Just One Tip from Your Podcast Performance Coach (Tim Wohlberg)

You want to sound good, right? Mic placement does make a difference and you could be making some really common mistakes. In this podcast, I’ll tell you what not to do, reveal a common mistake and explain exactly how to position your microphone to get the best out of your mic, no matter what kind it is.

Hands up if you start your podcast with a question like, ‘How did you get started?’ You, with your hand up, this one’s for you. 

There are many variations of this lazy first question but the main similarity is that the podcast host wants to start at the beginning. They want to share their guests story from the point of origin. 

Ba or ing!

As a listener, I don’t care enough about this guest yet. I don’t know why it would matter where he went to highschool, or the first time she wrote a story, or their first kiss. And chances are, your podcast is not about any of this stuff. (If it is, then, carry on… you’re killing it).

I’ll say it again for the millionth time. Your podcast is for your listener. Not you. Not your guest. Your listener. 

So, don’t make them sit through someone’s biography or resume before you get to what’s relevant to them. 

Give them gold right out of the gate. 

I’m not saying that you can’t cover the ‘early days’ stuff, I’m saying weave it in when it’s relevant and AFTER you’ve established that this guest is worth learning a little more about. Their start or beginning will mean so much more once your listener has context (and gives a crap about them). 

Planning an interview in chronological order is fine. Small ‘f’ fine. As in, mediocre. As in, you can do better. I CHALLENGE you to do better. 

Start strong. Jump around a little. Let your interview fall through a timewarp and bring up the early stuff as it relates to the later stuff. This isn’t a marathon where you have to start at the beginning and make your way painfully to the finish. You get to jump in half way through, then take the subway to the finish line then head back to the start and maybe take a short cut to the third water station. 

You get to map out your own route. 

Yes, this is a more advanced interview technique. Yes, it will take a bit more work than just laying it all out chronologically. But yes, it will make you a better podcaster interviewer. 

Your podcast is not a 5th grade biography on your guest so don’t treat it like that. (Unless it is, in which case cool, project, carry on… you’re killing it).

Get creative. Serve your listener. Be a better podcaster. I challenge you to time-warp your interview flow. 

If you accept my challenge - send me proof. Drop a link to your non-linear, time-warping podcast interview in any of my social media feeds or contact me through my website. 

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

You might think of YouTube as that place for videos. This is why you might also think it's no place for an audio-only podcast. But, you're wrong and in this episode, I'm going to explain why you need to rethink YouTube and get your podcast on there, like NOW!

As a podcast coach, I often get asked the question, "I'm on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, what else is there?" And while these are definitely the big players in the podcasting world, historically, YouTube is the future.

Now, before I dive into this, I want to acknowledge the impact that Apple has had on podcasting. They've been supporting podcasts since 2005, created their own app in 2012, and since 2014, it's been pre-installed on every iPhone. For almost two decades, Apple Podcasts was the dominant place to discover and listen to podcasts.

But here's the thing: nearly 75% of people listen to podcasts on their phone, and globally, Android phones represent over 70% of the mobile market. This means that the audience for podcasts is not just limited to those who use Apple products.

The third most popular platform for listening to podcasts is Google Podcasts, or should I say, YouTube Music. Google is rumored to be scrapping Google Podcasts altogether and moving them to YouTube Music.

Even if we leave the world of speculation and just deal with the facts of today - you can't deny that accessing 80 million premium YouTube users is well worth the effort.

Need a few more reasons to get your podcast on YouTube? For starters, YouTube is owned by Google, so having your podcast on YouTube can actually help with your SEO and increase your visibility online. Plus, YouTube is a great platform for building a community around your podcast. You can interact with your listeners in the comments section, create behind-the-scenes videos, and even live-stream your podcast recordings.

And let's not forget about monetization. YouTube has a built-in ad program that allows you to make money from your content (once you hit specific milestones). Plus, if you have a large enough following, you can also get sponsored and do brand deals.

I can tell you from personal experience that being on YouTube helps you reach potential customers. I've had clients who found me on YouTube. They'd never listened to any of my episodes on a traditional podcast player - it was a relationship started and nurtured entirely on YouTube.

"But Coach, I have a face for radio! I don't want to be on camera!" Surprise! You don't have to be on camera.

You can simply upload your audio with a static image or create some fun animations to go along with it. All of my episode videos have an animated waveform over my show poster. That's it. Plenty of people listen to YouTube instead of watching it - they treat it like a podcast already!

So, if you're not already on YouTube, why limit yourself? You can increase your exposure, access your audience, and potentially monetize your content with minimal effort. Your podcast host likely already has a one-click "publish to YouTube" button, so it's easy to get started.

If you're already on YouTube and want to take advantage of the new YouTube/podcast/music world, check out this video for details on how to do that. And if you need help getting started with your podcast or video podcast, we can help. My wife (and business partner) is a video confidence coach, so we've got you covered from all angles.

It's time to join the party and get on YouTube. Your potential customers are waiting for you, and the benefits are real. So what are you waiting for?

Youtube Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feMd_GvZSf4

Check out our coaching programs and let's take your podcast to the next level!

Get on my calendar for a FREE 15-MINUTE Podcast Coaching Call here:

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

How do you grow your podcast audience in a crowded space?

In this episode, I’m sharing one of the most effective strategies I’ve seen: Other People’s Podcasts—or as I like to call it, OPP (yeah, you know me).

Being a guest on other podcasts is one of the best ways to get your message in front of new listeners who could become loyal fans (and customers!). I’ve seen my clients grow their downloads, generate leads, and even land high-ticket clients using this exact strategy.

But here's the thing—you have to do it right. It’s not just about saying yes to any podcast that invites you. It’s about getting your message on shows that actually attract your ideal audience.

In this episode, I cover my top 3 tips for successfully growing your audience through podcast guesting:

1. Quality over Quantity – Don't focus on booking tons of appearances. Focus on booking the right shows, ones that have listeners who are your ideal clients.

2. Have 3 Powerful Topics Ready – Know the most valuable ideas and stories that you can deliver on any show. The more prepared you are, the more impactful your appearance will be.

3. Pitch with Integrity – Do your research, make your pitch relevant to the podcast, and be authentic. Don’t waste anyone’s time, including your own.

Following these tips will help you land podcast appearances that can seriously expand your reach.

And, if you want to make sure your own show is ready for the new listeners you're about to attract, I’ve got a free 7-step podcast audit you can grab. It’s a diagnostic check to make sure your podcast is share-worthy and set up to convert listeners into fans.

Grab it at: PodcastPerformanceCoach.com/free-podcast-audit

Let’s make sure your podcast is working as hard as you are!

In this episode I reference a podcast guesting service.

Check out INTERNET CONNECTIONS.

Additional Episodes on Guesting:

085 How to Grow Your Podcast by Being a Great Guest

If you're podcasting for your business, you need to have a reason. Without a clear reason behind your podcast, you'll miss out on the incredible benefits it can bring to both your listeners and your business.

In this episode, I reveal the 5 most common reasons why entrepreneurs choose podcasting as a marketing tool. Not only that, but I also explain how understanding your purpose should shape your role as a podcaster. Brace yourself, because it might mean making a few adjustments to better support your main objective (aka the next step you want your listener to take).

So, let's jump right into those 5 reasons and discover how they can transform your podcast and your business.

Reason #1 - Grow Your Community:

Podcasts have a remarkable power to bring like-minded people together. As a business owner or entrepreneur, using a podcast to build a community in your niche can be a game-changer. Imagine creating a space where your listeners can connect with each other and with you, just like a vibrant Facebook Group or a dedicated community on platforms like Mighty Networks, Substack, Slack, Skool, Discord, Whatsapp, or Kajabi. You can even nurture a community through your email list. This reason for podcasting is all about fostering connections and building awareness and trust.

Reason #2 - Generate Leads:

Think of your podcast as a fantastic top-of-funnel strategy. If you're in it for this reason then your podcast needs to be a powerful tool that drives discovery and encourages listeners to move forward in your marketing funnel. that might look like downloading your lead magnet, scheduling discovery calls, or even visiting a page that allows you to retarget them with ads. A podcast can generate valuable leads for your business if you are intentional with your content and strategy. Just remember, if you choose this as your reason for podcasting, make sure you have a proven funnel in place to make the most of this opportunity.

Reason #3 - Build Authority:

Do you want to be seen as the go-to expert in your field? Are you eager to establish yourself as the real deal? Having a podcast is like a credibility booster, allowing you to showcase your expertise and stand out in your niche. This reason for podcasting is especially powerful for coaches, course creators, service providers, thought leaders, and innovators. It's a fantastic way to build trust and credibility, particularly if you have higher-priced products or services or if you're looking to sell a book or grow your speaking business.

Reason #4 - Make Sales:

Believe it or not, you can sell directly from your podcast! However, it's crucial to tread carefully. There's a fine line between genuinely serving your listeners and turning your show into an infomercial. If your business offers solutions for urgent issues or has lower-priced products that don't require extensive trust or loyalty, this reason for podcasting could work wonders for you.

Reason #5 - New Revenue Stream:

There are a lot of entrepreneurs who gravitate toward this reason for podcasting because who doesn't want another revenue stream? In this case, instead of using your podcast solely as a marketing tool, you have to think of it as a business in and of itself. To monetize your podcast, you need to grow your audience to a significant enough size to attract sponsors and advertisers who want to reach your loyal listeners. In other words, you're selling your audience instead of selling to your audience, and that changes your strategy and content. Beware, few entrepreneurs can pull off having it both ways - having a podcast for their business and as a business.

Listen to episode #173 for more: https://podcastperformancecoach.com/173-how-to-make-money-from-podcasting/

Out of these five reasons, which one resonates with you? I know it's tempting to choose them all, but let me warn you. Trying to do it all will only lead to confusion and a less effective podcast. Your listeners want you to take care of them, provide a clear path forward, and honor the unspoken arrangement you made when they subscribed. Avoid the trap of a scattered approach that leaves them feeling deceived.

When you're crystal clear on your reason for podcasting, you can show up consistently and effectively. Your purpose will determine your podcast's style, frequency, format and content. And when that clarity shines through, your listeners will show up and subscribe for all the right reasons.

Book Your FREE 15-Minute Podcast Coaching Call Here:

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

Check out the Podcast Tune-Up Program Here:

https://members.podcastperformancecoach.com/podcast-tune-up

I know it’s hard NOT to talk about the Coronavirus. I know it may even seem weird to do a podcast during a global pandemic without it being about this crisis. 

But, I think we can all agree - there are enough people talking about it. So, that’s why in this episode, I explain why you shouldn’t talk about Coronavirus or COVID-19 in your podcast. 

Stay in your lane. Talk about what your podcast is actually ABOUT. 

Now, if you’re a doctor, health care professional or your podcast has always been about infectious diseases then go forth and discuss.  For the rest of us, it’s probably not necessary. 

Think about it this way. Right now, people are full-up on COVID-19 talk. It’s everywhere. Unavoidable. What they really want and need is something else to think about. 

That’s where you can come in. Give them a real taste of what you have to offer with your podcast. If their first listen of your show is wall to wall virus-talk, they won’t really get a sense of how super-fantastic-awesome you are.

I get that you might want to talk about how this outbreak is impacting your niche. And, you might want to give some tips on how people in your niche can respond or survive how this might be interrupting their business. That’s all good. But, one episode. Not a month's worth. 

If you simply must talk COVID, use one of your other outlets like your newsletter, social media, or even create a bonus episode that you can delete later. Because someday (soon, I hope) this will all be in the rearview and you don’t need a bunch of out of place podcasts and confusing the purpose of what you do. 

Stay connected with your fans (especially if you have to take a break) and give them the podcast they came for. 

That’s what they need from you right now. 

Do you need more from me right now? Book a free 15-minute coaching session or binge listen to my podcast tips. 

Whoop, whoop, re-er, re-er, re-er… sound effects in your podcast can be annoying or effective. It all depends on whether you’re doing it right.

SFX can be fun but they can also derail a podcast, piss off your listener or just sound cheesy (which might be fine, if it’s intentional or ironic). There is a right way and wrong way to use sound effects in your podcast. Do it right and you’ll enhance your listener’s experience AND create better engagement and get more conversions.

So, what am I talking about? You’ve likely heard them in other podcasts. Bells, short music stingers, applause and even the famous Homer Simpson WOO HOO! Done right, they communicate a mood, tell your listener where you are in the show, or, in some cases, bring the listener’s attention back. If you’re not using sound effects, you might want to consider it. But - be warned… it’s a slippery slope. It starts out fun and before you know it, you’ve gone too far and it’s suddenly annoying!

In this episode, I tell you how to navigate that slippery slope. I share why and how you to use sound effects to enhance your show - no matter the format of your podcast.

I remember my algebra teacher in high school. Whenever he lost a student’s interest, he would whip out short piece of chalk from his pocket. (Weird right, I know, but this teacher would carry around pockets of chalk butts. I’m sure he went into the other classrooms and stole them from other teachers.)  Anyway, he use to throw them us, I mean kids who weren’t paying attention, to say “Wake up!” Trust me, it captured everyone’s attention. Heck, even if the teacher missed, we all perked up. I’m pretty sure teachers aren’t aloud to do that anymore, and as podcasters, well there’s the whole ‘laws of physics’ thing that makes it impossible for us to throw chalk stubs but the next best thing is sound effects or audio “earmarks” (and it’s a lot less mean!)

When done right, sound effects can bring your listener’s attention back to you, signify a certain part of the show, or even create an emotion that can help draw your listener in deeper, creating a better connection and memorable moments.

Click play and find out how you can improve listener engagement and enjoyment with SFX. Don’t make me throw this chalk at you!

If you listen to my last episode on AI and Podcasting then you know that we, the human podcast hosts, don’t have much to fear in terms of being usurped by our AI counterparts. At least as long as we keep it authentic and personal. 

That doesn’t mean we have to turn our back on AI. There are a lot of great AI tools for podcasters that can make your job a lot easier. But, if you use these tools poorly, the could have a really negative effect on your brand and even destroy all of that juicy authority you’ve been building for you and your business. 

In this episode, I share a few of the tools you might want consider and I include the gremlin-level warnings about how not to use them. And, I also reveal some of the AI tools I’ve been using for a long time (without ruining my brand). 

Here are some of the AI tools I use:

https://chat.openai.com/

https://revoicer.com/

https://otter.ai/

https://hikeseo.co/

https://www.kapwing.com/

It’s probably easiest to go through the process of producing an episode and talk about how AI can help or hurt along the way. 

Topic Generation

Language modeling and language processing AI like GPT-3 (Chat GPT is a popular free option) can generate a variety of topic ideas for your show. You can also use SEO AI tools to find topics that are in demand and will help your website’s SEO. The caution here is to make sure you don’t lose sight of the intention of your podcast and how it serves your listener. The most SEO friendly topics may be of no interest to your niche. You know your show and your audience better than AI. 

Script Development

There are so many tools you can use at this level from having AI completely write your script to simply using a voice-to-text AI to capture your thoughts the moment they come up so you can edit the script later. I use Otter.ai to capture my thoughts, it transcribes the recording instantly, and then I have something to start with when it comes to writing my script. 

Gremlin Warning – If you haven’t already discovered this, you soon will. AI can write your entire script. Do not do this. I repeat. Do. Not. Do. This.  Here’s why:

• AI will never capture your voice properly
• AI is pulling from information that can be biased or inaccurate
• AI doesn’t know when to incorporate your amazing stories and anecdotes
• AI is regurgitating everyone else's ideas and you, my brilliant podcaster, are a thought leader who has amazing opinions and ideas of your own. Don’t fall for this AI trap!

Synthesized Voice

Yes, you can get AI to voice over your entire podcast (for example, Revoicer). But, is that why you got into podcasting? Isn’t your show about building trust and authority with your potential clients… how are they going to feel when they find out they’ve been listening to a robot? There is one cool option here…multiple languages. If you’re branching out globally, you could have AI translate and record your script in multiple languages. Just know that there could be mistakes and if you don’t speak the language, you might not catch them. But, your listener will. 

Editing and Mixing

AI editing has been around for a long time. I’ve never been a fan. It has gotten better but I’m still not a fan. Here’s why – you are editing the text document and it will suggest removing the ums, ahs, stumbles, breaths… basically everything that makes you sound human. If you want to sound like a robot use AI editing. By the way, I’ve had people tell me that they find certain podcasts hard to listen to because it makes them feel uneasy. It’s the AI editing! AI can create and add some really interesting music and sound effects. In my experience, it’s not much of a time saver but it can be fun. Make sure you’re doing it to enhance the episode for your listener not just to have some fun. 

Publication and Promotion

There are so many AI tools you can use to publish and promote your podcast. AI can give you a hand with an SEO title, it can write your description, help you out with show notes, and even come up with some catchy and visual social media posts. AI can also turn your podcast into a video (either the full episode or a promotional snippet). You can also use it to schedule posts, automate engagement, create and optimize ads, and analyze your promotional efforts. It’s a deep, deep hole, I mean well of possibilities. 

If you want to tap into AI for promotion, you’ll likely be combining various tools. I keep it pretty simple using Kapwing for promotional videos and I’ve started using ChatGPT for suggesting SEO titles. 

The Final Warning!

There are so many options it’s tempting to take the easy road and have AI do all the things. But don’t. AI is a great tool but you are still the one responsible for everything that is published on your podcast. So, never rip and read as we used to call it in radio. Don’t accept what AI generates as a finished draft. Re-write content. Re-design social posts. Check everything AI has created for you. 

The most important thing is to not lose sight of why you created this podcast in the first place and who you are creating it for (ahem, your listener). You don’t want to take any AI shortcuts that could compromise your integrity, your authority or their trust in you. 

Want to know how to stand out as a spectacularly human host in the age of AI? Check out my last episode to discover why AI hosts will never replace real, live, human podcasters.

And if you don’t believe me, check out my 100% AI podcast I recently shared as a bonus. 

Book your FREE 15-Minute Podcast Coaching Call

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Picture this. Your listeners are sitting in a basket suspended over the shark infested water. There is a laser that is slowly slicing through the rope holding it up. You have thirty seconds to turn off the laser. Wouldn’t you do everything in your power to turn that damn thing off?

Your intro is how you save them. It’s how you stop them from plummeting away from your podcast (aka hitting stop and going to check out some other podcast that doesn’t suck) and sticking around to become adoring, lifelong fans.

Okay, okay. I’m being dramatic. What can I say - I love a good Bond plot. But, losing listeners because you don’t have a solid intro should feel a bit like a high stakes situation. All too often, new listeners (and even die hard ones) will decide if an episode is worth their time in the first 30 seconds. If you don’t hold on to them, they’re gone.  Possibly for good.

You get it, right? Intro = important. Good. In episode 004 I explain the 2 things you need in your podcast intro - the one that doesn’t change from episode to episode. In this episode, we move on the your episode intro which is specific to your topic of the day.

I’m going to walk you through the 3 elements of an effective podcast episode intro. I’ll explain how the three P’s will ensure that you grab your listener right off the top and keep them listening well into the juicy middle parts of your podcast.

For more info on crafting a good intro, check out Episode 32 (The Art of the Tease) and Episode 23 (Does Your Professional Intro Turn Off Listeners?).  And if you want specific feedback, buy me a beer and I’ll have a listen.

I love to talk to people about podcasting, and people love to tell me about their favorite podcasts. They also love to tell me what they hate about podcasting - which I also love because it gives me insight into the listener experience.

You remember… the listener the whole reason you podcast?

The other day, I was chatting with a buddy and of course, the conversation turned to podcasts. He wanted to tell me all about his absolute favorite podcast. He loved the content - the host was well informed, brought on great guests, and asked interesting questions. The host seemed to have a whole lot of access to an exclusive group and my friend was pumped about this.

