Big Podcast Playbook - Marketing for Podcasters (A Podcast on Podcasting)
Big Podcast Playbook is the marketing podcast for podcasters! How to grow your podcast audience, better connect with listeners, and spread your message through podcasting with podcast marketing tips from media marketing expert David Hooper, author of Big Podcast – Grow Your Podcast Audience, Build Listener Loyalty, and Get Everybody Talking About Your Show.
Returning After a Long Break: What Happens?
Can podcast awards really boost your reputation, and what happens when you return to podcasting after years away? David Hooper shares stories, listener letters, and hard-won insights in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
Game podcast awards for envy-inducing credibility Micro-fame: win an award with only 50 votes Awards hype: open doors, but hollow inside Quit for years? Return with even more power Feel like a beginner again ... and win Old podcast kings return: threatened or inspired? Your fans crave glory too ... give it to themWhy You Should Listen
...The Truth About Podcast Awards
Can paying for podcast awards actually help you grow your audience, or is your money better spent elsewhere? Why most trophies aren't worth chasing in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
The ugly truth behind paid podcast awards Trophy chasing: envy fuels empty victories Sponsors don't care about your shiny award Award-winning? Listeners don't care Judge panels: old, out of touch, easily bought Why $300 is better spent on gear, not glory Make your podcast irresistibleWhy You Should Listen
Why "award-winning" bragging rights could mean less than you think...Turning One-Time Listeners Into Loyal Podcast Fans
Turning casual listeners into loyal podcast fans and building true community, plus how shorter episodes, punchy hooks, and connecting with your audience can grow your show in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
Hook listeners with stolen cowboy boots mystery Shorter episodes: save time, boost completion envy Secrets to building real podcast community revealed Tease your best stories ... ignite listener curiosity Audiograms that actually convert: the three-bullet fix Turn guests into trusted insiders, gain listener loyalty Are you the host no one likes? Brutal truth exposedWhy You Should Listen<...
Grassroots Podcast Growth: Cutting Through the Noise
Cutting through overwhelming noise, building real connections, and using grassroots strategies to grow your podcast, plus the surprising lessons learned from a local political campaign, in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
Grassroots hustle beats big-budget political noise Viral fame fades, relationships anchor true power Forget algorithms ... "door-knocking" builds real loyalty Annoying or helpful? Your marketing's razor's edge Neighborhood influence trumps paid ads, every time Listeners lust for connection, not more email Envy the "hidden giants" winning offlineWhy You Should Listen
How political campaigns in your backyard can...Audacity 4: The Big Upgrade
Audacity 4 is here (sort of), and David takes you inside the alpha version, sharing why it's a game-changer for podcasters and how you can help shape its future in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
Audacity 4: the free DAW pros will envy Upgrade your workflow, unlock hidden podcast power Take control, shape your tools Sound like a pro ... minimal gear, maximum impact Get inside: break, report, and shape Podcasters influencing software ... how your wish becomes realityWhy You Should Listen
How switching your podcast workflow can shatter your creative...Unlocking Better Interviews: What Makes a Great Podcast Guest
What really makes a podcast guest great (and why it's not just about filling out forms, sharing tips, or being a great speaker) in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
Your story's impact: would your audience miss you? Does vulnerability really trump selling in interviews? The secrets behind unforgettable guest energy Famous guests: does likability even matter? Reinvent your story? Or bore with "greatest hits"? The red light effect: overcoming instant stage fright Celebrity interviews: don't expect a glowing reviewWhy You Should Listen
The dirty little secret to...How to Become a Great Podcast Host
Want to know what really makes a podcast host great? David Hooper breaks down the secrets to setting the space, guiding guests, and running unforgettable interviews in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
The truth about co-author interviews Guests that kill episode momentum How big-name guests hog all attention Insider secrets for making podcast guests shine Why publicists ruin unforgettable interviews Good hosts aren't born, they're madeWhy You Should Listen
The secret weapon to making your podcast unforgettable (even your mom will brag about it) The forbidden hosting...Hard Truths About Podcast Coaching, Ads, and Growth
Why spending big money on ads, chasing viral fame, or following every new platform isn't the answer (and what really builds a podcast audience that matters) in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
Luck, ads, or fame: podcast growth myths exposed Viral moments: why fame doesn't equal loyalty $15,000 spent, only 178 downloads ... now what? Famous parents, forgotten children Coaches promising millions Build longing: make a podcast worth missing Small hinges, big doorsWhy You Should Listen
How podcasters burn thousands on ads Why "famous" is worthless (and what really drives...Why I Changed the Name of this Podcast After 700 Episodes (and How You Can Too)
After nearly 700 episodes, David Hooper made the bold decision to change this podcast's name. Why he did it, how it impacts his listeners, and what you should consider before a rebrand in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
Change your name, change your momentum The grass is greener: podcasters crave novelty Big mistakes: don't buy your own hype Sunk cost: abandon your old podcast identity? Relentless rebranding: how Shaq forced my hand Scud Busters ... why trendy names die fast Your audience isn't loyal (they barely notice)Why You Should Listen<...
