Podcasting Insights with The Podmaster: growth advice for people and brands

You know that feeling you get when you’ve poured your heart into your podcast for months, only to see the kind of download numbers you could count on one hand? If that’s you, I want you to know you’re definitely not alone.

The sheer number of podcasters who reach out to me, stuck in this exact scenario, is far higher than you’d probably guess.

But here’s the kicker: it rarely comes down to a lack of effort or even a lack of content.

More often, the problem is rooted in...

If you’ve spent time scratching your head over how to actually make money from your podcast – not in a pipe dream, “I’ll just wait until the sponsors come running” sort of way, but in a real, put-cash-in-your-bank-account way – this episode is going to either save you from a world of wasted effort…or register as the podcasting equivalent of hearing Santa isn’t real.

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Have you signed up for my "Top Listener Pet Peeves" report yet?

https://podmastery.co/petpeeves

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I get it: the advice out there is either laugha...

If you're a UK indie podcaster, this is what you need to devote some attention to over the next 24 hours.

https://independentpodcastawards.com/IPA25/en/page/awards-homepage

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Podmaster Free Tips

In a world where anyone with a microphone can claim to be a podcast expert, it’s crucial to arm yourself with the knowledge on how to differentiate the true pros from the shady fakers.

We’re putting our detective hats on and analysing the tell-tale signs of those who are merely cashing in on your naivete.

From the overly polished personal branding clips that scream desperation to the suspiciously high follower counts that suggest a bot brigade, we dissect the modern-day snake oil salesman lurking in the podcasting community.

Podcasters, gather 'round! We've got some juicy nuggets from Apple's latest WWDC that are sure to make your ears perk up and your podcasting dreams a little brighter.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Mentioned in this episode:

A Podknows Production

Podknows helps brands and creators to build their podcasts into virtual sales and marketing teams which get them results even when they're sleeping. Find out more at https://podknows.co.uk/

Podmaster Free Tips

There’s a lesson quietly looming for every podcaster right now, and it comes from a place no one really expected: Marc Maron's WTF podcast is ending.

Yes, the granddaddy of indie podcasting—the guy who not only defined the space for a generation, but who made even the President stop by his garage—has finally called it quits, citing burnout.

That’s not just 'big news' for the podcasting industry, it’s a full warning bell for anyone invested in building their own show.

You want to know wh...

You’re an audio-first podcaster, and I get it—maybe the thought of adding video sends shivers down your spine, or just makes you roll your eyes at the idea of becoming yet another wannabe YouTuber.

But what if dipping your toe into the video waters didn’t mean selling your soul to the YouTube algorithm, or breaking the bank on kit that just sits in the box?

There’s a brand-new webcam—the $69 Lenovo C55—that’s just burst onto the scene, and in this episode, I give you exactly what you need to know if you’re...

There’s a nasty little mistake that’s probably killing your podcast—and most podcasters have no idea they’re making it.

I’m not talking about your audio quality, your marketing, or even whether you’re publishing regularly.

It’s something much more fundamental but shockingly overlooked.

Psst! This episode comes with a free downloadable resource. Get it here -

https://podmastery.co/title

In this episode of Podcasting Insights with The Podmaster, I walked through a real-world fix for the most common reason your audience “just isn’t finding you,” no...

If you’re wrenching your hair out over your stagnating podcast audience, parked stubbornly south of the 100-listeners per episode mark....

Give me your ears!

Not literally, keep those; you’ll need them for what you're about to hear.

The pain of the plateau

I get it; the deflation hits hard when your buffer audience wouldn’t fill a dinghy, let alone that elusive cruise liner you dream of sipping Negronis on after a good hour in the hot tub.

But I'm going to share two key bits of insigh...

Now and then, we like to share a show we hope you'll either like yourself, or know someone who will. Here's "Different, not broken". Check it out at https://differentnotbrokenpodcast.com/listen

Mentioned in this episode:

Podmaster Free Tips

Are you leaning a bit too heavily on Descript? Or, God forbid, trusting a one-click AI tool to turn your podcast into the audio equivalent of a ready-made M&S dinner for a first date you actually care about? This episode is for you.

Listen, I don't care what all the “podcast productivity” wizards on LinkedIn will tell you. They love to make bold claims about how AI editing tools are making everyone’s life easier. But let’s be honest: if you use these tools the way they want you to—blindly, with zero thought—you’ll end up with...