But, he said sadly, he doesn’t listen to it anymore. Canceled his subscription. Refuses to tune in - no matter who’s on the show.

Can you imagine that? Someone loves your podcast - goes out of their way to rave about it - but doesn’t listen anymore.

Can you guess why? No, the podcast didn’t shut down - it’s still pumping out episodes. No, the host didn’t tweet something offensive or get caught in some #metoo scandal.

The reason is simple. The audio was C R A P. Yep, my friend couldn’t stand the show anymore because it was literally too hard to listen to. He wanted so desperately to tune it each week but every time he did, it ended in frustration.

And then, it started to make him mad. It was like the host didn’t care about him as a listener at all - like the host was just recording these interviews for himself and never gave a second thought to who was listening. Oh yeah, this guy gets cheesed off every time he thinks about it now.

So, if you think your a-may-zing content is going to save you - you’re wrong.

If you’ve been noticing a download plateau or your podcast isn’t growing the way you thought - it might be your audio quality. You might be just like my friend's favorite podcaster - losing listeners who LOVE you. Don’t be the best podcast nobody listens to.

In this episode, I’m going to help you aim low. I’m going to tell you exactly what the bare minimum of audio quality is so that you never lose a fan because they can’t stand to listen.

I mean, I’d love if you aim higher… but let’s start with the basics and make sure you’re meeting the minimum requirements of a listenable podcast.

By the way, if you follow my 25-point pre-record checklist, you’re definitely going to be aiming higher than the bare minimum.

Visit get my FREE 25-Point Checklist here:

http://podcastperformancecoach.com/067-this-is-the-bare-minimum-you-need-to-reach-in-podcasting

You’ve launched your podcast. Congratulations! Your friends and family think it’s terrific.  They’re probably just being nice. I’m Tim Wohlberg. I’ve been in the broadcast industry for nearly 25 years and I hear podcasts differently. It’s my superpower.  Find out how you can use my superpower to create a better podcast each and every time you hit record.

What would make your podcast better next year? Here are my top 4 tips on how to reflect to get better results from your podcast. 

You want results, right? 

Okay, then let’s get into it. 

I released this episode right before the end of 2021… but don’t lump me in with all of those ‘new year's resolutions’ types. That ain’t me. 

But, I will admit. This time of year does serve as a good reminder to reflect on what you’ve done so that you can revamp and get the results you’re looking for. 

In this episode of Just One Tip, I’m sharing my top 3 (okay 4, since you’re counting) tools for reflecting on how your show is doing. And, by ‘how your show is doing’ I mean, how well your show is delivering on your specific KPIs. If you’re going after audience growth, how are your downloads? If you want to develop loyal fans, how’s your engagement? What about leads? Traffic to your website? Invites to speak? Sales? Offers of unconditional love… look, I don’t know what you’re going for here… so judge for yourself. Look at yourself. That’s why it's called reflecting!

Here’s how I CAN help. Here are my top 3 key things you should be reflecting on about your podcast so you can get results. 

1. Check Your Stats for Traction. There are four places I like to look to determine which shows had the best traction: 

• Titles (which titles generated the highest plays)
• Topics (what were listeners loving)
• Time (what length of show generated the most plays)
• Talked About (which episodes were the most shared). These four things will help you determine what you should be doing more of in the new year. 
• BONUS: There are a lot of SEO tools you can use to help you determine which shows drive the biggest results but one simple option we like to use is Google Search Console. This helps us understand the keywords that are working in delivering new listeners to the website (and podcast). 

2. Customers and Clients. If you’re podcasting for your business, then reviewing your clients for the past 12 months can really help you align your podcast… or re-align it as the case may be. Do you know who you want to be talking to (and is it who’s showing up)? Take a look at your client list. 

• If they’re just the kind of clients you want to attract? Keep doing what you’re doing. 
• If they’re not the kind of clients you want, adjust your content accordingly.
• If they’re finding you through your podcast, hiring you because of the podcast, or see your podcast as proof that you know what the hell you’re talking about, HUZZAH, your podcast is working.
• If your podcast is not attracting clients, building authority or serving as social proof… you need to revisit what you’re doing!

3. You. Yes, it’s time to check in on you. Ask yourself, ‘how you doin?’ This is especially true if you’ve been podcasting for a while. Are you showing up 100% for every episode? Is the passion still there? Are you doing everything you can to serve your listener? Are you letting little things slip (Oops, I was talking into the wrong mic, oh well… good enough)? You might want to actually listen to a few episodes for this reflective exercise. 

Now, here’s the hard part. It can be hard to objectively reflect on your own podcast. I mean, you’re in it. It’s your blood, sweat, and tears. It’s your baby. That’s why I offer my free 15-minute coaching calls. I can be the truth-teller you need to hear. I can hold up that mirror. I can help you see what’s right in front of you so you can get out of that rut and get the results your looking for (and your business needs) from your podcast. 

Yep, that’s reflecting tip #4. ME. All you have to do is click here to access my calendar and book your free 15 minute coaching call. More clarity is just a click away, book your free 15-minute coaching call in the show notes of this episode or by going to podcastperformancecoach.com.

Let’s get you set up for success with your podcast. 

Book your FREE 15-minute coaching call here:

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

Don’t need my help but LOVE all of the fresh and tasty tips I deliver? Subscribe already! Why would you ever want to miss an episode. I mean, each episode literally makes your show better! 

Subscribe now. (in this player)

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Don’t be fooled by the podcast gurus who love to throw this out as a way to start the show. “Tell us about yourself” is not a question and it’s definitely no way to start an interview!

Look, I’m not calling anyone out here - unbunch your panties, folks. There are a lot of podcasters who do this. But that doesn’t make it right. In fact, it’s flat out wrong! I suspect that someone started doing it and then a whole bunch of people decided to copy this bad habit.

Nobody on tv or radio does this except for game show hosts.

I’m not going to hold anything back - if you’re doing this, you need to stop being so lazy, you need to start showing your guest some respect and you definitely need to be delivering better content to your listeners!

Uh-oh. Someone’s ego is getting bruised. Look, it’s nothing personal. It’s a common mistake. But, stop now, okay?

If I can’t spank you into complying, listen to some logic. Who’s show is it - your’s or your guest’s? Okay, so who’s in control when you lob them the “tell us about yourself” softball? They are. They can say whatever they want now. They can start talking about their belief in a trinity of alien goddesses. They might sing a tune. They could share inappropriate stories about their kid’s hot teacher. They probably won’t but here’s the thing - you can’t stop them. You left the door wiiiiide open. Why would you do that? Isn’t this your show?

Good - so get back to interviewing your guest with proper questions. You know, the kind with a question mark on the end. Doesn’t that sound like a better idea?

Still not convinced? This podcast has even more reasons you need to ditch the lazy lob balls and start asking proper questions - just like the pros.

Think podcasting is just for B2C? Think again.

I break down 5 powerful ways to use your podcast as a B2B marketing tool. From building authority to closing deals, your podcast can do more than you think—if you do it right.

Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode:

1. Build Authority: Show up consistently and share your expertise to position yourself as the go-to expert in your industry.

2. Borrow Credibility: Feature respected guests to signal you're playing in the big leagues and expand your reach.

3. Boost Discoverability: Use SEO and social media to make your podcast easier to find and enhance your online presence.

4. Build Trust: Nurture relationships with your ideal clients through consistent, valuable content.

5. Close Deals: Incorporate your podcast into proposals and showcase episodes as social proof to seal the deal.

You’ll also learn why keeping your podcast listener-centric is critical to its success as a marketing tool and how to align your show with your business goals for maximum ROI.

Episode #222:

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/222-generate-quality-leads-podcast/

Ready to make your podcast the ultimate tool for authority, trust, and sales? Press play.

Check out the Podcast Tune-Up Program

or learn more about Concept to Casting Podcast Launch Program on my website:

 PodcastPerformanceCoach.com.

Are you doing a good job at preparing your podcast guest to give a great interview? If you answer yes because you send them your questions in advance then we need to talk!

As a seasoned talk radio expert, I'm here to tell you that this is a sure fire way to zap all of the fun and spontaneity out of the conversation.

But fear not, my friends. There are still ways to prepare your guests without ruining the flow of the interview. In this episode, I'm sharing my top tips on how to get your guests in the sweet spot of being perfectly prepared for a killer interview that feels like a natural conversation.

First things first, you want your guests to know who they are talking to - your audience! I prescribe to listener-centric podcasting, meaning everything you do on your show is for the benefit of your listeners. So, let your guests know who your audience is and encourage them to aim their information directly at them.

Next up, the topic. Help your guest prepare by letting them know which specific part of their expertise you'll be tapping into. Give them a basic outline of the conversation, just enough so they get a sense of the flow. This will help them feel more comfortable and confident in their answers.

Lastly, give your guests all the specifics around the recording and what to expect once they connect with you. Be super clear about your tech requirements, because no one wants their guest to show up on their phone talking through a Bluetooth mic as they shop for bags of chips. Let them know how long it will take, and how you run your recording session. Gathering their social channels and other info ahead of time will make things run more smoothly. Note - never hand over the reins of your show by opening the self-promotion floodgates.

Preparing your guests for a podcast interview doesn't have to ruin the fun and spontaneity of the conversation. By following the tips I share in this episode, you can get your guests into the sweet spot of being perfectly prepared for a killer interview that feels like a natural conversation. Your guest will feel taken care of, you'll feel more in control of your show, and your audience will get what they came for - great content, well-delivered. Tune in to this episode for all the juicy details!

See Full Show Notes:

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/178-how-to-prepare-your-podcast-guest-to-get-the-best-possible-interview/

Book Your Free 15-Minute Podcast Coaching Call:

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

When people hear I’m a podcast coach they want to know, ‘is it worth starting a podcast for my business?’. 

The answer is: maybe. Timing is everything and it totally depends on where you are in your business development. 

In this week’s episode, I cover when to start a podcast for your business - and when NOT to start a podcast for your business. 

So, should you start a podcast for your business? Here is question number one in figuring that out. 

Are you actually a business? I’m not being smug… okay, maybe a little bit but really, have you met me? 

What I mean by that is, are you making money or are you still at the idea stage of your business? Do you have systems in place to deal with community engagement, leads, and sales? You want to be in business before you can start using podcasting as a marketing tool. 

There are three key reasons this is important. 

1. Podcasting takes time and/or $$. If you take on podcasting as a marketing tool, you are signing up for 4-5 hours per week of work (for a weekly podcast). Or, you will need to have support like a producer, editor, or show notes writer (which costs money). So, if you are not already in business - podcasting is going to take time and resources away from critical steps in building your business. Now, if you have a big team and money to burn, then go for it! Start your podcast as you build your business. 
2. Podcasting is most effective when it’s intentional. There are a lot of brand-building benefits to podcasting - increase your visibility, your reach, your authority, your SEO and boost that know-like-and-trust factor as you grow your community. BUT, podcasting is most effective when you can use it to guide your listeners along a customer journey. What I mean is that you have something beyond the podcast to help them get the results they’re looking for. This usually means you have a place for them to transform from fan to lead to customer. If you don’t have your business ducks in a row, it’s pretty hard to be intentional with your podcast. 
3. Podcasting isn’t instant coffee. You can’t just start and expect a jolt to your business. I remind people all the time that podcasting is a long game - usually a year before you see BIG benefits. So, if what you need is sales tomorrow, you need to advertise or network or run a promotional campaign - not start a podcast. Podcasting delivers amazing results for people if they stick with it. Yes, it helps with SEO - over time. Yes, it helps you generate leads, grow your community, and makes sales easier - over time. Now, there is one instant thing that comes with having a podcast - authority. Just having a podcast does look good (looks even better if the podcast sounds good) but the longer the show’s been around, the better that authority is. In other words, your authority grows over time. 

So, is it worth starting a podcast for your business? Heck yeah - if you have a business.  And, if you have the time and/or the resources to do it right. And, if you know what you want your podcast to DO for your business... then the answer is YES - it is worth starting a podcast as a marketing tool. 

Okay - did you pass the test?

Is it time for you to start a podcast for your business? Listen to Episode 77 for my quick tips on how to start a podcast right.

Or, book a free 15-minute call with me to find out how I can help get you from concept to casting. 

You’ve probably heard of a producer. And, you probably know that there are a lot of different types of producers - especially in the world of media. You have an executive producer, a line producer, a technical producer, an associate producer… the list goes on. 

But, have you heard of a podcast producer? In this episode, I explain what a podcast producer does and if you might need one for your podcast. 

The first thing we need to clear up is the job of a podcast producer. I could be a real ass here and say ‘a podcast producer produces the podcast!’ but I won’t. 

There are actually a lot of ways to describe a podcast producer and, it should be noted, that not all podcast producers do the same things. It really depends on the style of podcast they are working on. 

For example, a podcast producer working on an NPR style show is going to be doing something very different from a producer who is helping an entrepreneur create a show that serves to increase their authority and sales. 

So, for the sake of simplicity (too late, Wohlberg!) let’s say a podcast producer is responsible for the consistency and flow of the show in the general sense and on an individual episode basis. 

The producer is going to be responsible for choosing a good topic, finding the right guest, screening that guest and making sure that the host has all the information they need.

They make sure the content or interview flows smoothly and serves the purpose that was intended when the producer booked the guest or picked the topic. They will also likely make sure that the show sounds good, that all of the promotional elements are in place (which may include coordinating with the people writing show notes, emails, and social media posts about the episode). They are the glue that holds it all together. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: This seems like a good time to point out that an editor is not a producer and a podcast coach is not a producer. Your coach may help you develop your show or improve your show, they are not going to be responsible for the creation of each and every show. (For more on a coach’s role, check out Episode 140 - What’s a Podcast Coach)

In some cases, a producer is part of the team that a production house will provide to a podcaster. This is a service that some podcasters like because everything is handled by one company and most of the people are in-house (or at least in the loop). The producer is the one that coordinates everything.

Okay, now that we’re clear on what a podcast producer is and is not… the big question is, do you really need a podcast producer? 

A lot of podcasters start out on this journey alone which means they are doing everything themselves. If this is you, remember to put the producer hat on once in a while. That means, stepping back, looking at the big picture and possibly adjusting your plan. 

If that’s not happening and the little things are starting to fall through the cracks, you may want to consider outsourcing a podcast producer - especially if you are podcasting to grow your authority and build your personal brand or business. 

Speaking of business, let’s look at the ROI of a producer. 

You’ll have a positive ROI if that producer is going to significantly increase your listenership by picking better topics, bringing in better guests, preparing those guests, and arming them with promotional material to help spread the word. You’ll also have a positive ROI if the producer helps to ensure that your show serves your listener and contributes to listeners becoming customers. These can be tricky things to measure but they are worth considering. 

Here’s one more consideration, and it’s the big one. Will having a podcast producer free up your time so that you can focus on income generating tasks or selling more widgets?  Consider that in your ROI equation. 

Ultimately, you should hire a podcast producer if the time you spend coordinating your podcast  is eating into your ability to make more money or scale your business.

Hiring a producer can take your podcast to the next level and help it fulfill its intention to boost your authority and convert with ease. 

Want to know what I think of your show? I’m not a producer but I can help you determine if you need one. Book a free 15-minute coaching call. 

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Got a Question? Contact me:

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

When you turn on your mic, who do you picture your listening? Who, exactly, are you talking to? If you don’t know, chances are your audience isn’t as big as it could be.

We weren’t all born with deep booming voices but that doesn’t mean we can’t make the most of what we have. In this episode, I walk you through a couple of great exercise to make sure your voice is warmed up and sounding great before you hit record. Put your spandex on, grab your sweat band and let’s pump up those flabby vocals with my podcasting voice workout.

How does your podcast make your listener feel?

If you just shrugged your shoulders, we have a problem. Here’s a newsflash - your audience wants to have an emotional reaction to your show. They want to feel something.  If they get to the end of your podcast and nothing… well, don’t count on them coming back (or bothering to contact you for whatever service you’re promoting).

In this episode of Just the Tip, I share the one question you can ask to help your interviews resonate better with your listeners. Yep, just one simple question that will take your interview from dry and boring to deep and moving.

Be honest, which would YOU rather listen to? Of course you’re going to pick the not boring option! Who wants to listen to dry and boring? Nobody!

That’s why I’m sharing this tip - this one question that can transform your interview skills. By asking this one question, your guest is going to be more relatable and their message is going to mean more.

Now, if you’re a solo podcaster, don’t fret. I’ve got a trick for you too. This tip will help you find a deeper level of connection in your own storytelling and make you more personable to your audience.

Wow, right? One question can do all of that? Yes, indeed. So, don’t miss out. Hit play and then hit me up on social media or email and let me know how this episode made you feel.

Speaking of feelings, if your podcast journey is making you feel angry, anxious, frustrated or confused - take advantage of my free 15 minute coaching call. But remember, I’m not a psychiatrist… I’m just a podcast coach.

P.S. Did you know that I offer a 25-page blueprint to creating an engaging podcast that attracts fans and converts them into customers? I do and it’s FREE. Grab it here.

Feeling podcast burnout?

You’re not alone. Learn how to take a break from podcasting without losing momentum or disappointing your listeners.

Taking a vacation or enjoying family time shouldn’t mean letting your podcast audience down. In this episode, I share two powerful strategies for repurposing content, so you can keep your show running even when you need a breather. Whether it’s for the holidays, a summer break, or just a hectic week, these tips will save you time and keep your listeners engaged.

Here’s what I cover:

1. Republishing Old Episodes (with a Fresh Spin): How to bring back fan favorites with a new intro and outro that make them feel relevant and fresh.
2. Creating Patchwork Episodes: Collect past golden nuggets and turn them into “best of” content with curated themes, saving you time while delivering tons of value.
3. Batching “Break” Episodes: Plan ahead so you’ve got content ready for those busy weeks or much-needed vacations.

Plus, I explain why repurposing content isn’t just about saving time—it’s about showcasing the best of your podcast while staying consistent for your audience.

If your back catalog feels more like a pile of “meh” than “must-listen,” I’ve got you covered. Check out the Podcast Tune-Up Program to realign your podcast with your business goals and create episodes that are always worth revisiting.

Ready to learn how to keep your podcast alive while taking a break? Hit play now!

Resources & Links Mentioned:

1. Podcast Tune-Up Program
2. Episode 122: Learn about podcast content themes.

Hey you. Yeah, you. I’m talking to you. If you’ve listened to my podcast before then you know that I’m always talking to you. Just you. Wanna know why?

If you want to build a better relationship with your listener, you need to be talking to them individually. I’ve talked about this before (give episode 29 a listen) but I’m bringing it back up today for two very good reasons.

One, I was inspired by an interview I heard with a radio industry veteran who was retiring after 50 years on the radio. 50 YEARS! You don’t get to be on the radio for 50 years unless you build a relationship with your audience. He mentioned in this interview that he felt a real connection with each and every listener. And, he knows they feel that way too.

His secret? You guessed it - he always talked to just one listener.

In the podcast biz (especially in the podcast for profit biz) we get caught up in a lot of these digital marketing tricks to convert more listeners. This episode is here to remind you that the real ‘trick’ to converting listeners into customers comes down to good old fashioned customer service - and that means talking to your listener on a personal level.

Think you can do that? I know you can. And, I also know that once you do, you’ll see a big improvement in the relationship you have with your audience.

Nothing beats 1:1 connections. That’s why my 30 Days to a Better Podcast is just you and me working together to make your podcast awesome.

Connect with me today and in just one month, you’ll have a better podcast - guaranteed.