Avoiding Failure Porn and Focusing on Your Authentic Podcast Voice
Ever wonder if you should really pay attention to your instincts—or if chasing excitement will only burn you out? David Hooper breaks down the final step to finding your podcasting voice (and what NOT to do with your flaws) in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
Change your podcast name, ignite listener curiosity Exploit your flaws ... but don't overshare your failures Dopamine addiction: how podcasts spiral into extremes Most podcasters sabotage themselves with fake "voice" Data-driven shows: fun-killers or growth hacks? Show up relentlessly; earn envy, respect, loyalty Ready to co...How to Avoid Copycat Podcasting
Should you copy what other successful podcasters do, or blaze your own trail—and does paying attention to others really help you find your unique voice? David breaks it down in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
How "pay attention to others" triggers creative envy Ignore the rules ... why breaking them brings power Don't copy Rogan: fame's unfair advantage exposed Secret signal: Why listeners follow the herd The hidden danger of "famous microphone" obsession Seduced by conversation: media events as social status Elevate your voice by understanding audience desiresWh...
How Podcasters Can Level Up Fast
Why simply practicing your podcast isn't enough and how the right kind of focused practice will actually help you find your authentic voice in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
Are you brave enough to speak your fears? Use your flaws ... listeners secretly envy authenticity Ignore podcasting "rules" and seize control Practice isn't enough ... "perfect practice" breeds power Creative limits spark unexpected, lust-worthy brilliance Content isn't king ... exceptional content wins greed Make every episode art, not just "more"Why You Should Listen
The powerful reason why "perfect practice"...Podcasting Rules: When to Break Them and When to Follow
Should you break podcasting rules or learn them first? David dives into how knowing the rules helps you find your voice and when it's time to break them in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
Change your podcast name—power move or mistake? Break podcasting rules and dominate your niche Podcast what scares you—your audience craves it Leverage your darkest flaws for listener loyalty Stand out: ignore "safe" advice, dominate minds Hit podcast fame: don't chase creativity, chase impact Listeners expect structure—defy it, but beware crashesWhy You Sh...
Should You Copy or Innovate?
Should you try to stand out or fit in—and can you do both at once? David shares how bringing your own voice and experience to podcasting is the real key to being noticed (without reinventing the wheel) in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
Stand out: fitting in feeds your podcast's death Breaking rules? Learn them first, then rebel Mention your scars, but don't parade them Your podcast voice: envy-worthy or echo chamber? Copy the crowd? Producer or star? Control your on-mic destiny Flaunt your skills quietly—power is subt...Oversharing Flaws and Failure Porn
Should you highlight your flaws to stand out, or does "failure porn" turn listeners off? David breaks down the difference and reveals what really makes your podcast matter in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
Why "perfect" podcasts bore people ... and how to stop Oversharing your flaws? It's failure porn Listeners crave authenticity, not your confessions Your podcast: church, cult, or community? Podcast hosts: main character or just a guide? Master relatability without wallowing in misery Is it about you or your listeners' desires?Why You Should Listen
...Leveraging Your Story: Podcast Marketing Through Personal Experience
Your unique life experiences are the secret weapon to making a podcast that truly stands out—how to leverage them and why it matters in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
Leverage your life—no one else has your story Scared to share? That's your secret weapon ... maybe Don't fake authority—audiences crave "been there" truth Outshine AI: machines copy, you live the story Turn failures and weird jobs into podcast gold Combine life lessons with your topicWhy You Should Listen
The dirty little secret behind broadcasting from a...How to Develop Your Unique Podcast Voice
Sharing your true self, even what scares you, could be the key to standing out and connecting with your audience, and David explores just how to do it in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
Nashville's podcasting scene: a hotbed for success Scared to share? That's your true voice ... maybe Stop hiding behind "old school" podcast masks Are you just another bland Manhattan coffee list? Share yourself—but don't dive into "failure porn" Comfort expands: revealing more leads to more connection Manipulation vs. meaning: which are you podcasting for?Wh...