Check out this other show from Podknows Podcasting's network.

Podbitch brings you all the podcasting gossip, delivered as only the Podbitch can.

But who is the Podbitch?

Ahh, that's for the inner sanctum to know and for you to find out.

Mentioned in this episode:

Podmaster Free Tips

Authenticity in podcasting is all the rage these days, but let’s be real—most of the folks shouting about it don’t even know what they’re talking about.

Let's learn what trust really means in this wild audio podcasting jungle, and spoiler alert: it’s not about slapping out unedited recordings like some sort of lazy podcasting buffet.

We’ll also throw some shade at the likes of Steven Bartlett, whose antics might just be the poster child for everything that’s gone wrong with podcasting trust.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

So, here’s the scoop: I totally flaked out and forgot that Good Friday was a thing, leading to an unexpected missed episode publication last week.

So I feel like I need to strip myself of the self-appointed "The Podmaster" title now.

But even the pros can drop the ball sometimes!

In this episode we're looking into the art of planning your time off like a pro, so you don’t end up scrambling for content when it's already too late, like yours truly.

We’ll explore some solid strategies and figure...

AI is still crashing the podcast party. Microsoft’s Copilot is the latest major platform to strut in with its new AI podcasting tool, joining Google’s already established Notebook LM.

So, are we really witnessing the death of the human podcaster?

Let's explore how this shiny new tech might impact on this still evolving space.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Mentioned in this episode:

A Podknows Production

Podknows helps brands and creators to build their podcasts into virtual sales and marketing teams which get...

Picture this: a bunch of sprightly nonagenarians sitting around, chatting about life, love, and the occasional tango. That’s the heart and soul of Noventa y Contado, a podcast that has taken the world by storm, not just for its content but for its sheer audacity.

Who knew that 90-year-olds could rock the podcasting scene?

The brainchild of a viral TikTok moment featuring 97-year-old Alberto Chab, this gem showcases the wisdom and wit of a generation often overlooked by mainstream media.

https://www.tiktok.com/@noventaycontando

With topics ranging from health ti...

Imposter syndrome is the sneaky little buggah that many of us podcasters have to grapple with, whether we’re just starting out or have logged countless hours behind the mic.

It's that annoying voice whispering doubts like, “Who do you think you are?” and “Why would anyone want to listen to you?”

But here’s the truth — you are absolutely qualified to podcast, and we’re going to explore how to silence that pesky voice for good.

Why is this feeling so common in the podcasting world? What practical strategies are there to boost your confi...

Being exposed to free podcasting tools can feel like stepping into a candy store. It sounds like a dream come true: no upfront costs, no wallet sweating, just pure, unadulterated creativity!

But hold your horses, Sebastian!

As we peel back the shiny wrapper of these free services, we uncover the not-so-sweet reality lurking underneath.

We're talking about the sneaky little catches that can turn your podcasting dream into a bit of a nightmare.

You might think you're saving a couple of quid or bucks, but in the long run, it could...

Picture this: You're determined to grow your podcast to get the best possible results, but find yourself smothered by the temptation of paying some guy to hoist it onto the so-called podcast charts. Your ego takes hold, and even though you know you shouldn't pay to 'cheat', the idea of finally getting noticed and regarded as a great podcaster becomes too much to bear.

But wait - do you really know what you're getting yourself into?

This episode of Podcasting Insights with The Podmaster is inspired by a frankly wrong piece of advice offered by...

YouTube is working on a new feature that could change the game for podcasters everywhere.

Imagine this - dynamic mid-roll ads that we can control!

I mean, come on, who wouldn’t want the power to swap out ads in our podcast episodes with the ease of changing our socks?

YouTube’s working on an ad tech solution that lets us do just that, making it possible to update ads without the hassle of re-uploading our content.

Find out why this is such a big deal for podcasters as Amelia Knight talk...

The Truth About YouTube's Billion Monthly Podcast Listeners

In this episode of Podcasting Insights with the Podmaster, we dive into the bold claim by YouTube that it's now the number one podcast platform.

If you're thinking this sounds a bit too grand, you're not alone.

I'll delve into how YouTube's assertions rest on shaky survey data, misleading engagement metrics, and an overly broad definition of what constitutes a podcast.

Is YouTube genuinely dominating podcasting or is it all about gaming the PR system?

We'll find out.

Timestamped...