Here’s a link to the full CBS interview with Don Imus:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/don-imus-the-sun-sets-on-his-morning-radio-show/

Get your PODCAST TUNE-UP now!

Podcasting seems like a fun idea and what-the-heck, it’ll be great for my business. 

After speaking with hundreds of podcasters, I’m convinced that this exact thought is what lead them to start their podcast. 

And I agree. 

It is fun. 

And it can be great for business. 

The problem is that most podcasters stop thinking about their business as they double down on the fun (or frustration) of podcasting. 

And then, they’re 12 or 20 episodes in and realize it’s taking up a whole lot of time and maybe money to create this podcast and it doesn’t seem to be helping the business at all. 

Huh!

Here’s the no B.S. Truth… Most podcasts are not aligned with their business and that is why their podcast - if it remains unchanged - will never be anything but a way to steal time and money from the business. 

Good news! It can be the other way around. It can be a great way to grow your authority. To increase brand awareness. To deliver qualified leads. And, it can be a great way to bump up those sales. 

But, your show has to be aligned to your business. 

Not sure if I’m talking to you? Here are 5 sure signs that your business and podcast are NOT aligned. 

1. Your Goals Have Never Met. You have goals for your business. You may have created goals for your podcast. Unfortunately, if your two sets of goals have never been introduced you could be in trouble. Aligned podcasts have goals that are part of your business goals. These podcast goals are directly related to what you are trying to accomplish with your business. You can clearly see how accomplishing your podcast goals directly contributes to reaching your business goals. So, if you don’t have podcast goals or you’ve never integrated them into your business goals, there’s a good chance your podcast and business are not aligned. 
2. You’re Measuring Distance with a Scale. What the heck am I talking about? You think I’m not making sense? Okay, let me break it down for you… if you measure your success in business by how many leads you get or what your revenue is, then you better have a KPI with your podcast that is related. Your business KPIs and your podcast KPIs have to be related. I can’t tell you how many podcasters I talk to who can’t tell me the relationship between their download numbers and their products sold. That’s because you’re trying to measure with the wrong tool! If your podcast and business don’t share key performance indicators… you may be misaligned. 
3. You’re Fishing in Different Ponds. This one is easy and yet, I meet podcasters all the time who have never considered this. Your podcast listener should look like your ideal customer if you want a podcast and business that are aligned. In other words, your customer should be a listener if you want your listener to be a customer. This requires you to know who you’re talking to in your podcast (and who your ideal customer is, too). All too often, podcasters are drawing in listeners who would never be customers and that means that they're fishing in the wrong pond. 
4. Your Show Art and Your Corporate Logo Aren’t Related. Your podcast show art doesn’t have to look exactly like your corporate branding but they should feel like siblings, or cousins at least. What I mean is that if you have, for example, soft colors and serif fonts on your corporate or personal brand, then you don’t want to go with bright, bold colors with san serif, all caps, extra bold on your podcast branding. You want them to feel like they belong at the same holiday dinner table. If my number #3 clue was ringing true; it might because your podcast branding and corporate branding are attracting different people. Put your two logos side by side… if they don’t feel the same family, then take it as a sign that your podcast and business are not aligned. 
5. Getting Invites to the Wrong Parties. One of the best things you can do to grow your podcast audience is to appear as a guest on other people’s podcasts. But, if you’re being invited and they don’t want to talk about your business, or they tell you their audience isn’t interested in that - then there is a good chance that you’ve been building your authority in the wrong space! Oh, and by the way, this is a you problem not a them problem. They’re getting their cues from your show. So, if they’d love to have you on to talk Daddy-rights and they ‘we’ll see if we have time’ you on the Checklist for Pool Maintenance, you’ve probably got a business/podcast alignment issue. 

I wanted to share some of these common signs I see when podcasters reach out to me for help with their podcast. These are just a few of the key clues that your podcast and business are not aligned. It’s easy for these things to fall out of alignment or to never have been set for alignment from the start. 

And, it can make continuing to create a podcast for your business very difficult. I’ve seen how stressful podcasting can become when you don’t have any ROI. I’ve seen so many podcasters on the brink of quitting because they can’t figure out how to get their podcast into alignment with their business so that it is the powerful marketing tool they hoped it would be. 

This is exactly why I created the Podcast Tune-Up. It was to look at some of the key places that podcasts slip and stop performing. Or, in a lot of cases, never manage to perform at all. The Podcast Tune-Up is a quick 6-step process that you can go through on your own or with me to turn your podcast into an authority-building, leads-driving, sales generating machine. 

Which is a whole lot better than it being that thing you dread doing but don’t want to quit either. 

Often, all it takes is a quick tune-up to turn your podcast from a time and money drain to a key piece of your sales and marketing system. 

Want to get your podcast revving like a souped up hot-rod? Grab instant access right now. 

******* PODCAST TUNE-UP *******

https://members.podcastperformancecoach.com/podcast-tune-up
***********************************

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Want to know a quick way to lose a lot of listeners? Assume they know what you’re talking about. Talk over their heads and they’ll be hitting delete lickety split.

In this podcast, I explain a few simple ways that you can avoid making your audience feel dumb. Because, who likes to feel dumb? Look, they already know you know more than them - or at least they hope you do since that’s why they are tuning in - but that doesn’t mean you have to rub it in their faces. You may not even know you are doing it but they’re feeling it.

I’m not saying you have to dumb things down - not at all, what I’m saying is that you have to smartly use the tricks I share in this podcast to help your listener feel taken care of. To make sure that they feel like they are a part of the conversation not someone who woke up from a college bender smackdab in the middle of an astro-physics lecture.

This all comes back to my main message - be listener centric. They are the reason you do this thing so don’t make them feel like they are lost in the conversation, bring them along and give them a few hints so they can keep up and learn from you - the rockstar podcaster.

Your interview is too long. I mean, it’s waaaay longer than your normal interviews. 

This has happened for one of two reasons:

1. You lost control of your guest and let them run rampant with your show (see episode 63 How to Save Your Podcast from Hijackers). 
2. You were so caught up in the moment with your amazingly interesting guest that you lost track of time. 

Either way - you’ve failed your listener!

Yep, I said it. You stopped thinking about your audience and now you expect them to suffer through a way too long episode just because you failed to think of them first. 

Fear not - we can still save your show, share all of the juicy goodness from your guest, and keep your listener happy. 

What magic do I speak of? The Interview Time Warp ™ ← just kidding, it’s not trademarked but credit me if you use it, okay?

The Interview Time Warp is a technique that allows you to cut giant chunks of time out of your interview without leaving anything out. 

Here’s how to do it: 

1. Identify a section of the interview that, while interesting (I mean, you’re a rockstar interviewer, right) can be summed up easily. Cut that chunk out. 
2. Sum it up. Write a short script that speaks directly to the listener explaining the key points of that section. Now, add a sentence that sets up the next answer from your guest. 
3. Record your Time Warp script and replace the chunk you cut out. Your time warp is now like a bridge over the section you removed. 
4. Boom! Pat yourself on the back - you are a podcast time-traveler. 

Okay, let me give you an example. Your guest finished a salient point. You give it a breath and then come in with your time warp, “The conversation took a turn here and we spent the next twenty minutes talking about XYZ. My guest shared these three key tips (1, 2, 3). Then I asked her …” 

Simple and sexy, if I do say so myself. And the best part, you can do this more than once if you need to. (If you’re hitting double digits on the time warps, you REALLY need to consider working on your interview skills!)

Two More Mind-Blowing Ways to Use The Interview Time Warp

1. Lead-in with a time warp. This happens all the time - you start the interview and it takes a while to get to the really good stuff. There’s no podcast law that says you have to start at the beginning. Sum up how the conversation started and jump right into the solid gold. 
2. Reconstitute the lost content. The interview section that you extract doesn’t have to be lost in space - you can repurpose it as bonus content. Depending on the action you most want listeners to take, you might offer it as part of your Patreon library, share it with newsletter subscribers, have the full version or transcript as a lead magnet, or available on your youtube channel. If your goal is to get more people to your website, then you could have this bonus content in your show notes. 

The main thing to keep in mind here is that you need to respect and value your listener. And that means, delivering a consistent show that serves their needs. They come to you for the goods, don’t make them ride that skip button or, gasp, listen at double-time just to get through your over-extended conversation. 

Speaking of time travel, if you want to make a hyperjump in getting results from your podcast, I can help. It starts with a free 15-minute coaching call with me. Access my calendar here to get the flux capacitor fired up...

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

This is how I generated it.

I used: https://chat.openai.com/ .  Free to use (at the time of this episode).

PROMPT

Write a podcast script for an ai generated voice about how podcasts can be 100% ai created and nobody would ever know. tone is a bit sarcastic.

Then I added: write it again with more sarcasm.

Next: Write the description that should be published on Apple Podcasts along with this episode, include a note that this episode including this description were 100% Ai-generated.

Result:

In this episode, we explore the potential future of podcasting where AI takes over the role of human hosts and curates content. Is it possible that AI-generated podcasts will be indistinguishable from human-made ones? We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this technology and the question of authenticity in podcasting. Tune in to find out more. Note: This episode and its description were 100% AI-generated.  (Too short in my opinion).

I used https://revoicer.com/ for the voice-over. Basic membership.

Check out:

175 Will Podcasting Survive the AI Invasion? How Human Podcast Hosts Win Every Time

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/175-will-podcasting-survive-the-ai-invasion-how-human-podcast-hosts-win-every-time/

Follow because in my next episode I’m going to share what AI tools you can and should be using in your podcast production process and which ones you should stay the hell away from! I’ll even reveal what AI tools I use – some of them for years! 

Book your FREE 15-Minute Podcast Coaching Call

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

The podcast world is always evolving and it raises a lot of questions. Almost instantly after Apple Podcasts sent out a notification about their new subscription service, emails started flooding my inbox. 

My podcast host clients were filled with questions like:

• Is Apple going to start charging people to listen to my podcast!?!
• Should I be charging people for my podcast!?!
• How can you be so sexy and be a kick-ass podcast coach at the same time!?!

That last one had nothing to do with Apple’s email but I get that question a lot and I NEVER dignify it with an answer.

So, to answer the questions not focused on my status as a podcasting sex-symbol…

No, Apple is not going to start charging people to access your podcast. That would be a really bad look for them. 

But, they did announce a new option for podcasters to choose to charge listeners for access. There are a couple of ways you can take advantage of this including all paid content, freemium content (without any ads or designated extra content), or continue to offer our podcast for free. 

Which brings us to the MOST important question… should you charge listeners? 

First, let me point out that charging for access to your podcast is nothing new. It’s always been an option. Apple jumping in with this new service is just making it seem like something we should be considering more carefully. 

So, should you charge your listeners?

Here’s my take. It depends on the purpose of your podcast. 

If you are podcasting as a business (meaning your main business plan is to earn revenue by selling your audience to advertisers) then charging subscribers might be a consideration. It depends on how loyal your audience is. Are they willing to pay or would they rather sit through an ad and let the advertisers pay? 

If, on the other hand, you are using podcasting as a way to grow your authority so you can develop a relationship with your audience, create loyalty so that when they buy (a product or service) they wouldn’t dream of buying from anyone but you -- in that case, I say no. 

Think about it, all the work you’re doing building a relationship with them and then you want to charge for admission to the friendship? Is that going to help them know, like and trust you? Will they be excited to also pay you for your product or service after you charged them to listen? Is your information or entertaining banter really that much more interesting and exciting than a gazillion other podcasts out there for free? 

Are you in the business of podcasting or is podcasting a tool to help you grow your business? 

I would say, don’t chase the pennies of a subscription if your podcast is supposed to help you land the big dollar clients. 

But, every show is different and every strategy has its pros and cons. So, as a business owner, you have to decide for yourself. Take a look at your business plan and your marketing strategy and see if or where a paid subscription fits in. 

If you decide to stay on the free side, know that there is nothing you need to do. Apple is not going to start charging your listeners. Their experience with you and your show won’t change after Apple opens up the subscription option this summer (2021). 

Phew, you can relax. 

But can you? In order for your podcast to do a good job of attracting and nurturing potential clients, you have to have an intentional podcast that is aligned with your goals. 

If you’re scratching your head and thinking something like, ‘what is this too-sexy-for-podcasting coach talking about?’, well then, I invite you to book a free 15-minute coaching call with me. In just one quarter of an hour, I can help you diagnose and re-align your podcast to your goals. 

Click here to access my calendar and book your call right now.

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Got a Question? Contact me:

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

The Top Mistakes Podcasters Make Using Music

Have you ever been at a bar or party where the music is really loud and it’s a struggle to have a conversation? It’s annoying but part of the party experience. When it’s part of a podcast experience it’s just annoying.

Music can be a really important part of your podcast. But let me be clear. Nobody, I mean nobody, showed up for the music. Unless your podcast is about music, your music should be used only as a background or to set the tone (quickly) so you can get to the good stuff.

Yes. Even when your music is awesome.

I’ve had people email me and tell me that they literally have a little dance they do to my theme music. Which is fantastic. It’s exactly what you want.

But, I’m going to go out on a limb here and say there are some people who hate my music. Luckily, they never have to sit through much of it before I get to the content they actually tuned in for.

In this episode, I cover what your music should be and what it should not be.

Your music should NOT be:

• The first entire minute of your show (I’ve heard this more than once. Yes, I can skip but is that really what you want people doing at the beginning of your show?) Keep it to 10-15 seconds just to set the tone.
• So loud that your listener is straining to hear what you’re saying. You know, that whole party listening vibe – it does not belong in your podcast. Mix that shit down!
• Used as a random cover up. I called a client out on this recently. He confessed that he’d thrown some music in to cover up the fact that there was a lot of background noise. Boooo! Re-record. Your listeners will be confused and you’re just being lazy. I said it. 
• Played for the duration of your podcast. This may just be me but I can’t stand when I faintly hear music in the background constantly fighting for my attention. Unless you are doing a guided meditation of something, the music is not helping to set the tone – it is just distracting.

Don’t let this scare you off from using music in your podcast. Music can play an important role. It can set the mood off the top and be a bit of musical branding. I like to think that love it or hate it, when you hear those first few beats of my theme music, you know where you are and that you’re about to be served a quick podcast tip with a side of smartass.

I also recommend music to close out your podcast, kind of musical bookends, but be careful about this because it may trigger your listener to turn your show off prematurely. Don’t put any important info after your end-of-show music.

And, don’t be afraid to get creative. Use music to punctuate a point, to signify a change in topic or to reset your interview. 

Episode 008 - The Reset

Episode 082 - How to Pick the Right Podcast Music.

In short, you want music but you want to manage your music. You want that music to enhance not distract.

Remember, your show is not for you, it’s for your listener. Think of them (and the fact that they may not have the same musical tastes as you) when you are carefully peppering in the tunes.

Need some help making sure your podcast is serving your listener? Book a free 15-minute coaching call with me. 

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Got questions? Ask me anything at

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

I can geek out about gear with the best of them. What I can’t do is stand by while podcasters go so far down the podcast equipment rabbit hole that they risk never emerging (or launching their podcast). 

I see a ton of posts in podcast groups about which mic, which cables, which mixer, which editing equipment will lead to podcast-glory. I’m here to pull you out of the podcast equipment weeds. To grab you by your little cotton tail and rip you out of the hole. 

Newsflash: Equipment is not the most important part of your podcast. And, it certainly isn’t going to make or break you (as long as you have the bare minimum). 

If you’re spending all of your time worrying about your equipment then I hope you are either: 

1. a) the host of a show about podcast equipment 
2. b) a total hobby-podcast who does this just for the love of talking shop with other podcast geeks
3. c) a host with buckets of loyal listeners and sponsors

If that’s you; carry on. 

The rest of you - smarten up. All of this gear-obsessing is just a distraction from what you really should be obsessing over. Um, your show content and doing the work to make sure that people actually hear your show content. 

I know, I know. The gear is the fun part. But, if you’re podcasting to grow your business or you’re hoping to make your podcast your business then you need to focus on the stuff that is actually going to move the needle. 

Here’s what matters. Your listeners. Your content. Your marketing. 

Daaaamn, coach. 

Here’s the gear that will get you to where you need to go: 

Mic: Audio Technica ATR2100

Host: Libsyn

Editing Software: Audacity

Go to my resource page listing all these with details and links!

If you’re waiting to start your podcast because of equipment needs, if you’re spending hours in Facebook groups talking about the latest gear (and you’re not in the above mentioned categories of podcasters), if you’d rather blame your gear than do some serious marketing then this episode of Just the Tip is your kick in the pants. Plus, I give you a few marketing ideas to boot. 

Now, don’t let me catch you back in those podcast equipment weeds! 

Ready to stop blaming the gear and focus on your content (and performance)? Want to start a podcast for your business the right way? Hit me up for a free 15-minute coaching call. 

Or, check out my 30 Days to a Better Podcast Coaching Sessions or my Concept to Casting done-with-you podcast development program. 

Make Your Mic Matter: My Top Podcast Microphone Picks

Your microphone is the most critical piece of podcasting equipment, yet too many podcasters are using the wrong one—or using it the wrong way. In this episode, I’ll help you choose the best microphone for your podcast, no matter your budget.

We’re talking about:

1. Why your microphone can make or break your podcast.

2. The truth about the Blue Yeti and Joe Rogan’s Shure SM7B. - If it's too late and you already bought the Yeti - WATCH THIS video on how to use the YETI properly - https://youtu.be/0W7B7kxQdmc

3. My top 3 microphone recommendations for beginners, intermediate podcasters, and pros.

Plus, I’ll share tips on how to optimize your sound with simple tweaks to your recording environment and technique. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade, this episode will help you sound like a pro.

Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

1. My Recommended Microphones

2. Free Coaching Call

Invest in your podcast’s success and discover how the right microphone can elevate your sound, your authority, and your impact.

Let’s make your mic matter!

Ready to upgrade your podcast mic setup?

Check out my recommendations and get started sounding better today.

Whether you’re podcasting everyday or once a month, you may find yourself wonder what they heck you’re going to talk about next. Don’t panic. Even the pros go through this.

What I’ve learned from some of the best producers in the radio biz is that there’s always an idea out there. It might not be a new idea but there’s always a way to make it fresh. And, inspiration is out there if you know where to look.

In this episode I give you 5 great ways to pull amazing show topics out of your butt. And, if your butt isn’t performing magic, then I tell you a few other places to look - like your old shows, your influencers and social media channels and (prepare for a shocking revelation) the outside world.

What makes coming up with show ideas so challenging is we get into ruts. If we have interview shows, it might be that we get lazy and just book anyone who asks to be on the show or the first one to say yes. It might be that we feel like something worked really well, so we just do more of the same (until we’re so sick of the same we’re ready to quit!)

Here’s the biggest secret. Getting out of our ruts isn’t just easy - it’s fun. And, your listeners will love you for it.

So, whether you’re in a slump now, you’ve ever been in a slump or you’re a human being (we all get into slumps at some point), check out this episode. Make sure to bookmark it for later so you can come back to it when that idea well runs dry.

P.S. You don’t even need to be in a slump to get value out of these tips on finding inspiration for amazing show topics. Check out tip #3 which is key to improving your engagement with your audience!

How niche can you go? How niche should you go? And, how do you pull it off? 

Niching scares the crap out of podcasters. I think they’re afraid that if they target a smaller audience, they’ll have a small success. If you still think this way, check out the case study in my last podcast. Or, maybe it’s the only thing they’re afraid of is that they won’t become pod-stars with millions and millions of followers. 

Okay, if you’re prepared to get over yourself and take advantage of the power of the niche then let’s talk about how to pull it off successfully. In this episode, I outline two easy ways to narrow your podcast so that you can build a more loyal and engaged audience. 