Culture Wars and Podcasting
If you've ever worried about outrage, rebranding backlash, or haters coming for your podcast, here's how to handle the noise, protect your show, and keep your community strong in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
Outrage sells: how brands survive culture wars Viral backlash? Build a spine, not just spikes Podcast mob attacks—will you stand or crumble? Ditch shallow trends; create legendary podcast status Cash grabs kill trust—choose sponsor partners wisely "Dance with the one that brung ya"—protect your core Controversy is a tax—pay only for real rea...Dead Air
Everything can go wrong when the clock is ticking on live radio, even for veterans. How David handled 28 seconds of dead air and what every podcaster can learn from it in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
What 28 seconds of dead air teaches power Dead air: your biggest fear, greatest opportunity The broadcast clock doesn't care—control or chaos? Mistakes: your shortcut to true podcast authority Why desperation for guests destroys your show Skip apologies: your absence drives listener envy Solo hosting mastery—the control freak's secret weaponWhy You...
11 Commandments of Podcasting (Insider 241)
AI's impact on podcasting, why genuine connection matters more than ever, the rise of AI-generated bands, strategies for releasing episode clips, and the 11 Commandments every podcaster should know in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
AI bands: millions of streams, zero humanity Turn fake connections into real podcast fans Clips before full episodes: seduce the algorithm Feel cheated? Audiences crave authentic hosts 11 commandments: banish burnout and finish projects Superstition in podcasting: 666 and success myths Deep podcasts flop—will short bursts win hearts?Why You Should Listen
The sneaky re...Starbucks and Podcasting (Insider 240)
Bold podcast promo strategies, psychological triggers from Starbucks, three essential interview question types, and how to add real impact (and "teeth") to your show in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
Bands bribe radio station with fireworks for airplay What would you delete from your podcast—today? Is your gear obsession secretly holding you back? Starbucks-style choices: why too many repel listeners Sunk cost trap: why you keep bad podcasts alive Steal "Metal Shop's" teeth: make your show addictive Never let a "hit-and-run" guest hijack your episodeWhy You Sh...
Episode 666
Podcast burnout, making bold changes to stay inspired, lessons from top podcasters, and plans for new directions and deeper dives in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
Burnout: when podcasting's dream turns to nightmare "Hot wife, nice car ... still empty" Podcast success: crave more, never satisfied Why podcasters secretly fear real change Breaking down your podcast: destruction before growth "Deliver what people want" or perish Relaunch your show: controlled chaos fuels massive growthWhy You Should Listen
The secret mindset shift that turns podcast burnout into a...
Audio vs. Video (Insider 239)
Spotting biased podcasting advice, the truth about audio vs video growth, how to get more listeners (and subscribers), Betty White and Bea Arthur's backstage drama, and tips for handling tough co-host dynamics in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
Podcast "experts" lying to push their own agenda
Don't trust advice from people with hidden motives
The dark side of Golden Girls: real backstage feuds
Unlock podcast growth—even in "shrinking" markets
Why most listeners never learn to subscribe
Feuding ho...
20 Years in Radio (Insider 238)
Time-bending interview moments, 20 years in radio, using Cameo for podcast promotion, growing your email list with giveaways, and why your audience is your invisible co-host in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
Celebrate podcast milestones—what 20 years brings
Tap celebrity power: Cameo for podcast buzz
Forget the crowd, seduce listeners one-on-one
Make your audience your secret co-host
Grow your email list—get greedy with giveaways
Want clout? Invest in stories, not gear
Burnout or "rust-out"—hustle wins every...