In this episode of "Podcasting Insights with The Podmaster" - a situation that could make any podcaster sweat: the alarming realisation that your podcast name has been hijacked by a high-profile celebrity or a larger entity.

Steps to Take If Your Podcast Name Is Stolen by a Big Name

It’s a scenario many of us don’t anticipate, but if you find yourself in this predicament, don’t panic.

We've got you covered with practical steps on how to address this.

I'll personally guide you through understanding why even though a podc...

So, here’s the scoop: Michelle Obama’s new podcast, "imo," is catching some flak, with some folks already throwing around the dreaded "failure" label. But hold your horses! We’re diving into this hot topic to unpack what all us podcasters can glean from the chatter. Let’s chat about why people are so quick to judge based on YouTube view counts, which can be as misleading as a promise from a cat that it won’t knock over your glass of water. We’re here to remind you that podcasting is more than just flashy numbers; it’s about creati...

"Be authentic - just publish" is terrible advice

What’s worse than a bad hair day? A bad podcast!

If you want to read the report this episode is based on, go to podmastery.co/peeves

If you’ve ever hit play on your favourite podcast only to have your ears assaulted by terrible audio or a host that rambles like they’re auditioning for a talk show, you’re not alone.

We put our feelers out there with a survey of 300 podcast lovers to find out exactly what makes them rage-qui...

Ever feel like you're relying way too much on fancy AI tools to clean up your audio mess?

Well, we’re sharing yet another villain that's been shoved out onto the market, hoping to find lazy creators who want to clean up their recordings!

We’re chatting about AudioShake's new multi-speaker feature that promises to untangle overlapping conversations like a pro. But here's the question - if we're all taking the adequate level of care over our recordings, should these tools even exist?

Mentioned in this episode:

7 Days Podmastery course

Si...

In this episode of "The Podmaster," I'm talking about a common struggle every podcaster faces at some point: the urge to quit when the going gets tough.

We all hit that wall where the stats don't move, and it feels like we're just speaking into the void.

This episode is a lifeline for those moments.

We start with a fundamental reality check of how mindset plays a crucial role in podcasting.

You'll learn practical tips for centering your mindset and cultivating a routine that fosters consistency and dedication to your audience.<...

The UK podcast landscape in 2025 is looking hot. If you're not paying attention, you're missing out. With the release of the RAJAR Midas Winter 2024 report, there's plenty of data to sink your teeth into.

More than 16 million people in the UK are tuning into podcasts weekly - a whopping 54% increase since winter 2020.

So, if you ever wondered if it's too late to start a podcast, let me assure you, it's time to put that nonsense to bed.

Once you've listened to this episode, you'll have an understanding of who is actually listening, not...

No more need for Listen Notes 'Listen Scores'!

Ever sat down and wondered just how your podcast stacks up against the rest of the world? I mean, you could be pouring your heart and soul into each episode, but without a little context, those download numbers can feel pretty pointless.

Well, fear not my podcasting padawans!

Your journey towards Podmastery takes a big leap in this episode, as I'm telling you all about something pretty nifty my company Podknows Podcasting has created for you.

Say hello to the Podknows Podcast Global...

Claiming your podcast on Apple Podcasts is kinda like getting VIP access to your podcast in Apple Podcasts' system, and trust me, it’s way simpler than you think!

If you’ve ever tried to submit your podcast, only to feel like you were lost in a submission spiral, fear not!

This episode walks you through the hows, whys and whats of claiming your podcast on the number 1 podcasting app.

So, whether you’re a podcasting newbie or a long time podcaster who's still looking to reclaim the reins, I’ll share every step you...

Hook 'em, or lose 'em!

Storytelling is the secret sauce that can turn your podcast from a snooze fest into a gripping adventure, and trust me, most podcasters are missing the mark big time.

I mean, if you’ve ever listened to a podcast that made you want to claw your ears off, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

In this episode, I'm sharing insights around the art of storytelling, breaking down the essential structure that’ll keep your listeners hanging on your every word instead of scrolling through TikTok.

We’l...

Feeling inspired, ladies? It's your time to shine!

For those of us who might feel a bit disconnected from the whole “women in podcasting” narrative, let’s break it down. It’s not just about feminism or equality; it’s about the heart and soul of storytelling.

This episode clues us into an an important event - The Women Podcasters Awards - which will highlight some stellar content that deserves more than just a casual mention.