1. Niche Down Your Topic

The first option in niching your podcast is to shave a few inches off your topic. Just, trim the fat a little. So, this might look like going from having a podcast about pets to having a podcast about dogs. Or, having a podcast about cars to having a podcast about American-made cars.  As you can see, it would be easy to continue to niche down from here. You could take a podcast about dogs and make it a podcast about herding dogs or lap dog. Go a little smaller and do a podcast about french bulldogs or Aussiedoodles. Yes, you can get very small and there may be a rabid audience for it. Oh, sorry bad word to use when talking about dogs. 

The niching can get even smaller. You could go with Aussiedoodles in Arkansas, Skipping Rope for Charity, or Fixing Ford trucks built in the 90s. Get specific about the ‘what’ you talk about and/or add in a ‘where,’ ‘why’ or a ‘when’ to get even more niche. 

The thing is, if you hyper-focus your topic, you become more of an authority for that very specific thing. And, remember my analogy from last week? Everyone would rather get a pizza from a restaurant that only makes pizza because you know they KNOW pizza! 

2. Niche Down Your Target Audience

The second option is to find a subsection of your current or original target audience. Every audience has a smaller group within it. The most obvious way to niche your audience is by demographics (age, gender, ethnicity, location, marital status) but you can also niche down according to psychographics like religion, beliefs, or desires.  

Another option is to find a shared experience for your audience like men who went to business school or anyone who loves to bungee jump. 

You guessed it, you can keep niching this way too. Maybe it’s men who went to Harvard business school or Christians who love to bungee jump. How about Christian women in their 20’s who love bungee jumping and have an MBA. Too niche? 

You Can Niche Too Far

Yes, it is possible to niche too far. Although, if you want to feel really good about hitting your goals, you could create a super nichy niche podcast like ‘podcast for my mom’ and then when you have 1 download per episode you’re crushing it. I mean that is if you’re the kind of person who write ‘make to-do list’ at the top of their to-do list just so they can check one thing off. 

So, how do you really know if you’ve niched down too much? 

Here are a few ways to check. 

1. You can’t come up with 50 episode topics.
2. You research the new topic or sub-avatar group and there just aren’t enough people who qualify.
3. Someone tried before and had to up-niche to make it work. 

If any of these are true, you might want to go one level up in your niching. Remove one of the limiters to your audience or your topic. 

It is possible to have a very successful niche podcast. It’s hard to focus on limiting the appeal of your podcast but when you get it right, you’ll discover the power of niching and end up with a much more loyal and engaged audience.  

Need some help niching? Or, maybe you haven’t started your podcast yet and you’re just realizing that your idea is WAY too broad. I’m happy to help. Hit me up for a FREE 15. That’s a free 15 minute coaching call with me, your podcast performance coach. Access my calendar on  https://podcastperformancecoach.com/ and book a time that works for you.

The Podcast Lesson I Learned from a Burly, Tattooed Biker

You’re out there minding your own business when suddenly you come face to face with rather large, tatted up biker who forces you to see things a different way. 

This literally happened to me in my twenties on a long stretch of mountain highway. It’s an incident that has stayed with me for many decades because it taught me a huge lesson. In fact, it was that paradigm shift that I share with you in this episode. 

Click play to hear the whole story but let me cut to the key point. 

Too often as entrepreneurs we think about what we do. And we talk about what we do with our potential clients as if that is what they want to hear. 

Basically, we are minding our own business. 

What we should be doing is minding their business. We should be thinking about things from their perspective. 

If you want your podcast to be successful, this is the simple paradigm shift you need to make. You have to ask yourself how if feels for your listener. 

And, I don’t mean how great it feels to have your sweet voice in their earholes. 

I mean, how each and every topic you share feels for them as it relates to their life, their problems, their experience. 

If you have guests, it’s your job to step into your listener’s shoes and ask the questions from their perspective. Feel what they feel and ask the question they would have. 

I talk a lot about listener-centric podcasting. This is the crux of listener-centric podcasting. Think and feel from their perspective. 

Making this paradigm shift could be the thing that saves your podcast and turns your podcast into an authority-buidling, revenue-boosting machine. 

When you put you’re listener-centric (and putting yourself in their shoes), you serve them better. When you serve them better, they will subscribe and click play on each episode. Every episode they listen to, they are getting to know you better. The better they know you, the more they trust you as an authority. The bigger of an authority you are to them, the more likely they are to hire you. 

And that whole chain reaction starts with a paradigm shift. Don’t share what you know. Share how what you know, feels and affects your ideal listener. 

You feel me?

If you’re not sure how to do that, I get it. Many of my clients struggle at first to make this paradigm shift. But, working with me gets them where they need to be. If you want some help making the shift and turning your podcast into an authority-buidling, revenue-boosting machine, let’s talk. 

Book your FREE 15-Minute Podcast Coaching Call

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Got a Question? Contact me:

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

Should you put ads in your podcast if the whole point is to increase your authority and drive traffic to your business?

Normally, it's a steadfast Heck No from me but I've got one caveat: dynamic ads.

In this episode, I explain how dynamic ads can increase your podcast ROI without compromising your message or your brand integrity.

Many of my clients have made the switch and it's given me a lot of insight into how to optimize this tool while staying on track with your podcast mission.

Here are the best practices that I share (in greater detail) in this episode:

1. Be Intentional: Avoid ads without a purpose.

2. Keep It Short: Engage without interrupting.

3. Make It Fun: Connect with your audience authentically.

4. Regular Updates: Keep your dynamic ads relevant.

When you get this right, you can serve your audience without selling them. And that is going to mean that you are also serving your business. Don't let third-party ads compromise your brand; leverage dynamic ads that guide your fans to the next step...with you!

Needs some support aligning your podcast to your business?

Visit https://PodcastPerformanceCoach.com

Book your FREE PODCAST COACHING and elevate your podcasting game.

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

In the past few years, starting a podcast has never been easier. That’s a problem. You say, starting a podcast may be easy but sounding good, well, that takes a bit more effort. 

And so, we now have a giant steaming pile of crap sounding podcasts. Is yours one of them? More importantly, is your ‘it’s so easy to start’ podcast hurting your brand because you haven’t learned how to actually use that equipment you use to abuse to cobble together your show? 

Okay, okay. I’ll take it easy on you. Good on you for going for it and getting your show out there. Now, let’s fix it before it does some real damage to your reputation and brand! I mean, do you really think someone is going to want to work with you after you assault their eardrums? 

Oh, right. Be nice. Okay. How about this? How about if I share my top 5 tech tips to help you sound like the authority you want to be? 

Top 5 Best Tech Tips for Podcasting

1. Get a Microphone and Headphones.

You’re not a podcaster if you don’t have a microphone. I said it. It’s the one and only piece of equipment you need to have to be a podcaster. If you want to be taken seriously, I’d also be getting the proper pop screen or wind sock to go along with it to reduce your plosives, a proper mic stand so you’re not handholding your mic, maybe that looks like a boom arm and you also want a decent set of headphones. Not earbuds. Wired headphones you can put over your ears so you can hear the REAL quality of your show. The background noise, your lip smacking, your guest’s dog breathing on their lap (this is a real thing I heard on a podcast once!). Want some advice on equipment? Pop over to my resources page for what I recommend. 

2. Learn Good Mic Technique

Expensive microphones don’t fix poor technique. Production rule #1 -- shit in is shit out. So, now that you’ve got a mic, you need to know how to use that microphone. I see so many podcasters on YouTube using their mics wrong. They’re literally talking into the wrong part of the mic. You can sound incredible with a $100 mic that you use properly with good mic technique and an ideal environment. Your hollow, thin, echoey audio is not your mic’s fault. You may just need to make a few adjustments in how and where you record. 

3. Use the Right Software (and Practice)

If it’s just you and you want a free editing program I suggest using Audacity. It likely has more tools than you’ll ever use if you’ve got clean audio going into it. Remember, you will get better at editing if you stick with and continue to use whatever software you pick. If you interview people on your show, you have a few options (pop over to my resources page to see the recording platforms I recommend). If you’re still using Zoom consider upgrading. There are way better options that provide studio-like audio quality. And the great thing about these platforms is that you have the video option too. It’s nice to be able to see your guest for a more personal conversation and you can also grab a short video clip for an episode promo. Which reminds me, check out my Top 5 Podcast Marketing Tips too.

4. Get Professional Help

You’re a smart cookie. You can figure all of this out… but should you? So often entrepreneurs get caught up in learning everything that they lose track of how much time they are stealing away from their business, clients, or family. Yes, one of my top 5 tips for better tech is to hire someone who already knows what they’re doing. You can hire an editor, a producer, or even someone to help out with the promotion of your show. You will still have to master tips #1 and #2, but life will get a lot better (and your show will sound a lot better) if you back away slowly from the rest. 

5. TEST

For the love of Sam. Test. Test your audio, and test your guest’s audio. It takes less than 60 seconds and you could save a whole lot of grief. Let me paint a picture for you - you have an incredible interview with someone who was really hard to secure for your podcast and listen back only to discover that you both sound like you're talking from the hull of a ship. Everyone’s done it. So what do you do? Reschedule? Guests might not like that, so you don’t even ask. Lie and tell them you lost the recording - covering the fact that you had the wrong settings. Or, *grimace* you just publish this crappy audio and embarrass yourself, piss off your guest, and lose your audience. 

Here’s a better picture: Just hit record, say or ask your guest what they have for breakfast and press stop. Download or save the tracks and listen to it. Are you both on mic? Is it celan? Test complete. Everyone wins. 

The audio quality of your show speaks volumes about the quality of your brand and your business. Raise the bar, because good enough doesn’t cut it anymore.

Want to know if it’s not cutting it? Book a free 15-minute coaching call with me and I’ll put your show through the ringer. Let’s click around on some of your episodes to see if we can improve anything. Your audio, your guest’s audio, the mix, editing… this is playtime for me, I love doing it. Don’t deprive me of this!!  Book your Free 15-minute coaching call.

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Got a Question? Contact me:

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

**Jerk-Alert** Fair warning… in this episode, I share 5 things you should be doing to ensure you get the best possible audio from guests on your show … but I can’t promise I’ll be nice about it. 

Here’s what happens all the time. Podcasters focus on their own audio quality (and they should). They get the best mic they can, they pad out their room, they drape themselves in blankets… they go to extreme lengths to make sure they sound great for their listener. 

Awesome.

But then they let guests show up on their podcast and deliver pure crap directly into their listener’s earballs. Ouch. 

Why would you do that to your listeners? 

Instead, follow these tips for securing the best possible sound every time. Yes, this will require a small amount of effort before you hit record, but it’s worth it. 

Here are the 5 things you can do to improve the quality of your guest’s audio:

1. Choose the right platform to do your recording (especially if you are connecting via video). Hint: make it ABZ - Anything But Zoom
2. Use your eyes and ears to scan the environment. Hunt down sounds that can come up and ruin your interview audio. Think kids, cats, dogs, pens, jangly earrings, and phones. 
3. Shut the hell up during your interview. All of the re-affirming is destroying your guest’s audio. They’re doing fine, they don’t need all of this encouragement. Nod if you must. 
4. Solidify your connection or strengthen your wifi. You can’t expect great audio over the internet if you don’t have a great internet connection. 
5. Get them ON the right MIC! There are a lot of things that technically qualify as ‘a mic’.  You want to be demanding that they pick the right one. In this episode, I demonstrate how cheap mics, earbud mics, and onboard laptop mics sound so you can hear how crappy they are. I also help you coach your guest in making the most of a bad (mic) situation.  This mini-coaching session before you start your interview is critical if you are trying to make the best of the situation you’ve been dealt (i.e. the guest said they have a mic but it’s a pile of crap). 

I can’t say this enough. You are making your podcast for your listener. As in, not your guest. So, do your job and demand better from your guests. Ooops, sorry, slipping back into the jerk zone. 

Just tell your guest that you want your audience to hear every perfectly clearly so they don’t miss a thing. Everyone who agrees to be on a podcast WANTS to sound good… so help them, and help your listener, and help yourself. Everyone wins. 

Want more tips on sounding better? Let’s connect for a free 15-minute coaching call. Grab a spot on my calendar: https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

By the way, I mentioned a few platforms that out-perform Zoom when it comes to recording podcasts. They are: 

Squadcast.fm  

Riverside.fm 

Zencastr.com

How did you picture podcastland before you started? Did you dream of being a magical podcaster who never makes any mistakes? Welcome to the real world. 

Sure, all new podcasters know that they have a lot to learn (at least they should!) but most think that after a short time they will have learned what they needed and move on to making podcasts with ease with only pimple-sized bumps in the road. 

If you’ve been podcasting for any amount of time, you know this is not true. And if you think that other podcasters have it easy and never face challenges, I’m here to tell you *buzzer sound* you are not alone! 

In this episode, I invite you to play a little podcaster bingo with me. Let me list a few common ways we eff-up as podcasters and let’s see who gets a bingo first. 

Join in as we review the heart-stopping, I’m-going-to-quit, curse-inducing mistakes podcasters face. 

If you’re just starting out (or you haven’t yet) this should be an eye-opener. If you’ve been at this for longer than a minute, this episode will hopefully remind you that as a podcaster, you’re human. And, that’s okay. 

In fact, it’s great because that’s how we grow as podcasters! 

So, whether you think you're perfect or you know you’re a hot mess, this episode is your reality check. 

Correct me if I’m wrong - after all, I can’t sit here telling you that you can make mistakes if I can’t make ‘em too! 

Ready to yell BINGO? Share your podcast oopsies with me. Click on the orange tab on the right handside of my website to leave me a voice message. https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

There are three types of podcasts. Do you know which one you have? You better, or you could be doing a disservice to your audience and wasting your time and money.

There are three types of podcaster

1. Hobby Podcasters
2. Professional Podcasters
3. Marketing Podcasters

That’s it. So, which one are you?

The answer to that question can be found in your intention. What is the podcast supposed to do? This goes back to your why (for more on that check out episode 61) - why are you podcasting?

If it’s to build a community, share your love of a topic with other like minded people, doing it because it seemed like fun, or just straight up show off your knowledge (Ma, look what I can do) then you are hobby podcaster. Now, don’t make the mistake of thinking that being a hobby podcaster is a bad thing - IT’S NOT! Some of the best podcasts out there are hobbyists. This is a perfectly good lane to be in and it can be a lot of fun. Maybe, the most fun.

If your intention with the podcast is to have such a large audience that you can monetize through sponsorships and merch sales then you are a professional podcaster. Your podcast is your product. Your intention is to make money by reselling your content or association with your content. If you’re in this lane, you’re in the company of the likes of Joe Rogan and Marc Maron.

And finally, if the purpose of your podcast is to sell products or services you offer, then you are a marketing podcaster. That is, you are engaged in content marketing and podcasting is the way (or one of the ways) you execute that strategy. This could mean that you share content that will encourage people to buy your offer, set you up as an influencer or thought leader, build brand awareness, or otherwise move the needle on making more sales.

And yes, you can change lanes. It does happen. But here’s the thing, it’s trickier than you think.

First, you need to know which lane you’re in to start with. And second, you need to intentionally change lanes… carefully. Otherwise, you’re just a maniac swerving all over the podcast highway!

Oh, and those people swearing at you being an idiot… those are you listeners. Or should I say, former listeners.

You see, there really is a good reason for knowing which lane you’re in. In this episode of Just the Tip from your Podcast Performance Coach - I explain what that is. And, how to safely navigate your way from one lane to the next.

So, click play. Next stop, Podcast Bliss.

Can you guess which type of podcaster I am? You got it - I’m in that third lane. Which is why, I’m taking this moment to remind you that if you need help figuring out your lane or navigating your way down the podcast highway, I’d be happy to help!

Check out my 30 Days to a Better Podcast coaching package. Or, if you haven’t started your podcast journey yet and you want to set out with a full tank of gas and your GPS locked and loaded, book a 15-minute call with me and ask me about my invite-only Podcast Development Launch program.

If you're a podcaster who's stuck in a rut or you feel like your traction has hit a plateau, this episode is for you. Also, if you're a podcaster who's never been stuck in a rut - this episode is also for you because it's coming. Mwahhaha.

Today’s tip is all about escaping the podcast plateau. If you're feeling stuck and like your show is going nowhere, it's time to do something different.

I've noticed that a lot of podcasters who hit a plateau end up thinking they just need to push harder with their calls to action, sell more on the podcast, and ask for more from their listeners. While it's important to help your listeners take the next step, sometimes this approach can come off as pushy and make your audience feel like they're being sold to rather than served.

Recently, we helped a client who was in this exact situation. She was about 40 episodes in, and while she had a ton of great information to share, she had hit a plateau and wasn't seeing any growth. She spent the entire show trying to monetize it by selling directly from each episode, but nothing was happening.

Through our work with her, we identified five key things that helped her get back on track:

1. Getting clear on her 'why' and focusing on growing her email list rather than just selling on the show.
2. Niching down further to better position herself within the photography landscape of podcasts.
3. Adding structure to her episodes to make them more consumable and valuable to her listeners.
4. Improving her performance by speaking at a more natural pace and editing in more pauses.
5. Upgrading her mic and improving her sound quality to match her level of expertise.

If you're feeling stuck on your podcast plateau, I encourage you to take a step back and look at these five areas. Remember, sometimes it takes a fresh perspective and a professional coach to help you get out of a hole and start seeing results again.

If you're interested in learning more about our Podcast Tune-Up Program, head over to PodcastPerformanceCoach.com and take a look. I'd be happy to help you get back on track and reach your podcasting goals! 

Check out the PODCAST TUNE-UP here:

https://members.podcastperformancecoach.com/podcast-tune-up

Full Show Notes:

 https://podcastperformancecoach.com/179-stuck-in-a-podcast-rut-heres-how-one-client-got-out/

Book a FREE-15-MINUTE Podcast Coaching Call

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

Gather round the campfire, podcasters, I have an f-bomb laced story for you. 

Be honest, when you read that sentence, did you actually picture a campfire? 

Of course you did, you’re human. And, that’s what we humans do. We use our memories to fill in the gaps that words leave. And, we’ve been doing it since caveman times. You know, like before we even had podcasts. 

Speaking of the times before podcasts… and before Netflix and TV, there was only radio. Radio used to be the main form of communication and entertainment. Back then, actors performed radio plays which made plays or stories much more accessible to the masses. They used to refer to these radio plays as theatre for the mind. Nobody ever saw these actors, but everyone who listened could describe the characters to a T. The creative mind filled in the blanks. 

And, people loved it. In fact, it was kind of like a rush. 

You see, the brain actually releases dopamine when the Amygdala gets triggered - and you know what triggers the Amygdala? It’s memories, emotion, and creativity (aka stories).

Are you starting to see where I’m heading with this? 

Let me spell it out for you. Stories are good. People like stories. People get a rush from stories and those stories get locked into their brains. When stories get locked in, the storyteller does too. If you are the storyteller, dear podcaster, you’ve just wedged yourself into your listeners brain and they liked it. 

Ta-daaaa!

Now, if you’d like to hear this in action… and hear a story positively laced with f-bombs, then click play and delight you amygdala. 

Next week, I’ll explain exactly how YOU can use stories effectively in your podcast - no matter what kind of podcast you have. 

What’s that you say, you don’t have a podcast yet? Well, hit me up for a free 30-minute discovery call and I’ll tell you the story all about how you crafted a perfect podcast to promote your business. Click here.

You thought podcasting was your shortcut to authority, right?

But are those endless interviews REALLY serving you or your listeners?

Let's face it, interviews feel easy. But are they getting you closer to your goals? This episode cracks open the truth about why solo shows might be your podcast's secret weapon.

