football program. Wow. Now THAT is some high ideals, huh?

But once he grew up a little bit Ashley realized that he’d been given a tremendous opportunity. He could choose what to do with his life and how to educate himself to accomplish it. So he got busy.

In this episode, Ashley shares how he got started as a financial planner, eventually hosted a call-in radio show, and one day made the pivot into podcasting – which has proven to be one of the BEST content marketing channels in his arsenal, consistently leading new listeners to become new clients, which means new (and more) revenue.

Reach out to Ashley

https://AshleyHodge.com

Whole Life Stewardship Podcast

Subscribe to Podcastification here!

134: The Story Behind The Story Behind, with Emily Prokop Apr 29, 2020

Show notes

https://podcastfasttrack.com/

You’ll benefit from listening to this episode if you...

>> Are eager to know what podcasting is and how it can benefit you personally

>> Love hearing stories of everyday people who make a life for themselves they never dreamed possible

>> Might want to start a podcast of your own someday

>> Long to make genuine connections online

>> Are trying to find "your people"

>> Need a good podcast editor to take on your next podcast project

>> Wonder if you could make a living as a podcast editor

It's not every day that an Independent media producer in any genre or type of medium gets the opportunity to stand toe to toe with the big names in their space. But Emily Prokop did.

Emily's podcast, "The Story Behind" was nominated for a 2019 Webby Award and was up against shows like "Serial," "After Dark," and other big name shows produced by professional production houses. She doesn't like to position it as a "David and Goliath" type story but that's exactly how it seemed to those of us looking on from the outside.

Emily's journey into podcasting is pretty typical. But the results of her involvement in podcasting are extraordinary. She's not only been nominated for awards, she got a book deal, build a career for herself, and more. Listen to get the whole story.

Subscribe to Podcastification here!

133: How Scott Voelker Uses His Amazon FBA Podcast To Serve And Succeed Apr 16, 2020

Show notes

https://podcastfasttrack.com/

Scott Voelker produces an Amazon FBA Podcast — and for many of you, that statement was total jibberish. That’s because Scott has discovered that driving deep into a niche topic enables him to attract a very niche and passionate audience. So, just so you have some context…

The FBA part of what I said stands for “Fulfilled by Amazon,” it’s a way of selling products you create or source and have Amazon ship them, handle customer service, handle the processing - everything. It’s an AMAZING possibility for those who want to build their own product-based business. But it’s NOT easy, as Scott explains. You’ll hear his story, learn about how he learned online marketing and creative digital product creation, retail arbitrage, Amazon FBA, and serving others to help them succeed.

You’ll benefit from listening to this episode if you...

Are willing to take action to move forward… no matter where you’re starting from [0:52]
Love stories of people who’ve paid their dues to reach success [4:36]
Wonder if you can succeed without a college degree [10:48]
Are in a situation that feels hopeless or “dead end” [15:35]
Have always wanted to start and run your own business [17:30]
Are curious about selling Private Label products [30:40]
Want to learn how to make your own luck and build an audience [37:10]
Would like to know the benefits of creating your own podcast [41:20]
Are interested in discovering what you have to offer an audience [43:20]

GET NOTIFICATIONS OF NEW EPISODES OF...

Podcastification (this show)
Scott’s podcast: The Amazing Seller
5 Minute Pitch (Scott’s podcast partnership project)

CONNECT WITH:

Carey and the Podcast Fast Track Team: https://PodcastFastTrack.com
Scott: https://TheAmazingSeller.com

Resources and People Scott mentioned:

Amazon FBA
Subscribe to our FREE weekly podcast coaching series: https://PodcastFastTrack.com
Retail Arbitrage

Music used in this episode:

"Shaving Mirror" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

"Rock Your World" from https://Audionautix.com (Jason Shaw)

Subscribe to Podcastification here!

128 : The Future of Podcasting - And What Indie Podcasters Should Do About It Jul 16, 2019

Show notes

https://podcastfasttrack.com/

I have no crystal ball - but I work with enough podcasters week in and week out to know something about the future of podcasting. I’m a smart enough guy to see the writing on the wall, so to speak - and I want you to be in the know about what I see coming.