Too Hot for OnlyFans? (Insider 237)
Tracking what works (and what doesn't) in podcast marketing, why live events are your secret growth weapon, how relatability beats perfection, mic myths busted, and smart ways to do "more, better, and new" in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
The "overnight" flood of listeners is a total myth
Why celebrity endorsements will never save you
Turn lonely dog groomers into loyal superfans
Being relatable trumps perfection—ask OnlyFans entrepreneurs
Revealed: $30 mic vs. $400 mic—can listeners tell?
How "fake it t...
Don't Do This (Insider 236)
Clever (and risky) marketing tricks, the truth about podcast gear and guests, essential pre-interview tips, AI voice options, and free podcast artwork templates in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
The dangerous cost of clickbait podcast titles
Why tricking listeners kills your show's growth
Envy alert: how niche podcasters leapfrog celebrities
The seductive myth of "perfect" podcast gear
How AI voices tempt you—should you resist?
Sponsor dollars: easy money or creative handcuffs?
Confessions: the lies podcasters te...
Time to Quit Your Podcast? (Insider 235)
Zero-budget podcasting truths, signs it's time to quit your show, Spotify's new "Plays" metric, Audacity's 25th anniversary, and a pro trick for getting remote guests to show up in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
Can you really podcast with zero budget?
Your community: free content machine or wasted potential?
Are you secretly quitting your show already?
Audacity: free tool pros secretly rely on
Spotify "plays": will your numbers embarrass you?
Doing it only for others? Beware burnout
<...Segments Will Grow Your Podcast (Insider 234)
Why you need podcast segments, what happens when you DM every fan, the power of 30-day challenges, smarter ad reads, and the secret to building deeper listener relationships in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Why You Should Listen
How to harness the power of podcast segments to multiply your audience and keep them hooked—no matter your experience level
The "lazy podcaster's curse"—are you guilty of killing your own growth with long, rambling episodes?
The irresistible secret to creating podcast episodes people devour—without burning out
Why th...
Your Podcast in My New Book (Insider 233)
AI-powered artwork, voiceover cadence secrets, cable-saving hacks, Spotify controversies, and your chance to be featured in a new podcasting book in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Why You Should Listen
The secret to launching a podcast so memorable, your competitors will envy you for decades (and maybe beg to copy your plan!)
Why some podcasts vanish without a trace, and how you can create episodes that claw their way into listener's memories (and wallets)
How to turn your "disposable" podcast into a permanent, irresistible addiction that fans lust after—we...
The Best Merch for Fans (Insider 232)
A wild journey through podcast merch mishaps, creative constraints that boost your show, pin trading for superfans, and what to do when a podcast moment needs a "code red" fix in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Why You Should Listen
The bizarre afterlife of your podcast merch—why a homeless man might be your brand's next billboard (and why that's pure opportunity)
How your podcast episode can worm its way halfway across the country—and what to do when you spot it in the digital "used bin"
The unstoppable, prof...
Embrace the Enemy (Insider 231)
Viral myths, the power of naming your enemy, 100+ ChatGPT prompts for podcasters, embracing imperfection, and how to make your Blue Yeti sound amazing in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Why You Should Listen
The dirty little trick pro wrestlers and radio jocks use to hypnotize audiences—and how you can steal it to make your show irresistible
Why obsessing over that "one thing" is killing your podcast dreams (and the liberating secret that leads straight to viral growth)
Make your podcast the envy of your niche—here's the real reas...