We'll explore why interviews can be a crutch, and how focusing on solo episodes can help you:

1. Become the Authority: Showcase your own expertise and build trust with your audience.

2. Connect on a Deeper Level: Speak directly to your listeners, instead of ignoring them like a fly on the wall.

3. Boost Engagement: Craft laser-focused episodes that resonate with your target audience.

Nervous about going solo? Don't worry!

I'll share a winning formula to keep your solo shows simple, engaging, and results-driven. I even share a mini-case study of how this worked for one of my clients.

If you decide to keep interviews as part of your plan, I've got some top tips for interviewing guests that won't leave your listeners feeling left out AND build that listener relationship while showcasing your expertise.

So ditch the interview crutch and get ready to connect with your audience on a whole new level.

Let's make your podcast the marketing tool it was always meant to be.

Need Help?

Get on my calendar for a FREE PODCAST COACHING SESSION

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

Or visit

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Podcast guest exchanges can be a powerful marketing strategy — when done right. You've probably heard about the benefits of exchanging guest appearances, but let's face it, it's not always smooth sailing. In this episode, I guide you through the intricacies so you can optimize guest exchange opportunities, without wasting your precious time.

So, what exactly is a podcast guest exchange? It's when you invite someone to your show, and they reciprocate by inviting you to be on their show. It's a mutual sharing of audiences. But beware, not all exchanges are a match made in heaven. Here are a few mismatches to watch out for.

Mismatch Flag #1: Ensure your guest exchange brings value to your audience. Your audience is your currency, so don't jeopardize their trust by featuring someone who doesn't have something of value to offer them.

Mismatch Flag #2: Consider if the other show's audience aligns with your content. It's a two-way street – make sure you can provide value to their audience, as well.

Mismatch Flag #3: Evaluate the quality and size of the other podcast. Yes, this is a tiny bit of podcast snobbery but if you don't have all the time in the world then this is important. A significant audience gap or a mismatch in niche and quality could impact the success of the exchange.

If there aren't any mismatch flags then here are a few more tips to get the most out of the guest exchange.

Before you dive in, define your goals. Are you looking to grow your audience, leverage someone else's authority, or align with a specific niche? Knowing your objectives will help you assess each offer strategically.

Remember, not every proposed exchange has to be reciprocal. If it doesn't align with your goals, it's okay to decline.

Be clear on expectations, especially around promotion, to ensure a fair and balanced collaboration.

And here's a pro tip: clarity in communication, including email correspondence, is key. Whether you're pitching or receiving requests, setting expectations upfront ensures a successful exchange.

The key to satisfying guest swapping is going in with open wide eyes, having a clear goal, and a discerning mindset. Your podcast is your brand, and you don't want to compromise it just to get on more shows.

You don't have to say yes to every opportunity; prioritize quality over quantity.

If you found this tip valuable, hit that follow or subscribe button. It lets me know you're serious about podcasting.

And if you're podcasting for your business or considering starting one, check out my coaching packages to kickstart or revamp your show. Visit my website for all the details or book a free coaching call.

FREE PODCAST COACHING CALL

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

COACHING

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Are you wasting your listener’s time with pointless play by play commentary of your podcast? In this podcast I explain why you need to cut it out and ‘get on with it!’

How many expletives have you unleashed during the act of podcast editing. I’m guessing a lot. I still let them fly and I’ve been editing audio for almost three decades. 

Editing is no joke. It can be frustrating, time consuming and if you let it get to you, it can be the death of your podcast-affair. 

Lots of podcasters decide to edit their own podcast when they start out. And they should. I’m a firm believer that you need to understand the process if you are going to be a podcaster. And, if nothing else, it forces you to listen to your own podcast. 

Once you’ve done that, if you can afford to hire a professional, then definitely do. It will save a tonne of time and frustration (and maybe even your marriage). 

That really should be tip #1. Outsource your editing. That could be the only tip you need. Okay… I guess we’re done here. 

All right, if you insist on editing your own podcast - I have three really good tips that will save your bacon for sure. 

Tip 1 - Save Your Original File

This is just good file hygiene. After your record, BEFORE you start editing, save the original file then copy it and work with the second file. I go over my actual file saving protocol in this episode but I can tell you that if you were to get a peek at my filing system, you would see in THIS episode folder 090-editing-tips_RAW and 090-editing-tips_EDIT.  The RAW file is the original recording and it is sacred. I never touch it - except in an emergency and even then, that is only to duplicate it again. 

Tip 2 - Editing is a Two-Hander

If you are only using one hand when you edit, you’re functioning at half-speed. That other hand can be working two. Don’t let half your work force slack off! I explain in this episode exactly what your two hand should be doing but I’ll give you a hint - it involves a mouse and a shortcut key. 

Tip 3 - Save Your Work Obsessively

If you saw me editing, you’d think that I have OCD about saving. It’s automatic for me. I don’t wait until a break in the action, I save as I go. Constantly. And you should too. You never know when a power outage or some kind of computer gremlin will cut your session short. Saving as you go will save so much more than your work. I’m talking sanity, time, and money (that you won’t have to put in the swear jar!).

Say it with me. Ctrl S, Apple S, Ctrl S.

You don’t want creating your awesome podcast to become a total pain in the butt just because editing it is a nightmare that you dread. Use these super simple, sanity-saving editing tips to keep the podcast love alive (and your podcast too). 

Want to know what programs I use? Check out my Resources page.

Still in the podcast gates and want to start right? Hit me up for free coaching call and let’s talk about your podcast-to-be. Click here to find a time that works for you.

Tired of people telling you success is all about mindset? Well, too bad because the success of your podcast is 100% on you having the right mindset. If you don't it could kill your podcast way before it's time.

In this episode, I share 7 of the common mindset traps I see podcasters deal with plus I share the one antidote for all of them. As a podcaster, you might find yourself in one or more of these traps so you'll want to find out how to avoid them and escape them. Check out how common these mindset traps are - I bet you'll recognize some!

As a podcast coach, I've noticed that podcasters often get stuck in the trap of perfectionism, which leads them to re-record stumbles or edit out every "um" or "ah." This is not only unrealistic but can also lead to inauthenticity. Sometimes this is triggered by another mindset trap - comparisons. And the spiral continues if this leads to another mindset trap, expectation.

The scarcity mindset, where you feel fiercely competitive with other podcasters and believe that there is not enough to go around, can also kill your motivation to keep going. This mindset trap often goes hand in hand with negative self-talk, another mindset trap.

Having a fixed mindset and dealing with imposter syndrome are two more mindset traps.

Are you starting to recognize some of these mindset traps? Find out how they show up for podcasters and what you can do about them.

It's no wonder so many podcasters give up. If you want to stay out of the podcast graveyard, join me in this episode to learn more about these mindset traps and discover the antidote to all of them. Let's navigate the mental minefield and keep you going strong with your podcast.

Book Your Free 15-Minute Podcast Coaching Call Now:

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

Looking for the links?

CLICK HERE for FULL shownotes and ALL the links mentioned in this episode.

Google Podcasts bites the dust, BUT your podcast can THRIVE!

Discover the YouTube Music magic & explode your reach with my 3 ninja migration strategies. Hit play & future-proof your podcast NOW!

In this episode, I'm giving you everything you need to know about the podcast player shakeup and why you need to be on YouTube Music, like, yesterday.

We're talking:

1. Why Google Podcasts is joining the dodo (and what it means for you)

2. The MASSIVE potential of YouTube Music for podcast domination (think millions of new listeners!)

3. Migration made easy: 3 foolproof ways to get your podcast on YouTube Music in minutes (seriously, minutes!)

4. Bonus ninja tips: Optimize your podcast for maximum discoverability and growth on YouTube Music

Click here for links to all the video tutorials you need to get your show set up on YouTube Music.

Ditch the panic, grab your headphones, and get ready to explode your podcast reach like never before. Hit play and let's future-proof your podcast together!

A Bigger Audience Doesn't Always Equal Success

If your podcast isn't aligned with your business, attracting more listeners isn't going to mean more sales. I can help you get that podcast tuned up and serving your business goals.

It all starts with a free coaching call. Get on my calendar... what are you waiting for?

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Do you like having an audience? Do you want them to keep coming back, episode after episode? Then why are you constantly telling them you don’t have time for them?

Rant warning! Time reference is one of my biggest pet peeves. I hate it when radio hosts and DJs reference time (or the lack of it) and I especially hate it when podcasters references it (it’s not like you have to get out before the newscast or commercial break! You OWN your clock!!).

Tell me if you’ve heard this or said this before. “Well, that’s all the time we have.” Or, how about, “We’re out of time.”

Really? Are you really out of time? What more is there to talk about if only we had more time? Or, are you just too lazy to find a better way to gracefully exit the interview?

If you’ve listened to even one minute of my podcast then you know that I’m all about the listener. Everything you do as a podcaster should be with the listener in mind. So, think about it. What message are you sending to a listener when you cut things off ‘for time’?

Here’s what your listener thinks you’re saying, “I, prominent and super-important podcast host, have no more time to give my listener than this prescribed time despite the fact that the guest has so much more to offer. I have to end things because sticking to time is more important than giving my listener all of the goodies.” Or, perhaps even worse, “I don’t know how to management time or my guest and now I have to short change my listener…”

Oh, you didn’t think you were saying that? You are.

Good news. In this episode of Just the Tip, I help you understand why you’re running out of time in the first place. And, I give you a few easy to use tools that will help you manage your time better, get out of an interview more gracefully (without referencing time), and stop sending unintended messages to your audience that they don’t matter to you.

Sound good? Great - hit play. Do it now. I don’t have all day here…

Speaking of time. If you’d like more of it to work on making your podcast the absolute best it can be - why not let me take editing off your to-do list. I love editing and would be happy to take care of that for you. Imagine what you could do to promote and perfect your podcast if you had those hours you currently spend editing back. Click here to learn more about my editing services.

Or, if you’re wasting your precious time waffling about your podcast let me help. I’m a tell it like it is podcast performance coach! Take 15 minutes to chat with me about what you’re struggling with. Book your free 15-minute discovery call here.

Jayna Marie’s Promotion Plan Generated Massive Downloads in the First 30 Days

It’s the dream. Launch a podcast and instantly have 30,000 downloads. ‘Huge downloads’ is certainly the most common goal I hear in my free 15-minute coaching calls!

The problem is, it’s not a reality for most new podcasters. (And it might not even be the best goal… more on that further down). 

But, one of my clients, Jayna Marie, recently pulled it off. She had an amazing launch for her podcast Big Lash Energy. She got almost 30,000 downloads in the first 30 days of her podcast. 

How did she do it? I thought you might want to know. That’s why I took a bit more time than my usual 5 minute podcast and interviewed her in depth. You can watch this case study interview on my YouTube channel RIGHT HERE

In this episode of Just One Tip from Your Podcast Performance Coach, I break down the key things I learned in that podcast launch case study. Make sure you watch the full video to find out how advice she once got from Lady Gaga inspired this huge launch. 

Here are the top three things that she did that resulted in huge downloads in the first month of her podcast. 

1. Have and serve an existing fan base

I’ll tell you the truth. Jayna Marie came in HOT! She had a really large following on social media. I’m talking nearly 25,000 followers on Instagram. And this was an engaged following. They’re as active as she is. And they’re dialed in. She knows exactly who she’s talking to and what they want from her.

So, if you don’t have a big audience to start, don’t worry about it. But start building it now. Get that email list of yours growing. Get people following you and opting in. 

You do that by consistently serving mad value to your audience and other people’s audiences.

2. Do your research and create a plan.  

Finding out how podcasting really works - talking to some coaches, Jayna Marie did just this. And she’ll tell you this in the youtube interview. I’ve talked before about having a podcast launch party but what Jayna did in the way of planning, prep, and building the hype was absolutely over the top awesome! She put in the work. And she had all of this planned well before we even had her first episode edited.

3. Have a kick ass, quality sounding trailer.

Jayna understood that you only get one shot to make that first impression. So the pressure was on to create something that felt authentically her, that spoke directly to her audience and left them wanting more. It took some time, but we didn’t stop working and tweaking it until we knew it was right. Do this and your listeners can’t help but hit that follow or subscribe button.

To sum up – be listener focused and serve your ideal customer, get strategic, and come out of the gate strong! 

You may not apply these tips exactly the way Jayna did but this will serve you too. 

And, to be perfectly honest, you may not get the same results as Jayna (her podcast is 200% higher than the average!) but you may not NEED to get these results. 

Jayna’s goal was to grow an audience completely unrelated to her existing business. She did not and does not intend for this podcast to be a marketing tool for her make-up artistry business. 

Your goals might be different. If your podcast is all about building your authority as  subject matter expert, growing brand awareness, or serving as a direct marketing tool for your business then you may not need 30,000 downloads in the first month. A tenth of that may be all you need to significantly increase your exposure! 

The need for big downloads often comes from ego. There, I said it. 

But you’re an entrepreneur and your podcast should serve your business needs (not your ego’s). So, make sure you are picking the right metric to measure before you start chasing the huge downloads. 

I've helped many podcasters that don't get 30,000 downloads in a month, and they are just as thrilled as Jayna with the results. 

Here’s why. Their podcast still helps them grow their authority. It still serves their audience. And it serves their business by steadily growing over the years. Their show consistently delivers leads for their business because they are consistently delivering great content, serving their community, and helping their ideal customer. 

Having said that, I hope these tips help you launch with more confidence. Make sure you check out the YouTube video - Jayna is awesome and you won’t believe how BIG she went with her launch (all thanks to that advice she got from Gaga years ago!). By the way, the tips are still relevant even if you’ve already launched your podcast. Jayna is stellar at marketing herself like a star using social media and word of mouth.

Oh, and she has over 120 five star reviews in Canada… give her show a listen to find out why her fans love her show so much. Check out hellojayna.com where you can also subscribe to Big Lash Energy. 

Want the kind of rockstar treatment Jayna got from her podcast coach? Book your free 15-minute coaching call with me.

My YOUTUBE Interview with Jayna Marie

https://youtu.be/4buUN_pWS-s

Big Lash Energy on Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/big-lash-energy/id1624781349

Big Lash Energy on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/4ohuG8vedihPkZPwBmeb0Q

Jayna Marie’s Website

https://www.hellojayna.com/

Jayna Marie’s Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/jaynamariemakeup/

https://www.instagram.com/biglashpodcast/

Libsyn Stats: (2020)

https://bit.ly/3yuVFv3

—-----------------

Book your FREE 15-Minute Podcast Coaching Call

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Got a Question? Contact me:

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

You have a podcast growth strategy right? You know that plan you have for attracting an audience full of your ideal customers? 

Here’s the problem, most podcasters either don’t have a growth strategy or they are borrowing pieces of other people’s growth plans. 

Or worse, they suffer from fomo when they hear about other podcasters getting big download numbers. They beg for their secret with a desperate hope that there is some kind of cookie cutter plan they can follow for quick and easy success. 

Stop the insanity! 

And, check your ego. 

Chances are, the only reason you want big download numbers is so you can brag about them. But, if you’re podcasting for your business, that huge audience of yours probably isn’t what you really need. 

In most cases, the entrepreneurs and business owners I work with don’t need hundreds of thousands of listeners -- they need qualified leads that turn into real sales. Which *newsflash* doesn’t always come from a big audience. 

I’ve talked before about not obsessing over your vanity metrics, so I won’t go on about that again. Worrying about the number of downloads should really only be relevant to you IF your podcast is your main business (i.e. you plan to sell your audience to sponsors). 

In this episode, I focus on what you should be doing to grow your podcast if you’re podcasting FOR your business. No, wait - scratch that. What you should be doing to grow your business using your podcast as a marketing tool. 

You see, too many podcasters think that podcast growth is about how big the podcast gets, but the paradigm shift I want you to make here is that your podcast growth should be around the KPIs that matter to your business growth. 

So, for example, you could be looking at leads generated from the podcast or sales (made easier due to your boosted authority thanks to the podcast). 

In both of these cases, it’s not going to be the total number of listeners that matter, it’s that the right people are listening and taking action.

You want quality over quantity when it comes to your audience. 

Just look at other forms of digital marketing for proof of this approach. It’s not how big your email list is, it’s how good your open rates and clickthrough rates are. It’s not how many followers you have on social media, it’s how engaged they are. 

As an entrepreneur, you want the right listeners more than a lot of listeners. 

So, when it comes to having a podcast growth strategy, make sure it’s aligned with your business growth strategy. 

When you accept this, you’ll stop comparing yourself to other podcasts. You’ll stop begging podcasters with big audiences for their ‘secret’. And, you’ll focus on the metrics that matter most to you so you can judge your growth plan on the numbers at the bank instead of on a podcast distribution platform. 

Want some help getting your podcast growth plan aligned with your business? Book a free 15 minute coaching call with me right now. We’ll talk about YOUR podcast (or your podcast idea) and YOUR business to come up with a custom plan for growth. 

No cookie cutter strategies allowed. 

Tim Wohlberg

Podcast Coach

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

You want action? You better ask for action. And you better ask right! I'm talking about the keys to dropping an effective call to action in your podcast.

You know, it's surprising how often I come across podcasters who either skip or mess up the call to action in their shows. So, let's fix that!

I've talked about the importance of the Call to Action before but today, I'm arming you with the tools you need to make your CTAs more effective. There are three critical components to include in every CTA: Why, What, and How.

First up is the "Why." Don't underestimate the power of this part. If you want your listeners to take action, you must tell them why. What's in it for them? Remember, it's not about you; it's about what benefits they'll get. If they understand the value they'll gain, they're more likely to act.

Next comes the "What." Never assume your audience knows what action to take. Be crystal clear about the specific action you want them to perform – whether it's visiting your website, subscribing, downloading, or anything else.

And finally, we have the "How." This is about going the extra mile to explain precisely how to take that action. A simple "download" won't cut it. Be detailed and make sure they know the exact steps to follow. When you provide clarity, your listeners will feel taken care of, and that's what we all want, right?

Now, here's a little secret: your call to action isn't always about sales. Sure, it could be, but it doesn't have to be every time. Match your CTA to the content of your episode, and you'll see better results. Context is key!

When you listen to this episode, pay attention to how seamlessly I weave my CTAs into the conversation. They are relevant to what I'm discussing, making them feel like natural next steps for you, the listener. No pushiness, no awkwardness – just logical next moves.

So, here's your challenge: incorporate CTAs where they make sense in your episodes. Tell your audience why they should act, what action to take, and exactly how to take that acton. I guarantee you'll see way more action!

Speaking of action, a recent client praised me for being the only podcast coach who offered actionable advice during a free coaching call. He loved that I was all about action. If you love action too, and you're ready to elevate your podcast, visit podcastperformancecoach.com and click the big orange button to book your free 15-minute coaching call with me.

And, don't forget to check out those two other episodes on powerful CTA's.

Here are the links I promised.

Click here:

Episode 102 and Episode 39

BOOK A FREE PODCAST COACHING CALL

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

Getting on other peoples podcasts is one of the most effective ways to promote your show and reach a new audience. It’s the number one thing I coach my clients to do when they are looking to grow their audience and increase their downloads. 

But there is a right and a WRONG way to go hunting for an invitation. In this episode, I share a recent letter that I got asking to be on my show (which they claimed to love and listen to all the time). 

If you’re a fan of my show then you already know why I have no worries that they’ll ever hear me shaming them on my show!

Bad examples aside, I’m here to give you the tips! 

So, in this episode, I also give you the things you should do if you want to be successful in getting on other people’s podcasts. 

Guide to getting on other people’s podcasts. 