This episode of Podcastification is a quick explanation of the near horizon of podcasting. I’m going to take back a bit to understand how podcasting has changed, then look at what’s happening around us right now (it has to do with big dollars entering the podcast-o-sphere) - and why that matters for us as Indie podcasters.

I wrap up giving you TWO big things to think about and take action around in order to ensure that the future of podcasting has a place for you.

FULL SHOW NOTES AT https://PodcastFastTrack.com/128

What you’ll hear on this episode

[1:20] Why I am qualified to talk about the future of podcasting
[2:04] A brief summary of the history of podcasting (and why it matters)
[4:26] Big dollar organizations make the competition we face much harder
[11:02] Why there will always be a market for niche podcasts
[12:30] Why fans matter more than subscribers and growth of downloads
[14:34] STEP ONE: What does your audience consider valuable?
[19:23] STEP TWO: Reconsider your METHOD of podcast production
[20:50] The practical ways you can find out what your audience thinks is valuable
[21:20] Practical ways you can amp up your podcast production and format

Resources I mentioned

2019 Infinite Dial
GE’s The Message Podcast
Stranger Things on Netflix
The Lord of The Rings Trilogy
Episode 123 with Nick Loper
Episode 127 with Darla Powell
The Turnaround Podcast
The Retirement Answer Man - at www.RogerWhitney.com

Connect with me…

Carey(AT)PodcastFastTrack.com

Subscribe to Podcastification here!

127: PS-Darla Powell - 1 Podcast, 2 Businesses, Endless Possibilities Jul 02, 2019

Show notes

https://podcastfasttrack.com/

Contact: www.PodcastFastTrack.com/contact

Every podcast success story is a bit different - because the person who has experienced it has walked a different path to get TO a place of success. It isn’t a bed of roses - or maybe it is - because that would be REALLY thorny - and it’s never simple or complicated. And for most, our journey toward becoming a podcaster begins WAY BACK in the early days of life.

That’s how it was for Darla Powell.

When she was young, she loved the creative things in life. By the time she graduated high school she had no clue what to do with her natural interests. So she dove into the first real opportunity to come along and stayed with it for 18 years.

EIGHTEEN YEARS of doing something she wasn’t in love with. Sometimes it’s necessary - and Darla is the first to acknowledge the benefits her career in law enforcement provided, but she’s still quick to say that she never was truly excited about it. So how did she make the transition into something she loved, something that harkened back to her early days as a kid? You’ll have to listen to find out.

But I’ll tell you this - it involves a growing sense of agitation toward law enforcement country-wide AND a mid-life crisis. Darla’s story is a GREAT story. You’re going to enjoy hearing how she made the transition from cop to interior designer and how her podcast played a major role in making it all happen.

SEE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE:

WWW.PODCASTFASTTRACK.COM/127

Here’s how this one shakes out...

PART ONE

[0:04] Do you remember the pivotal time we call “high school graduation?”
[5:38] Growing up in Florida and loving the creative side of life - YET she became a cop
[8:30] Darla was forced to rethink the path she was on after 18 years
[10:05] The first interior design gig - and a new path forward opened up
[13:06] Questions to ask to help you find a new business opportunity

MIDROLL FEATURE

[19:44] The story behind this narrative style of podcast production

PART TWO

[24:01] What makes Darla so good at social media (her tips for you)
[26:07] Podcasters - be yourself!
[29:58] How podcasting enables the incredible results it does
[36:28] Darla’s tips for podcasters and those considering becoming a podcaster

If you know someone whose story would make a great PODCASTER STORY episode, feel free to make that introduction.

Resources and links mentioned

Darla’s Wingnut Social Services and Podcast
Darla Powell Interiors - and my favorite “Miami Office With A Twist”
Darla/Wingnut on Instagram: @DarlaPowellInteriors
A Life Well Designed Podcast
Architectural Digest Feature: Designers Share 12 of Their Favorite Podcasts
Business of Home Magazine - featuring Darlas thoughts on social media outsourcing
Abbi McCullom episode on Wingnut Social
Nick Loper: Side Hustle Nation
Jonathan Messinger’s podcast: The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian
Audionautix.com
The songs “Fife and Drum” and “Shaving Mirror” Kevin MacLeod (www.incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Subscribe to Podcastification here!