The link to enter is here - https://www.womenpodcasters.com/awards

Mentioned in this episode:<...

Understanding your podcast stats and how to measure them is the secret all the successful podcasters have. They use deeper knowledge to elevate their podcast from just 'okay' to bingeworthy. And now you can too.

If you’re out here winging it without tracking your performance, it's like trying to cook a five-star meal with a blindfold on - spaghetti might end up on the wall, but your audience won't be sticking around.

In this episode I'm talking you through the skinny of podcast metrics that matter, how to make sense of them without losing ou...

Podcast ads have become a polarising topic, much like pineapple on pizza – some love it, some hate it.

Handling ads on your podcast requires finesse.

In this little bonus insights episode with our associate producer Amelia Knight we dissect the art of podcast advertising and how to stay out of trouble if you do accept cash for your audio warez.

Here's the link to the guidance!

https://www.asa.org.uk/news/be-still-my-sponsored-heart-advice-about-advertising-disclosure-in-podcasts.html

Mentioned in this episode:

7 Days Podmastery course

Sign up for the Po...

Choosing the right category for your podcast is like picking the perfect outfit for a first date—get it wrong, and you might just end up in the friend zone (or worse, totally overlooked)! With Apple Podcasts rolling out a major update, the stakes are higher than ever, and we’re diving headfirst into how to navigate this crucial decision. We’ll chat about why slapping your podcast into just any old category could spell disaster for your discoverability—spoiler alert: it’s a crowded marketplace out there. So, whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just got your show off the gr...

Let's talk about Podcast SEO 2.0

Neal Veglio here, "The Podmaster" - the podcast that wants to help all podcasters, whether a brand or individual, pro or 'indie'. You might be asking yourself, "Is podcasting SEO still relevant in 2025?"

The short answer is yes, but it’s evolved significantly.

In this episode, we're talking all about moving away from traditional Google-centric strategies to a broader concept called Search Everywhere Optimisation (SEO).

We’ll cover why this shift is crucial, what it means for your podcast, and actionable steps you can take to opti...

Wanna make £100k from your podcast in one hit? While the idea sounds alluring, this episode analyses a Forbes article from Kristen Bousquet that suggests various monetisation strategies, some of which might leave you 'lolling' hard. I know we were!

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristenbousquet/article/how-to-make-money-podcasting/

Amelia Knight summarises the article's advice on sponsorships, paid subscriptions, and selling your own products.

However, she also pokes fun at some outlandish claims, like how podcasters could effortlessly rake in six figures.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Hey there, it's Neal Veglio from The Podmaster, and boy, do we have a hot topic for you today. Ever wondered what happens to our podcasting world if TikTok suddenly vanishes?

From understanding why TikTok is such a game-changer for boosting podcasts, to exploring real-life stories of shows skyrocketing due to the platform, we've covered it all.

If you're a podcaster, this episode is crucial, as it lays out strategies to diversify and adapt your content in case TikTok goes the way of Vine.

We're not just painting a doom-and-gloom picture; we're offering...

A year ago, we celebrated the potential of AI in the industry. In this episode, we’ll be examining the challenges it brings along with the benefits.

To ensure a balanced perspective, I chat with NeAIl, an AI version of myself.

Together, we dissect how AI is both revolutionizing and complicating podcasting.

From automatic transcription tools to ethical concerns, this episode promises an in-depth look at what’s at stake and what’s at play.

Do you need your podcast to really pop this year? Grab your spot in my calendar for yo...

The Gender Gap in Video Podcasting

Is video podcasting an uneven playing field for women?

As more and more creators incorporate video elements into their podcasts, the unique challenges faced by women can't be ignored.

From societal beauty standards to issues of confidence, we delve into whether the current environment is fair and what measures we can take to level the field.

If you're curious about how these dynamics impact content creation and what can be done to foster a more inclusive space, this episode is for you.

Our...

Welcome to this episode of "The Podmaster" which delves into the continuing debate around the trend of 'video podcasts' and whether we need to take it more seriously in 2025.

The article that inspired this episode is this one from Vulture - https://www.vulture.com/article/will-video-kill-the-audio-star-in-2025

Hi, I'm Neal Veglio, The Podmaster, and I want to open this topic by acknowledging that I'm an OG in podcasting and massively fond of its origins as an audio format.

Audio podcasts have traditionally provided a unique intimacy and portability for listeners.

However...