1. Select podcasts that make sense for your area of expertise. 
2. ACTUALLY listen to a few episodes (at least get the gist of their show - like find out if they actually have guests on their show!)
3. Connect with them before you pitch. Social media is good for this but you might also want to check their website to see if they have an application process.
4. Pitch a topic that will serve THEIR listeners. Show off the fact that you’ve actually listened to their show. 
5. Let them know how much you plan to promote your appearance. You know, offer to scratch their back a bit. 
6. Don’t blow smoke up their ass. Don’t tell them you love their show if you haven’t been listening for more than a minute. Keep it real. 
7. Follow up… but not in a canned way. 

And most importantly, don’t be overly templated and don’t blanket inquire. Yes, you might land a few appearances but dollars to donuts - these are not the quality shows that will actually give you results. 

Take the time to find a good fit, do your research, make a solid pitch and you’ll see the quality audience boost you’re looking for. 

Oh, and one more thing. This is not a quick return strategy. Good podcasts plan weeks if not months in advance. You won’t be pitching a show and then be on their next episode… and if you are, you might want to question the caliber of that show. Just saying. 

Getting on other people’s podcasts can be a fantastic strategy but only if you’ve got a good show to back things up. A quality podcast is going to do their homework on you too. So, do you have the kind of show that they would want to be associated with. Would they trust you and your show with their audience? They worked long and hard to develop trust with their fans… are they going to risk it on you? 

Get your show in top shape before you start asking for access to someone’s audience. 

If you need help with that, I’d be happy to whip your show into share-worthy shape with my Podcast Tune-up. Book a 15-minute call with me if you want to learn more.

Confession time. Are you being lazy with your episodes titles? Are you naming them with as much consideration as say a file name? If you are, then you’re missing opportunities!

Episode title names aren’t fun. They’re not sexy. They seem so inconsequential. And frankly, they seem so insignificant compared to the content, the performance and all of the technical stuff that we deal with as podcasters.

Make no mistake. Your episode titles matter. A lot. And, if you’re simply slapping a basic description like, “Eps 0112 Interview Bill Smith” than you are doing your podcast a disservice.

I mean, that’s assuming that you want people to find your podcast, and listen to it… I’m making an assumption here that you actually want your podcast to be heard and to grow. If not, feel free to stop reading (and listening to my podcast). Yes, I'm being sarcastic.

I’ve seen some bad examples of this while browsing through Apple Podcasts. I click on a podcast because it seems interesting, then I look at their long list of episodes and if nothing catches my eye, I move on. I’m not unusual (at least, not in my podcast browsing behaviour). Lots of people do this.

A few weeks ago, I had someone take me up on my offer of a free 15-minute coaching call and she was concerned about the lack of growth in her podcast. We took a look at her podcast titles and the problem was immediately obvious. Every title was a total snooze-fest devoid of any real information that would inspire a potential listener to click. What an easy thing to fix!

In this episode, I’m going to further explain why you really do need to pay attention to each title. Plus, I’ll give you three tips to help you craft really great podcast titles that will help your podcast get found, and convince listeners to click play. And, do it with integrity.  

These tips are especially important if you are podcasting for your business. If your podcast is part of your marketing strategy (you’re using it to build your authority, grow your potential customer base, and share what you do) then you may be seriously limiting your reach just by phoning in your title.

And, if you are using your podcast as a marketing tool, let’s talk. Whether you’re pre-launch or hundreds of episodes in, I’d love to talk to you about how my coaching services can help you get to that next level in building your business with podcasting. Book your FREE 15-minute coaching call here. http://podcastperformancecoach.com/free-podcast-advice/

In this episode of Just One Tip from Your Podcast Performance Coach, I have a simple but powerful message for you: If your podcast isn't working - fix it!

It's common for entrepreneurs to get excited about creating a podcast, but after launching it, they realize it's a lot of work with not many results. If that's you, don't hang up your mic in shame just yet because all is not lost. I've helped many podcasters tune up their shows and turn them into lead-generating and sales-boosting machines.

In this episode, I share the exact 6 steps we walk our clients through to help them achieve podcast success. Here's an overview of what we'll cover:

Step 1: Align your podcast to your business goals. Make sure your show supports your business and brand rather than your personal podcast rockstar dreams.

Step 2: Find the right audience. Ensure your podcast is attracting the kind of people who might actually become clients or customers. Remember, if you're talking to everyone, you're talking to no one.

Step 3: Determine the funnel fit. Know how your podcast fits into your marketing funnels or sales systems. Understand your funnels before you figure out the role of your podcast in those funnels.

Step 4: Make changes. After going through the first three steps, make a plan. It might mean a name change, a format change, or a content adjustment, so plan for it and be intentional with it.

Step 5: Step up your performance. Learn how to use your mic and take podcasting seriously. Your credibility is on the line, and if you sound like crap, nobody will listen.

Step 6: Market your podcast. Shout it from the rooftops! Get the word out about your shiny, retooled podcast if you want it to generate results.

Remember, this process won't get done in an hour or even a day. If you want a podcast that serves you, your business, and your potential clients, you need to spend time tuning it up.

Get professional help to guide you through the process, make the right adjustments, and drive serious sales with your podcast.

Whether your show is not working or it's doing great, these tips can help you take your podcast to the next level. Tune in to this episode of Just the Tip to learn more!

The Podcast Tune-Up Program

Click here to learn more and select your Podcast Tune Up experience.

https://members.podcastperformancecoach.com/podcast-tune-up

VIEW SHOW NOTES ON WEBSITE - Episode 88

Be honest. Is your podcast delivering the results you expected when you committed the time and money to creating it? Are you considering taking it for coffee and gently explaining, “It’s not you, it’s me…”?

If you’re not getting what you wanted out of this whole podcast affair, it may be time to shift your approach. Or, maybe something even more dramatic. In episode 066 of Just the Tip, I give you a few options on how to deal with a lacklustre podcast (or a lack of energy to keep it going). 

So, how do you know if it’s time to shift, relaunch or reinvent your podcast? 

If your podcast is just for fun, then there is only one real question to ask. Are you still having fun? If yes → keep going. If no → stop. If you don’t know → listen to this episode. 

For entrepreneurs and business owners who are using their podcast as a marketing tool, there are some key questions you need to ask before you pivot. The first relates back to the last episode of Just the Tip - are you measuring the right things to determine if your podcast is successful? If you are, and your podcast is NOT successful, then recognizing that is the first step. 

Next, you have to determine if pivoting your podcast focus will do a better job of attracting your ideal client. Or, if there is a better way to serve your existing audience. 

If your podcast is not serving your ideal client, it’s not serving your business. 

Many podcasters resist the pivot. They’re worried about losing audience members who they worked so hard to attract. Keep in mind, if podcast is a marketing tool, there is no point in continuing to market to people who will never be customers. 

Pivoting your podcast may seem like a daunting task. In this episode, I give two examples of podcast hosts who saw the need to shift their podcast and successfully pulled it off. 

In some cases, a podcast pivot goes hand in hand with pivoting your business. You might be niching down or you might be adjusting the products or services you offer your target market. If this is the case, your podcast (which can be a huge marketing asset) should be part of this shift. 

Pivoting can make your podcast more effective and more satisfying. For some of my clients, it has been essential for the growth of their business and their show.

But, for a podcast pivot to be successful it has to be intentional and it has to be done right. In my next episode, I’ll cover how to pull off an effective podcast pivot. 

In the meantime, click play to find out if a podcast pivot should be in your future. 

Oh, you already listened? That was fast. And, you’re still not sure? Hit me up for a free 15-minute coaching call. We’ll assess your situation and answer that great existential question - to pivot or not to pivot. 

Get Yourself in My Calendar!

Thanks to the pandemic, the audio-quality bar is lower than a limbo pole in a 1980’s frat-house flick. Resist the urge to see how low you can go.

A lot of podcasters are having to make adjustments due to the lockdown and new social distancing rules. You might not be able to be in the same room as your co-host, have guests who don’t have access to their gear, or be in a household that just doesn’t get (or care about) the need for quiet when you’re recording. 

Add to that, broadcasters who are ‘making due’ with low quality, Zoom-based shows with the expectation that the audience will understand the limitations they have. 

It’s enough to make you accept ‘good enough.’ 

Don’t do it! 

Demand more from yourself. Demand more for your audience. Afterall, didn’t you start this podcast to build your authority and deliver golden treats to your listeners’ ears? Of course you did - and right now, they need you more than ever. If you really want to rise above - don’t succumb to the lowered standards!

If you are having to connect online for your audio recording, I share a few tips in this episode about how to get the best possible audio from the system, including:

1. The settings you should be using if you’re recording on Zoom
2. Why shutting the hell up will help you avoid dropouts.
3. How hardwiring your internet connection can improve sound quality. 
4. Coaching your guests to give you better audio (even if they have a crappy mic) 
5. Why wearing headphones is not optional!
6. Options other than Zoom (since everyone and their cat is on this platform gobbling up the bandwidth). Look into Zencastr or Ringr if you don’t mind losing the video connection, or check out my current fav, Squadcast which has video AND great quality audio. 

I know a lot of you have a lot on your plate right now and you’re thinking geeze Coach Tim, it’s a miracle that I’m getting my podcast out at all and now you’re telling me I have to care about my quality and my audience too? 

Yes. 

That’s my job. 

I’m here to remind you that your podcast plays an important role in your marketing by building your authority and connecting you with your audience. Don’t eff it all up because you saw everyone else’s standards slipping. This is your time to shine. It’s your opportunity to be better than the rest. So, pandemic or no pandemic, give your listeners the best possible audio!

Not sure if you’re pulling that off? I’ll give it to you straight! Book a free 15-minute coaching call. Here’s a link to my calendar.

ZENCASTR

RINGR

SQUADCAST

See ya!

This tactic has been used by radio and television for decades to make a story more relevant and compelling. Should you be using it in your podcast too?

I love talking to strangers. There, I said it. I’m that guy. I will walk right up to you and ask the most inane question or share the strangest observation - whatever is on my mind - because I just can’t get enough of conversations with new people.

That might make me weird, but it’s served me well in my radio career (not so much my marriage). You see, radio station love to get the pulse of the people. Whenever a story is falling flat or the expert is a bit dry, we add the opinions of random humans off the street. Why? Because it reflects what people think, it shows that we care about the listener (yes, they are on the street), and because it gives us the opportunity to respond to new opinions.

That’s a pretty powerful storytelling tool, wouldn’t you say?

Good news! You can use it in your podcast too!

In this episode, I share exactly how to do these right. That includes ways to avoid getting turned down stranger after stranger and how to NOT get manhandled by security guards or reported as some weirdo disturbing the peace.

Now, don’t go getting nervous. It’s easier than you might think. And, with my tips, you’ll be hitting the streets like a real pro. Hmmm, something about that sentence sounds wrong. Oh, well. Moving on.

Take advantage of this great storytelling technique, inject some real opinions into your podcast, and discover how much closer it brings you to your audience. Plus, there’s a bonus tip about how doing streeters could help you grow your audience!

Speaking of growing your podcast and connecting with your audience. Take advantage of my free 15-minute coaching call. Ask me anything about podcasting in general or how to make your podcast better.

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Struggling to get insightful answers from your guests?

This episode's all about going beyond surface-level interviews and crafting conversations that captivate listeners.

We all know the feeling: you book a fantastic guest, but when the mics roll, they clam up. ‍ One-word answers make for a snoozefest, and you're left scrambling to salvage the episode.

Enter expander questions! These gems are your secret weapon to crack open even the toughest nuts.

Expander questions aren't about padding the episode. They're about creating a 3D listening experience. Think vivid details, emotional connection, and real-world application. That's how you grab listeners and keep them hooked!

Here's your emergency interview kit: (Bookmark these!)

1. Clarify: "Tell me more about that" or "Can you elaborate?"

2. Feelings: "How did that make you feel?" or "What emotions came up?"

3. Details: "Walk us through the process" or "What specific steps did you take?"

4. Connect: "How does this relate to your overall experience?" or "Have you faced similar situations?"

5. Apply it: "What can listeners learn from this?" or "How can they use your advice?"

6. Quirky: "What childhood experience prepared you for this?" (Fun twist!)

Remember, the key is to listen actively and be genuinely curious. Let go of your script and follow the conversation where it leads. Trust me, it's way more fun that way!

Also for your earballs:

Episode 014 Mastering Open Ended Questions

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/014-mastering-open-ended-questions/

Want to master the interview and skyrocket your podcast? Book your free coaching call today and let's build your expander question arsenal together!

Get on my calendar here:  https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

OR

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

You’ve heard me say it before. You have seconds, SECONDS, to grab the listener's attention. Don’t squander it with a boring first question. 

Picture it. A new listener has found your show. They made it through the show intro, the tease, the guest intro with the cautious anticipation that you might actually have something interesting for their earballs. But, they’re still just one swipe and click from quitting you and trying someone else on for size. 

The moment has arrived. Everything is hanging on your first question. Do you have what it takes to keep them interested? Have you got the sauce to make them want to stick around?

Here’s a hint. If you ask, ‘How did you get started?’ or simply state, ‘tell us about yourself’ (which is not even a question!) then you’re dead in the water. Your chances at an explosive first impression as an interviewer have been doused. 

Don’t worry. I’m here to help. 

In this episode of Just the Tip, I don’t just give you some gentle (not so gentle) coaxing to abandon the boring and get creative; I give you ways to do it. 

And, I even demonstrate how interesting this can be. #parentsjustdontunderstand #mymomhasnocluewhatIdo

So, if you’re looking to improve your interview skills (and you should be unless you’re freaking Oprah, in which case, holy crap, hit me up Oprah!) then don’t waste another second reading - hit play. In less than 5 minutes, you’ll have a much better way to kick off your interviews and you’ll find out what my mom thinks I do for a living. 

When you have better questions, you have better conversations. That translates to a better podcast for your listener and for your guest (who is WAAAAY more likely to share something they thought was not the usual, ho-hum snore fest). 

Want more help making your podcast unboring? Let’s chat. Click here to access my calendar where you can book a free 15-minute coaching call.

If you interview people on your podcast you need to constantly be improving your podcast interview skills. In this episode, I dive into the art of interviewing, which goes beyond asking good questions. It's about creating engaging conversations and extracting valuable insights from your guests. So, get ready to make your podcast unmissable with these 5 essential tips to become a better interviewer.

Tip #1 - an interviewer's greatest skill is to know when to be quiet and actively listen. Yes, having prepared questions is important, but true magic happens when you listen attentively to your guest's responses. Lean in, get curious, and ask follow-up questions, challenge your guest, or ask for examples and stories to uncover those golden nuggets of wisdom.

Now, let's talk about interrupting. Tip #2 is to avoid excessive interruptions. While some interruptions can be compelling, too much of it can annoy your guest and frustrate your listeners. Find the right balance to maintain a smooth flow of conversation.

Moving on to Tip #3 - always represent your listener. Think about what your audience might be curious about or need clarification on, and don't hesitate to ask those questions. Your listeners will appreciate your thoughtfulness and feel engaged throughout the episode.

Here's a reminder for Tip # 4 - editing is your friend. Knowing that you can edit the conversation later allows you to relax during the interview. If a guest goes off-topic, no worries, you can cut it out. Just be cautious not to over-edit, as you still want the conversation to feel natural and authentic.

Last but not least, Tip #5 - embrace the power of silence. Pauses in the conversation can add comedic, emotional, or dramatic impact. They pull your listeners in and keep them engaged. Don't be afraid of a little dead air; it can work wonders.

By mastering these interviewing best practices, you'll create a more powerful listening experience and turn your audience into loyal fans who can't wait to share your show with others.

If you're hungry for more interview techniques, check out my episode binge list on Podcast Interview Skills right here: https://podcastperformancecoach.com/power-binge-guide-podcast-interview-skills/

And if you're looking to transform your podcast into a marketing machine for your business, explore my coaching packages at PodcastPerformanceCoach.com.

Bok a FREE 15-MINUTE Podcast Coaching Call

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

So, you want to be a podcast millionaire. You want a show so popular that advertisers will lob money bags at you non-stop. 

You have two choices, keep dreaming or listen up for a reality check. 

There are two ways to make money through podcasting. Last episode, I talked about using your podcast as a marketing tool for your business. In other words, using it to help your business make more money.

But, not every podcaster has a business. This means that if you want to make money through podcasting and you can’t sell TO your audience, you have to SELL your audience. This might look like sponsorships or traditional ads.

This is a volume game (one that Joe Rogan is handily winning). The bigger your audience, the bigger the sponsor checks. 

That doesn’t mean that you can’t sell a smaller audience. If you have a very loyal audience or if you have a niche audience that specific sponsors would love to connect with, then you can demand a higher price for your ‘perfect fit’ audience. 

If the idea of finding a sponsor or advertiser has your headphones spinning, you might consider working with an agency. You won’t take home as many money bags, but you won’t have to work as hard to find them either. 

Or, you can do your own deals. Here’s what you can expect to be paid.

What you get paid will depend on your download numbers.

The price is based on CPM. That means cost per 1000 listeners.

The industry standard for a 30second ad is around $18/ad.

$15 for a 10-second ad and around $25 dollars for a 60 second ad.

These numbers could be as high as $50/ad depending on the show, audience and sponsor.

If you want to play the game of ‘how much could I make?’ then head to advertisecast.com and spend some time with their calculator.

If you’re not quite ready for the big leagues or, maybe the idea of selling your audience doesn’t sit well with you, there is another option - affiliate marketing. 

Affiliate marketing covers a wide spectrum of opportunities. You might become an Amazon affiliate and make a few pennies for sharing product links to your audience. Or, you might become an affiliate for a service or product directly and make a few more pennies. At the other end of the spectrum is partnering with someone who you allow to come on your show to sell to your audience (in exchange for a nice little commission). 

Whether you’re advertising or affiliating, don’t forget my podcasting mantra of being listener-centric. You don’t want to ruin the listener's experience with excessive ads or ads that aren’t appropriate for the audience. I’m not saying, ‘don’t advertise’ but if you do, try to do it in a way that will help your listener. Accept advertisements for products your audience would actually be interested in. Doing this is a win-win because your audience learns about a cool product and the advertiser is more likely to see the rewards of sponsoring or advertising on your show. 

It can be a bit of a slippery slope selling your audience in a way that says ‘I still respect you…’

Which is why some podcasters choose to go a different path when it comes to monetization. They let the fans pay them. And, some fans are happy to do it if it means that you’ll keep making your awesome podcast without commercial interruptions. There are a couple of ways to enable your fans to chip in. You can put a donate button on your website, sign up for a Patreon account, or use a crowdsourcing platform like Go Fund Me. Podcasters who’ve been successful at this often include perks or bonuses as certain contribution levels. For example, you might offer subscribers some access to premium content or show merch. 

Speaking of swag - that’s the final option in making some money off your podcast - sell cool stuff with your logo, motto, or mugs on it! 

So, there are four ways to make money from your podcast (besides using it as a marketing tool): 

1. Advertisers & Sponsors
2. Affiliates
3. Donations
4. Swag

You might not want to try all four at once. Remember, you worked hard to attract and grow your audience, you don’t want to disrespect them by asking for money four different ways. Being Listener-Centric as a podcast means you think about them FIRST, not your bottom line. 

Want to create a sponsor-worthy podcast or make yours more appealing to the masses? Why not book a free 15-minute coaching call and find out what to focus on next. 

It happens to the best of us. Even the pros have bad interviews. Or, rather bad guests. So, what do you do when your podcast guest is crappy, drunk, an ass, incoherent or just pointless? You kill the interview.

In this episode of Just the Tip, I walk you through the steps of killing a bad interview. Yes, there is a right and a wrong way to do this.