125: How to use Audio Equalization (EQ) to make your podcast sound better May 22, 2019

Show notes

https://podcastfasttrack.com/

So... I'm scrambling to get things done, produce this podcast, and continue to oversee a thriving business - so sometimes you just can't do it all.

I want to publish to this podcast feed more - and lo and behold, I notice I have this episode with the amazing Chris Curran already recorded but not published.

WHAT WAS I THINKING? (I wasn't).

So... here it is. You'll find Chris' tips helpful beyond measure. At least I did.

So Chris Curran has been on the show before - and when I received a question recently about why none of the podcasts about podcasting ever seem to deal with the issue of audio equalization, I thought immediately of Chris.

Chris is the Head Flunkie over at the Podcast Engineering School and knows this kind of stuff backward and forward, so I reached out and he decided to say "Yes." Thanks Chris!

Full show notes to come...

You can get the lowdown on Chris' Podcast Engineering School by using my affiliate code here.

Subscribe to Podcastification here!

124: PS: Side Hustling His Way To Podcasting Success: Nick Loper May 07, 2019

Show notes

https://podcastfasttrack.com/

Successful people never get there overnight. Nick's story is no different

Nick Loper is a regular guy, if you've ever met him, you know just how true that is. He's humble, unassuming, and doesn't immediately strike you as the Dynamo that he really is.

What's his secret? I'm not sure what he'd say, but I believe it's this: He's smart, ambitious, and he knows how to work hard. That's a

combination that makes for great potential.

This episode tells Nick's story - of side hustling his way through college, trying out things to see what worked, following some very good advice his college room mate gave him, and then pivoting to start this thing called a podcast.

For him, podcasting worked out - tremendously. In just 3 years he replaced the salary he was earning from his corporate job after graduating. And he's learned a LOT about creating a successful podcast along the way.

This episode is the first of many "storytelling" episodes to come - where I feature podcasters who have experienced tremendous success that is directly tied to their podcasting efforts. I couldn't think of anyone better to start with than Nick. I hope you enjoy hearing how hard work and persistence paid off for him.

FIND THE SHOW NOTES HERE:

WWW.PODCASTFASTTRACK.COM/124

get in touch with nick

founder of the Side Hustle Show

And download Nick's "BEAST" of a guide to side hustle income here.

Things Nick shared on this episode

What happens when you step through doorways of opportunity
Learning eCommerce stuff from a marketing internship
Pivoting into podcasting: learning stuff the hard way
How Nick build his initial audience, how he grows it now
Sponsorships: How they really work and how to structure the deal
How to know when you should quit podcasting and when to keep going
How to make the most of The Listener Pyramid

Subscribe to Podcastification here!

123: Podcast Social Media Best-Practices with Elsie Escobar Apr 30, 2019

Show notes

https://podcastfasttrack.com/

Connect with me…

Carey(AT)PodcastFastTrack.com

On Facebook

On Twitter

Podcast social media is NOT an easy thing to pull off. Why? Because you don’t want to be the guy or gal who’s always posting…

“Listen to my podcast!”

“Did you know I have a podcast?”

“Here’s an episode of my podcast!”

“I PODCAST!”

So how DO you do social media for podcasting in a way that is both effective and palatable for the people who are seeing it?

The amazing Elsie Escobar is my guest to talk about all things podcast social media!

WHAT WE TALK ABOUT

[1:20] The social media maven of podcasting: Elsie Escobar
[3:33] Elsie’s role as “Community Manager” at Libsyn
[6:14] Develop rapport on social media that makes people care about your posts
[10:19] What it means to be “honest with yourself” about your social media practices
[13:10] The general basics of promoting your podcast on social media
[19:58] Different social media platforms need different types of content
[28:01] My sci-fi fantasy role-play for Elsie to respond to
[35:27] How to handle social media platforms you don’t enjoy
[38:54] Disclaimers and corrections to Elsie’s podcast social media video
[46:42] How to resonate with your avatar with a consistent message