The First 10-Minutes of Your Podcast (Insider 230)
How to spot and fix hidden holes in your podcast, why natural talent is a myth, making your first ten minutes unskippable, plus AI tools for pro-quality audio and automated blogging in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Why You Should Listen
Why editing yourself—even if it feels painful—could be the missing key to creating podcasts nobody can resist The sinister holes EVERY podcaster has in their show that secretly repel listeners—find them before they ruin you The "SWOT analysis" trick: Truth serum for your podcast that exposes your deepest weaknesses (and hidden...The Darkside of Influencers (Insider 229)
Media responsibility for podcasters, viral news hijacks, building true audience connection, and creative ways to generate standout episode ideas in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Why You Should Listen
How a simple shift in your podcast's "role in the media" can make you unforgettable—and impossible to ignore The slippery slope that transforms average creators into sellouts (and how to harness this for influence, not regret) Why you should treat your guests like rare treasures—discover the subtle move that makes powerful people beg to work with you The sinister side of influencer stardom—and ho...The Death Clock (Insider 228)
How China tariffs could impact your gear, viral death clock promotions, smarter cross-promotion strategies, storytelling upgrades, and the hilarious bad podcast guest action figure in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Why You Should Listen
Why China's tariff hike could quietly kill your podcast dreams unless you act now
The death clock trick: what you can learn from a "dark" graphic to make your show go viral (and build your email list)
Five storytelling secrets that hook listeners so they crave every episode (and beg for more)Why your competitors...
5 "Rules" for Great Podcast Artwork (Insider 227)
Late-night recording realities, must-know rules for standout podcast artwork, creative promo ideas, and lessons from HBO's production magic in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Why You Should Listen
The 5 unbreakable rules for podcast artwork that hook strangers and make your show impossible to ignore (break these rules and watch your show disappear into oblivion!) Why putting your face on your podcast art could be the #1 mistake crushing your downloads—even if you think you're famous in your niche! How to create irresistible, thumb-stopping visuals—no art degree, big budget, or fancy tools required The hidd...The Death of Local Media (Insider 226)
David Hooper dives into podcasting authenticity, how AI is reshaping accents, the importance of staying true to your voice, and the opportunities in hyper-local content for podcasters
in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Episode Topics
How to protect your podcast's brand from being hijacked (or even stolen) What is authenticity in podcasting? Not what most people think ... Using AI to decode your audience? You should. Local media is dying. This is an opportunity for podcasters! How to embrace your authentic voice ... really Podcasting shortcuts you can use to simplify your production Are...55% of Women Hate This Podcast (Insider 225)
David Hooper shares tips for podcasters on filling unused ad space with public service announcements, using tools like Zoom's PodTrak 2, and automating episode notes and social media, all aimed at growing your podcast audience and monetizing your content in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Episode Topics
Transform Your Podcast with Public Announcements USB Mic Innovations From College Radio to Podcasting: Leveraging Old Techniques for Modern Success Boost Podcast Growth and Income with Proven Marketing and Production Tips Affordable Podcasting: Create Great Content with Just $100 Unleash the Power of Automated Episode Notes and Social Media...Gen Z Wants Audio Podcasts (Insider 224)
Learn how to harness the power of audio to grow your podcast audience, connect with Gen Z listeners, and drive engagement with effective storytelling and marketing strategies in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Episode Topics
Video vs. Audio Podcasting Marketing for Podcasters Gen Z's Audio Preferences Podcast Monetization Strategies Storytelling Techniques Tools for Podcast Production Editing in PodcastingYou want these links ...
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03:06 Podcast Growth and Monetization Guide 08:11 Boost Podcast Reach & Revenue 11:31 Reviews on...The Podcasting Treadmill (Insider 223)
David Hooper dives into strategies for podcast success, highlighting the balance between quality and quantity, the dangers of the "podcasting treadmill," and tips for boosting engagement and finding your voice as a podcaster in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Episode Topics
Enhancing radio voice with cardio Importance of practice and confidence The podcasting treadmill explained Focusing on quality over quantity Engaging podcast titles Alternatives to Mailchimp Power of community and meetupsYou want these links ...
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Podcast Audience Growth (Insider 222)
The rise of AI as a tool for podcasters, the myth of YouTube as a podcast killer, the power of community, and shares tips on increasing podcast traffic while encouraging a focus on creativity over algorithms in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Episode Topics
AI in podcasting The concept of a "podcast killer" YouTube's impact on podcasts Building a podcast community Using Riverside for podcasting Understanding "EEAT" for content creation. Differentiating YouTube and podcasting strategiesYou want these links ...
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