So, what constitutes a bad guest? It’s simple - the content they deliver doesn’t serve your audience and/or it doesn’t help you deliver on your promise to your listener.

There are ways to avoid getting into this situation, ahem, episode 67. And, there are ways to solve it on the spot, cough-cough, episode 63. But, if you do all of these things and you still wind up with an episode that just needs to be encased in cement and dropped off a long pier - this episode is your guide.

I’ve seen a lot of people in forums and groups discuss this scenario. And, frankly, that’s what inspired this episode. Mostly because I saw some pretty bad advice in those forums.

It happens from time to time in radio, when we’re lucky enough to have pre-recorded the interview. And let me tell you, a good radio producer will not hesitate to kill a bad interview. And, they don’t feel guilty about it either. It’s all about having the right mindset and commitment to your listeners.

It’s these producer tips that I’m sharing in this episode. Every podcaster experiences a bad guest. Be armed with the right way to get rid of them (and sooner rather than later) so that you never have to freak out about what to do (and go to get advice from some online forum that will only lead to you getting a crap reputation).

By the way, there’s even a way to kill a bad interview AND turn the whole thing into an opportunity. If you want that tip, sign up for my Tipsletter right now… it’ll be in my next newsletter!

Or, tap directly into this kind of ridiculous genius by booking a free 15-min call with me.

You’ve got a co-host - that’s great. It makes creating the podcast so much more fun and easier too, right? Bad news - there’s a much higher chance that you’re effing it up because two hosts means double the chances you’re getting it wrong.

Translation, your listeners are suffering. They’re being subjected to bad audio, uncomfortable silences, unnecessary babbling and, sometimes awkwardness that is leaking right through their headphones and gumming up their earballs.

Now, let me be clear about one thing - a podcasting duo can be a beautiful thing. Afterall, most radio morning shows have two hosts for a reason. The witty banter, the potentially comically pseudo conflict, the friendship that we can all feel like we’re a part of.

That’s what a co-hosted podcast should be like. Unfortunately, many podcasters don’t know the ‘rules’ of co-hosting.

Never fear, daddy podcasting is here to help you (and your podcasting partner) be better co-hosts.

Here are the 5 mistakes podcast co-host make:

1. Sharing a mic
2. Talking overtop of each other
3. Shutting your co-host down with your negative responses
4. Not having a bus driver
5. Over preparing together (aka killing the spontaneity)

I go into detail on each of these in this episode, so definitely give it a listen.

Remember the Golden Rule of Podcasting

It’s not about you. Whether you have a co-host or not, you have to remember that your podcast is for your listener. So, if you are working with a partner, make sure that you remember to include them in the conversation.

After all, isn’t that why you decided not to go solo - so that it would feel more like a party or a conversation. Don’t make your listener feel like a wallflower, pull them into the dance.

If you avoid my top 5 mistakes, you’re definitely more likely to do that. And, if they feel like they are part of the party, they’re more likely to invite their friends and connect with you beyond the downloads.

And, I hope that’s just the tip you need.

If you need a little help working out the co-hosting kinks, take advantage of my FREE 15 minute coaching call. In 15-minutes, we can turn your show from a two-way to a podcast orgy that your listeners will be dying to get in on.

Are you guilty of checking your download stats on the daily just to see how popular you are? Are you obsessed with where iTunes ranks your podcast in your niche category? Confess, have you ever checked more than once a day?

I’ve got news for you… you might be looking at the wrong numbers!

In this episode, I dive into what those stats should mean to you and how to figure out the right numbers to focus on.

Plus, I explain the two camps of podcasting. Do you know which one you’re in? If you don’t then you really might be focusing on the wrong podcast stats!

Not only do you need to know your camp, and which numbers to focus on but you also need to know when it’s time to move on out of that camp and focus on some new numbers.

Sounds complicated, but it’s not. I promise. I make it all perfectly clear in this episode. So, hit play and let’s see if you’re in the right place and looking at the right stats.

Then, meet me at the campfire for some smores and a sing-a-long. You know this one, right.  Kumbaya, Podcaster, Kumbaya…

Speaking of feeling all Kumbaya. I decided to bring back my free 15 minute discovery call. It’s as simple as it sounds - you get to pick my brain for 15 minutes or so about what's going on with your podcast. Whether you’re just starting out or 50 episodes in, I’d love to connect with you.

Oh, sure, we can talk about whether I think I might be able to coach you to a better podcast, but first let’s see how much free advice you can get out of me. You might be surprised to hear that I don’t offer to coach everyone. Sometimes I can see that they just need a quick tip or some encouragement and they’re all set.

Anyway, head to my website - podcast performance coach dot com and book it, daddio.

Niching your podcast to increase your impact is no longer a secret strategy. But, have you ever considered going local as a way to niche down? 

Forget the world wide web -  get traction where you live by creating a podcast that has a distinct place in the world. I know, I know. Exiting the global stage to shine on a smaller local stage seems like the opposite of growth. But, it does work. 

Let me give you an example. Take a real estate agent with a podcast. This agent could talk all about negotiating a deal, what to look for in a house, or what fixes to make before listing. These are all universally valuable insights that anyone in the world (or at least their country) could benefit from. And, if the podcaster is any good, they might attract a large audience. 

And, how is that going to impact business? Is that large audience going to choose the famous podcaster as their listing agent? Not if they live on the other side of the country!

Now, flip that around and go small -- go local. Now the real estate agent is talking about specific neighborhoods, trends in growing communities, or new roads that might impact the appeal of a specific area. Not super interesting for a listener on the other side of the country but invaluable to the local listener. Guess who they’re going with when it comes time to pick a real estate agent. 

So, this example of going local is pretty obvious. If you’re swimming in a small pond, you may as well podcast to a small pond. 

But, what if you’re swimming in a big pond. In other words, what if your podcast topic has no geographical boundaries. What if you’re a weight loss coach or a digital marketing expert… there’s no reason to limit yourself to a local pond, right? 

Wrong. There are still benefits to going local.  

Those two examples are two of the largest, most crowded ponds. So, if you’re swimming around in a podcast pond like that, how are you going to stand out and attract loyal listeners? One way is to help them find a connection with you… and one of the easiest ways to make a connection? 

You guessed it, where you’re from. 

Your location can be your shared experience. You hike the same mountain trails, walk your dog in the same parks, get stuck in the same traffic or rave about the same best-taco-truck-in-town. Now they have a reason to listen to you instead of the 1000s of other podcasters in your niche. 

And, there is one more big perk. Local coverage. 

When you have a podcast that is clearly identified as being in a location (vs the generic ‘virtual and global’) you are far more likely to be able to get media attention. 

Do not discount the value of this. I recently saw a post online from a new podcaster celebrating a significant number of downloads right after launch. Everyone was all over him wondering what his secret sauce was. I took a quick look at his profile and saw the evidence right there… local coverage. His podcast had been featured in the local news. He was getting numbers bigger, more global podcasts hadn’t hit in a year all because he’d focused locally. 

So, going global might make you feel bigger, but staying local will give you more impact. Something you can leverage into more loyal listeners and a more effective podcast.

Need some help niching your podcast to just the right size? Book your free 15-minute coaching call with me right now. Click here to access my calendar. 

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Got a Question? Contact me:

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

Sounding like a pro means sounding like you are not reading a script while having the precision of a scripted show. Sound complicated? It is but in this podcast I explain how you can solve the scripting dilemma with ease.

Have you ever noticed that things are a little bumpy out of the gate when you turn that mic on? Well, if you have, you are in good company.

Some of the best radio voices need time to warm up, to get into the groove of the read. In this episode, I’m going to share a trick that the pros use to combat the sleepy-start. This is a trick I use and one that I used to use when I was directing top voice-talent. 

And, it’s dead simple. 

Ready? 

Here it is… finish with the start. 

Yep, it’s that simple. If you’re working with a script or an outline for your podcast (listen to Episode 10 for a tip on doing it right), get going on it and don’t stress that you aren’t fully amped and grooving from the top. 

Instead, make note of when it starts to feel like you are the pocket of your performance. Finish things up and then come on back to the beginning and start again. 

Do not pause or stop, go right back to the start so that you have that perfect energy all dialed in. 

When you do this, you bring all of your best energy to the start of your show. You’ve warmed up and you’re delivering the goods off the top. 

It’s a bit more work but it’s worth it. 

Think about it -- new listeners (and even subscribers) make a call on whether they are going to keep listening within the first moment or two. You want to make sure you’re giving them a real taste of what’s to come. And that’s exactly what happens when you return to the start after you finish. 

A simple tip today that will have a powerful impact on your performance and the professional sound of your podcast. 

Give it a try and let me know if you (and your listeners) notice the high-voltage difference. 

Want to know if your groove is good enough? Book a free 15-minute coaching call with me and we’ll talk about how to make you sound more like a pro. 

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Got a Question? Contact me:

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

So, you didn’t spend $500 on a microphone when you started your podcast. That’s okay. Neither did I.

There are a million things I’d rather spend my money on. Let me name a few. Beer, whisky, tequila, ribs, Saskatchewan Roughrider memorabilia and traveling around the world.

But, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to worry about how your mic sounds because, ahem, YOUR PODCAST AUDIO QUALITY MATTERS!

I don’t care what others tell you (or you tell yourself to feel better). If your podcast sounds like you’re broadcasting out of a tin can… I’m not listening! And, I know a lot of others who won’t give you the time a day. It’s like watching a TV show that keeps crapping out on you or streaming video that freezes all the time. I’m out! There are too many other options out there with great content that don’t hurt my ears or distract me with bush-league sound.

So, what do you do? How can you have the best of both worlds - save money on your mic AND sound good?

In this episode, I’m going to help you get the most out of the mic you already have (assuming it’s not some toy mic). I’ve got three mic technique hacks that will have you sounding like you’ve got a booming pro-mic.

Remember, it’s not the equipment - it’s how you use it. So, listen up and learn a few ways to make that puny mic of yours sound like a monster.

If you’re podcasting naked, I beg you to stop. Not because I’m a prude but because I think you’ll sound better when you dress your voice up a bit.

Oh, did you think I was talking about recording in your underwear? I’m all for that! Get as comfy as you can. No, I’m talking about leaving your recorded voice raw, nude, naked. For Pod’s sake, dress it up a little!

In this episode, of Just the Tip, I explain why I think it’s a good idea to get a little digital assist on your voice. Just a little now, we don’t want you sounding like an alien chipmunk or like you’re channeling Darth Vader.

I’ll explain what to look for, what to listen for and even prove what a difference it can make by revealing my buck-naked voice.

By adjusting your levels a bit you can give you voice a little more body, remove some of the unwanted room sound and pull your audience a little closer to you. Yes. All of this can be done with YOUR voice when you dress it up a little using your audio editing software.

Wait! Wait! Where are you going? Seriously, this isn’t tricky stuff. It’s really easy and can be kind of fun to play around with. You don’t have to be an expert to figure this stuff out. I promise.

Once you find your sweet spot, save your settings and you’ll have a consistent and more professional sound every time.

In this episode, we explore the real impact of mouth noises on your listener's experience.

Ever had someone eat too close to your ear? Imagine subjecting your audience to that. The University of York's survey reveals that 71% of podcast listeners use headphones, making mouth noises more pronounced than ever.

But fear not!

We don't just talk about the problem; we offer practical solutions. From identifying different mouth noises to finding the right level of mouth moisture, we've got you covered. Discover why addressing these issues at the source is crucial for maintaining a professional podcast.

When a client and I were working together once, we disovered a mouth click she had. But it only showed up when she was doing solo episodes. Find out how we tackled and eliminated the clicks without letting it become a confidence-killing distraction.

Learn the importance of testing and experimentation, from keeping a drier mouth to trying different liquids. We even share an unconventional solution that worked for our client – hint: it involves a glass of wine.

Your podcast deserves a distraction-free listening experience.

Don't let mouth noises take the spotlight. Tune in now for actionable tips and a deep dive into solving this common issue. Elevate your podcasting game and keep your audience engaged – because every click and smack counts. Hit play and transform your podcasting journey today!"

Want to take your podcast to the next level?

Check out these other helpful links:

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/194-5-mistakes-podcasters-make-with-their-microphone-and-how-to-fix-them/

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/007-smile-when-you-podcast/

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/020-shit-shit/

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/009-headphones-not-optional/

Book a FREE PODCAST COACHING CALL

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

A professional sounding guest extro doesn’t just make you sound good, it can also increase the chances your show will get shared and take care of your audience at the same time. If you’re not paying attention to how you’re going to thank and say goodbye to your guest, you’re missing a major opportunity. Let’s fix that. In this episode, I’ll explain what your guest extro should sound like and how to pull it off in a win, win, win way.

A lot of entrepreneurs wonder whether podcasting will be worth their time and effort. Does podcasting really have a good ROI? 

The answer is yes if you’re trying to grow your brand’s authority. If you want to increase your reach and have more people know, like, and trust you - then you need a podcast. 

In this episode, I share three ways that podcasting will help increase your authority. Scratch that, in this episode, I share 4 ways.

Here are the three ways a podcast will boost your authority in your niche. 

1. Social Proof

It might be a little surface, but let’s face it - just having a podcast gets you one step up on someone who doesn’t. People see that podcast on your website and in your social media feeds and they instantly think you MUST know something. But, that’s not the only social proof. You’ll also be tapped for more guest interviews (on other podcasts and in the media) when you have a podcast and that is further social proof that you are the go-to authority on a topic. 

2. Showing Off Your Expertise

Not everyone is going to believe the hype! The good news is that your well produced, content rich podcast can be the pudding (you know, where the proof is). Once they get an earful of your brilliance, your authority factor notches up a peg or two. And, after many episodes of delivering the goods, you’ll be synonymous with the topic you’re an expert on for your listeners. Talk about authority!

3. KLT - Know, Like, and Trust Factor

For those who haven’t encountered this term - it’s what digital marketers consider the key to converting a customer. First they have to know who you are, second they have to like you, what you stand for, or what you sell, and then they have to trust that you are the right person to buy from. So, unless you’re a jerk (and since you’re listening to my podcast, I’m going to bet you’re NOT), rubbing your brilliance all over their earballs each week is going to definitely help the know you, probably result in them liking you and definitely improve your odds that they’ll buy from you. 

Yes, I said there’s a fourth way - but you’ll have to give to the show a listen (after all, it’s packed with authority building goodness and it’s only 6 minutes!)

If you’ve already got a podcast, keep it up. You’ve probably enjoyed an instant authority boost and the benefits will keep coming. 

If you haven’t started a podcast for your business - it’s not too late! Sure, the podcast market is getting crowded but you can still see an authority boost. Nobody has a podcast featuring you, right? The key is to do it right from the beginning. 

Having a podcast is better for your authority than NOT having a podcast!

If you’d like to find out how I help business owners and entrepreneurs develop a podcast that is sure to amplify your authority, book a free, no obligation call with me today. I’ll walk you through the 9 steps to starting a podcast right. 

Here’s a link to my calendar. Click it and grab a time that works for you. 

One of the best parts of what I do is getting to meet so many podcasters. I love it when they bring their problem podcast or podcast dreams to me. 

And, with hundreds of coaching meetings under my belt, I can see the patterns. Every podcaster or would-be podcaster is different, but their problems often boil down to similar mistakes.

In this episode, I’m sharing the 5 most common mistakes I hear podcasters making (listen to the whole episode to hear what you can do to avoid making the same mistakes or running into the same problems with your podcast).

I should mention that most of the podcasters I work with are using their podcast as a marketing tool. The point of the podcast is to help them build authority. Or is it?… that’s a little tease for you regarding the #1 mistake. Let’s start our countdown with #5. 

Here are the top 5 mistakes I hear podcasters making:

5. Poor Audio Quality

I’ve done so many episodes about this but I still get my earballs assaulted when I sneak a listen to the podcasts of people who book in for a free coaching call with me. Know this, if your podcast sounds crappy, it reflects badly on your brand. Nobody wants to hear that.  Also, you will hear it from me when we jump on that free coaching call. What? Did you expect me to pull punches?

4. Self-Centred

If you haven’t heard me harp on about how your show should be listener-centric, then stop reading and go back and listen to a few more shows. But, here’s the crazy thing. I’ve met podcasters who think their podcast is listener-centric when it’s fully self-serving. If you’re interviewing guests, talking about a topic, going off topic, or sharing information that serves you more than the listener, then you may need to check your intentions. 

3. Obsessing Over the Number of Downloads

It’s nice to have a lot of listeners but if you are podcasting for your business or brand, then the number of downloads you have may be the wrong metric to be measuring. I hear this all the time. Someone gets on a call with me. I ask them why they booked the call. They say they want more downloads. I ask why and they are stumped. There’s a lot to unpack at this point but let me say this - you do not need a tonne of downloads for your podcast to be successful. It all depends on what you DO with the downloads you get. 

2. Not Promoting Your Podcast

Podcasting is not the Field of Dreams, folks. Just because you built it does not mean they will come. There are a lot of podcasts out there and if you want yours to be found and listened to, you need to do SOMETHING for it to stand out. I’m talking about promoting your content. You can do this by appearing on other people’s podcasts, using social media, optimizing your email list, networking, heck - start by adding subscribe/follow buttons to your podcast website so people can take action. Do something! Anything! Get the word out or your podcast will be lost, floating around in the podiverse. 

1. Not Knowing WHY

No joke. I probably ask WHY more than the parent of a 6 year-old kid on a field trip. I constantly push those who sign up for my free coaching call to identify the end result they are striving for with their podcast. To what end? What are your goals? What are you trying to achieve? What is the intention of your show? What is your ‘WHY’?  This is the #1 podcaster mistake because avoiding this mistake will actually help you avoid mistakes 2-5. Yep, this is the grand-daddy of mistakes. When you know your why; the intention of your podcast, you will be motivated to have it sound great, to focus on serving the listener (instead of yourself), to know what KPIs really matter to your success, and you’ll promote the crap out of it so you can hit those goals. Boom! The WHY wins. 

I’m not sharing these mistakes to make you feel bad (especially if you recognize these mistakes as your own). I’m sharing them so you can see that others make them too (they are the most common, der) AND because they are all fixable. You don’t need to keep making these mistakes. 

If you want some help sidestepping these potholes (or maybe seeing the potholes in the first place), book a free 15-minute coaching call right now. On these calls, I don’t just point out the mistakes, I show you exactly how to correct them so you can create or correct a podcast that will help your ideal listener see you as a thought leader and authority in your niche.  

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Book your FREE 15-Minute Podcast Coaching Call

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Got a Question? Contact me:

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

In a time when all podcasts are choking in an overcrowded sea of podcasts, one stands out and becomes the hero the world needs right now…

The language of movie trailers might be formulaic and the butt of jokes, but that’s primarily because they are memorable. Movie and TV trailers serve a critical role in the world of entertainment - they convince people to spend their time and money to see the rest.

Your podcast trailer should do the same.

Every podcast should have a trailer - even if they’ve been around for years. The benefit of a trailer is that it gives potential fans a chance to hear your ‘best of’ and get a sense of what they are going to get if they listen. Which is a heck of a lot better than if they randomly pick an episode.

The benefit to you is that you get the absolute best chance of attracting that potential listener and turn them into a subscriber.

So, how do you make a killer podcast trailer that will turn them on instead of tune out?

In this episode of just the tip, I go through the three main sections of your podcast trailer:

1. The intro
2. The clips
3. The call to action

You need to execute each of these in a way that is exciting, on-brand, and honestly representative of your show.

This last part is really critical if you want to keep the subscribers you earn with your trailer.

Have you ever seen a trailer on TV for a movie and you think, ‘wow, that looks hilarious’ or ‘oh my mango, this is going to be the scariest thing I’ve ever seen’ then you pay your money and come out feeling ripped off? Not a nice feeling, is it? So, don’t do that with your trailer.

If your show is good, let it speak for itself. Those misleading TV and movie trailers do that because their show sucks. If your show sucks, well stop sucking. There. Fixed.

If you have a new podcast, you should definitely do a trailer - it’s a great way to promote your ‘coming soon’ podcast and trigger your account so that people can subscribe before your launch!

So, spend some energy making your podcast trailer great and take advantage of this promotional tool.

Not sure if your trailer is good enough? Send it to me and I’ll tell you straight up if it sucks or rocks.

Just book a free 15-minute coaching call and include it in the links.

Hello, I’m a podcast coach.

A what?

A Podcast Coach.

Well, what the hell is a podcast coach?

This conversation doesn’t happen as much now as it used to but that doesn’t mean people aren’t wondering about it. And if they’re podcasters, they are often also thinking, ‘Do I need a podcast coach?’ (And sometimes they should be thinking that, but they aren’t)

Well since you asked (or didn’t but wanted to), let me break it down for you. 

What is a Podcast Coach (or Podcast Coaching)?

On the surface, it’s pretty simple… someone who coaches people how to podcast. 

BUT, there are a lot of podcast coaches out there and they aren’t all the same. And, because there is no official ‘podcast coach certification’, pretty much anyone can call themselves a podcast coach. 

The way I see it, podcast coaches fall into three types:

1. The Online Course Creator. This podcast coach has taken their knowledge and poured it into a digital course that you can go through at your own pace. This is a totally hands off coach. You pay to access their knowledge and then you figure the rest out on your own. 
2. The Group Coach. This podcast coach either runs a mastermind for a group of podcasters OR they have an online course that they support with some level of group coaching. This means you will have a DIY aspect but also some support from the coach in a group setting. 
3. The Personal Podcast Coach. This type of coach works directly with you one-on-one. They listen to your show and give you specific feedback and guidance. Or, they help you develop your show in a custom way. 

In case you are wondering, I am type #3. I work directly with my clients to help them develop or improve their podcast using my decades of radio experience and my decade of podcast experience. I also help them with their tech set-up, their performance, and develop a marketing strategy for their podcast so that they get maximum results. That’s the benefit of working with a personal podcast coach. 

I’m not here to say one is better than another, but if you’re thinking about hiring a podcast coach, you should know the differences. 

Should you hire a podcast coach? Do you need a podcast coach? 

Maybe. 

Take into consideration that there’s a lot that goes into making a great podcast. You need to consider:

• The tech, including the hardware, the software, editing and uploading.
• The producing, including the format, structure, producing, lining up guests and interviewing.
• The performance and presentation. 
• The marketing, including the show notes and strategy.

If you’re not paying attention to all of these elements and you don’t have lots of time and energy to learn about them, then you need a podcast coach. 

Another reason to hire a podcast coach, especially if you haven't launched your podcast yet, is to make sure your podcast doesn't do more harm than good for your brand. You need to make sure that everything that you're doing on your show is aligned with what you're doing in other areas of business and marketing. If you're an individual with a service-based business, a consultant, coach, or a personal brand, this is vital.

As a business owner, you know how important it is when you launch something new, you consider your ROI and your ROE (your return on effort). And, you know, taking the time at the beginning, to do things right with total clarity around your show concept, is really important.

If you have not started your podcast yet and you want to make sure you do it right but you don’t want it to take you forever then, yes you should hire a coach. If you have started a podcast and it’s not doing anything for you, then yes, you should hire a coach. 

Basically, if you have expectations of your podcast beyond it just existing, AND you don’t have the time or know-how to try a whole bunch of new things, then you should hire a coach.

Which kind of coach you should hire depends on what the podcast means to you. Are you investing your time and energy into a podcast so that you see direct results in your business? Then you need to hire a coach that is going to work directly with you. 

Or, are you investing your time and energy into a podcast because you love being a podcaster and it’s a cool hobby? Then you can hire a coach that matches what your hobby is worth to you in terms of time and money. 

How to Pick the Right Podcast Coach

So, now that you know what a podcast coach is and that you want a podcast coach in your corner, what should you do before hiring one? I recommend that you do your homework. Read the reviews. Listen to their show and the shows that they’ve worked on.  

Find the coach that you feel confident is going to help you reach your goals. A person who jives with you and you like their personality. A coach whose program, system or time frame makes sense to you. 

Be careful of any coaches who promise you things like huge download numbers or fame and fortune in a few months. Podcasting is a long game. 

So if you find yourself thinking about starting a podcast for your business or if your existing podcast isn’t performing the way you want it to. And you’re tired of guessing about what to talk about, the guests you should have on, or how to market your show and thinking you’re just wasting time and money putting out another episode then, you might want to hire a podcast coach. 

And, if you’re going to be working with them one on one, make sure you talk to them directly. Any coach worth their salt will happily have a chat with you.

And you can start with me. I offer a free 15-minute coaching call just so I can give you some guidance and give you a free sample of what it’s like to work with me.

Because let’s face it, I’m not everyone’s cup of tea! But I might be yours. 

So, click here to book your free 15 minute coaching call. 

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Got a Question? Contact me:

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

I don’t want to alarm you, but you might be letting your listeners down. They’re not mad...just disappointed.

Promises, promises, promises. Your podcast should be built on them. Or, rather on one in particular. And that promise should be repeated like a pledge to your listeners in your intro every episode. 

So, what does it take to perfect your promise? In this episode, I help you understand why you need a promise, what it should consist of (and what it shouldn’t) and how staying committed to it will result in your podcast boosting your authority. 

The first step is to determine what’s going on with your promise right now. Does your current intro have a promise? Do you tell the listener how listening is going to help them? If you have a promise - assess it and if you don’t have one GET ONE!

If your podcast is a marketing tool for your business (a way to increase your authority, expand your reach, and make sales easier) then you want your podcast promise to be aligned with your business. There’s no point in promising to give listeners great ideas for date nights if you’re a divorce lawyer… unless your ideas really suck. 

When we work with clients to develop their podcast from scratch, we spend a lot of time talking about the promise. It has to encompass who your ideal listener is, why they’re listening and what you want them to do after they listen. 

And, it has to be wrapped up in a neat little sentence that you say in your intro. Every. Show. 

But, watch out because you don’t want to over-promise. You have to be able to deliver on your promise every time. 

So, how do you get it just right?

Take a clue from your business. What problem do you solve? What transformation do you facilitate? What outcome do you help your clients achieve? 

Chances are, your podcast offers up little pieces of these - small baby steps moving the listener toward that desired outcome. 

That is what the listener will get out of listening. And that is how you can begin to structure your promise. 

You can’t just tell them what’s in the show, you have to tell them what’s in it for them. What will they get out of it?

You can’t just promise to share insights or tips or inspiring conversations, you have to promise that listening will get them closer to that thing they want… that desired outcome, transformation or goal. 

An exercise I share in this episode inspires you to keep digging until you fully understand what that is. 

Your promise could (and should) impact the content of your show. If you want to be an authority figure in your niche, you have to deliver the goods to your listener every show. 

If you’re not doing that, then I think your show doesn’t hold much promise. 

Badumbum. 

And, yes, your promise can change. If you are pivoting your show or just finessing it, make sure your promise reflects the new direction. 

I just changed my promise to more closely align with my business as a coach (and podcast developer) and with the clientele that I want to work with. 

My promise is to deliver one actionable tip so you can grow your authority as a podcaster and convert more sales with ease. I know that’s what you want. It’s what you need. And, I’m committed to delivering that every show and in my business. 

If you’d like some help crafting your promise, book a free 15 minute coaching call with me. It’ll be great. Promise!

Do you wear headphones when you record your podcast? You should! That is, if you want to sound and look like a pro.

Wait, what? Headphones make you sound better? You bet. Here’s the deal, when you have headphones you can hear your guests better, you can hear yourself better and you might will  perform better. I know one thing for sure, good headphones made a big difference in my confidence as a rookie radio DJ.  

I remember buying my first set of cans (that’s radio lingo for headphones). It was a big expense for me as a broadcast student but I wanted to at least look the part. I showed up at my first job at a little one room station in a remote town on the North coast of Vancouver Island and I whipped out my pro headphones. Everyone else was wearing these disintegrating old relics. I don’t know how much of it had to do with my talent, my confidence or the fact that I could actually hear what was going out on air but I got promoted immediately and was soon snapped up by a bigger station. I’m pretty sure there are a few people from back in the day still at that station...wearing those old headphones.

But, I digress. Back to the reasons you should be wearing headphones as a podcaster! In this podcast, I’ll tell you why you need to wear headphones when you record your podcast, what kind you should be using (and not using), and how you should be using them. Who knew there was so much to say about headphones?  

Grab your headphones, plug ‘em in and give this podcast a listen. And, if after that you want even more Tim-Wohlberg-on-headphones action, check out this video I created on the same topic. Clearly, I have a thing for cans.

You've heard of podcast fade (when eager new podcasters can’t keep up the pace and their show dies away), but I'm hearing a lot of podcast mic fade. This is when the host’s (or guest’s) voice slowly drifts off. 

Let’s talk about what this means to your listener - after all, the show IS all about them and their experience. In a best case scenario, the listener is let down as you start to fade away. Their excitement about listening is drifting off along with your voice. 

In a worst case scenario, they have to pull their soapy hands out of the water and dry them off so they can adjust the volume to hear what you have to say. Or, they have to stop mid-workout just to turn you up a bit. And then, to turn you back down when you are suddenly back on mic.

Picture them having them stopping your show and going to another show because they didn’t quite catch the last minute because while you were fading away, they were picking up dog shit with one hand and holding the leash with the other and didn’t have a spare hand to dig into their pocket and turn you up. Now that they do, they’re using it to move on. 

Seriously, picture it. You NEED to be thinking about your listener at all times. (If you can’t picture it, give episode 37 a listen). 

It's cool to be relaxed on your show but keep the mic close and keep your volume consistent!

Here are a few reasons podcast fade happens:

• You start your show full of excitement and energy that you can’t sustain.
• You aren’t practicing good mic technique (check out my youtube videos for help with this)
• You get into your interview and sit back as the conversation gets going (moving your mouth away from your mic)
• You’re reading notes that are off to the side on your desk instead of holding them up so that you can see them without compromising your mic position
• And the most unforgivable causes of mic fade – you can’t be bothered to boost your voice in post!

The fixes for these causes of mic fade should be pretty obvious but let me lay them out for you just so that you have no more excuses. 

Start your show at an energy (and volume) level that is sustainable. We are all excited to start our show and sometimes we come in a little hot. Or, we’ve produced an intro with 110% enthusiasm and try to match that off the top… Which leads me to another fix for mic fade - don’t over produce your intro! I talk about this in Episode 23 - cue that one up after this one. 

Be mic aware. Always have your mic perfectly positioned. If you need to read something, move IT to where you can see it instead of looking at it. If you want to turn to talk to someone, do it with your eyes not your whole face. If you need to find something, stop recording (or walk away then edit out the silence) go find it, then get BACK ON MIC! 

Edit your show. We’re human. Sometimes our energy fades a little. Sometimes we get quieter as we go. Sometimes we screw up and lose ourselves in the process. It doesn’t need to stay a mistake. Fix it! Boost that part of your audio so the volume is consistent FOR YOUR LISTENER from top to bottom. 

Poor audio is one of the #1 pet peeves for podcast listeners. If you want your show to help you build your authority and your brand, you need to start by not pissing off your listener with podcast mic fade. 

The other reason people stop listening to your show:

EPISODE #79

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/079-word-on-the-street-is-shut-the-hell-up/

Of course, you also want your show to be worth listening to. Is it? I can tell you in just 15-minutes. Book your FREE 15-Minute Podcast Coaching Call and let’s get into it. 

Book your FREE 15-Minute Podcast Coaching Call

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

At the time of recording, we’re still in the thick of that damn pandemic and pretty much everyone is ready to get to a post-zoom-meeting world. 

So, I’m sure today’s tip is going to come as a welcome suggestion - get the hell off Zoom. 

Sorry, this is not a ‘get out of Zoom free’ card and you can’t use me to get out of marathon work meetings or awkward family gatherings via Zoom. (oh, what the hell - go ahead, what do I care!)

But, I’m really only talking about ditching this platform as a place to hold and record podcast interviews. 

I know, I know - it’s an easy place to get people to meet and record. But, do you want your podcast to sound like it was easy or do you want it to sound GOOD!?

Zoom delivers compressed audio.  

Think of it like watching TV on standard def. Yeah, you can see everything but it’s not the high quality it could be… and when you friends come over, they are definitely going to notice! 

If you’re podcasting for your business… imagine creating a TV ad with your 1996 flip-phone. That’s what you’re doing if you’re recording your podcast on Zoom. 

But, Coach Wally… what am I supposed to do? 

I am so glad you asked! 

I review a few options for you in this episode (including how you can stick with Zoom and still get great sounding audio but *spoiler alert* it’s not an easy work around). 

More importantly, I share 4 of alternatives to Zoom for recording podcasts. And the good news is, they all sound better because they were built with the podcaster in mind!

Here are ZOOM alternatives you should consider if you want your podcast to sound next level.

Squadcast.fm  I love squadcast. You can see your guest and record high quality audio at the same time. They’ve got great support and are working hard to bring the video recording feature to their platform but it’s not possible yet (soon, they say…). Still, this is one of the options I recommend to my clients. 

Riverside.fm This is my new fave. I love their interface. I love the local recording. You not only get great high quality audio but you also get high quality video that you can download. So, if you’re doing video and podcasting, this is your platform.

Zencastr.com This platform has a free version that provides high quality audio and is super easy for both you and your guest. They’ve introduced the option to record video but it’s still in beta. 

Ringr.com Another option providing high quality audio. They have a lot of options but these also make it more complicated. No video option at this time. But if you just need audio. This is a solid option.

Which one is right for you? The first thing you have to ask yourself is whether video connection is important (do you need to see who you’re interviewing) and do you need to be able to download high quality video from your interview? 

Whichever you choose, they are ALL better than Zoom. 

Does your podcast need more than a quick tip to get it performing? How about a free 15-minute call with me? Click here and grab a spot on my calendar.

Great content, check. Professional mic, check. But your podcast still sounds like crap? It could be where you’re recording. 

Let me tell you something you may not want to hear if you’ve spent a lot of money on a mic (or any money, for that matter). Even the most professional-level mics will sound like crap in a bad environment. 

So, what makes a space bad for podcasting? The number one thing is going to be the acoustics of your podcast studio. Specifically the level of reverberation or how ‘live’ your podcast recording space is. You want a space that is going to deaden the sound by absorbing it. In other words, you want audio to come out of your mouth, go into your mic and that’s it. No bouncing around the room. No echoes. No reverb. 

In this podcast, I outline 5 things you can do to improve your sound recording space or podcast studio without commandeering your kid’s room or taking on a home reno project.

1. Get the Right Mic. I know, I know, I said it wasn’t about your mic but it might be the easiest solution to your problem. A lot of podcasters start out with a condenser mic like the Yeti. Now, I know that you see it in a lot of podcaster pictures and you were probably told it was the best mic going… but this mic is built for a sound-proof room. It wants to grab all the sounds so if your room isn’t deadening the sound instantly, then a condenser mic is going to suck up all the residual noise as it bounces around the room. 

So, the simplest solution might be to switch from a condenser mic to a dynamic mic (like the ATR 2100 or the Shure MV7) that is going to be a lot more forgiving in a ‘live’ space because it is only capturing the audio from directly in front of the mic. In fact, it may mean you don’t need any of the tips below. But, be sure to use a wind sock or pop screen to decrease popped p’s and ssssibilance. 

Podcast Mic Placement Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W7B7kxQdmc

2. Stand. By this I mean you should get a stand so that you can stand. Standing while you record will improve your performance because you will likely show up with more energy, have more air, more breath control and feel freer to move your arms around emphatically. Try putting your mic on a tall stand and you may want to get a music stand for your notes or laptop. Alternatively, and this is what I do, get yourself a standing desk and add an adjustable microphone suspension boom arm.  

3. Add Sound Treatment. Windows, hard surfaces, bare floors, and bare walls give sound something to bounce off of. If you want to improve the sound of your space, add soft elements. Pay particular attention to what is directly in front of you as this is the most likely place for your voice to bounce. 

Add a rug to the floor, acoustic tiles to the walls, curtains over the windows - anything that will cover up those hard surfaces and absorb the sound. There are so many options these days that are design-forward like large photos panels and colorful felt tiles. You can also get something portable like a mobile sound booth or recording hood in case your studio doubles as something else when you’re not recording. Or you can stay podcasting in a closet if that still works for you. That small space and all those clothes will definitely help out if it’s all you’ve got to work with at the moment.

4. On Air Light. There’s a reason radio stations have an ‘On Air’ sign outside of studios and it’s so that nobody mistakenly walks in and disrupts the broadcast and so that anyone walking by outside with a super loud voice knows to shut the hell up. So, how does this translate to your home studio? Well, you can actually buy an ‘On Air’ light and put it above your door so your family knows what’s going on. Or, you can just make a habit of letting the fam know when you are recording so they can be extra quiet. 

While you’re at it, make sure the dog is as far away as possible from your recording space. Let me be clear - even if it is a lap dog, it should not be on your lap while you record because, nobody needs a dog panting in their ears! And for the love of Pete - do not let your cat in the room when you are recording. They just love to rub up against that mic and meow mid sentence. I repeat. No cats or dogs in the studio!

5. Upgrade Your Digital Recording Studio. I would hate for you to take all of this advice making your recording studio sound great and then you connect with your guest and record using Zoom. Just, no. Don’t do it. I did an entire episode on why you should NOT be using Zoom as your recording platform. Instead, pick a professional digital recording platform like RiversideFM or Squadcast. These allow you to record directly to your computer and download your guest’s file directly from their computer. No compression. Much better. 

These upgrades to your studio space will help your podcast sound better. And the better your podcast sounds, the more your audience will enjoy it which means your podcast is serving its purpose.

If you started your podcast to help you build authority don’t undermine that with a podcast that is hard to listen to because it sounds like you’re podcasting in a cave. 

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Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Got a Question? Contact me:

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In this episode, we’re talking about something that every podcaster needs but most are too scared to do—a podcast audit.

GET YOUR FREE PODCAST AUDIT NOW (Instant Access)

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/free-podcast-audit/

An audit sounds scary, right?

Like there’s a bunch of red tape, forms, government officials, and a quest for long-lost receipts involved. But I promise you, this is nothing like that. Think of it more like a health check-up for your podcast. Just like you go to the doctor to make sure everything’s running smoothly, your podcast needs a regular check-up too.

So why is this important?

First, your podcast is a direct reflection of your brand. If your audio quality is fuzzy, your content is meandering, or your messaging is as clear as mud, then guess what? Your listeners are seeing that mess too. An audit will help you identify if your podcast is reflecting your brand the way you want it to.

Second, if you're an entrepreneur or business owner, podcasting isn’t a hobby—it’s a serious marketing tool. You’re investing time, money, and a whole lot of love into your show, but if you’re not seeing real results—whether that’s more leads, more authority, or more sales—then something’s off. A podcast audit helps you figure out where your efforts are falling flat and what you can do to start getting the ROI you deserve.

Third, you don’t know what you don’t know. Maybe you started your podcast because someone said you should, or you saw other people using podcasting to increase their visibility. And that’s great! But there’s more to podcasting than just publishing regularly. If you want to get more out of your podcast than just 'having a podcast', you need to dig a little deeper. A podcast audit shows you what you’re missing so you can take your show from good to great.

Now you're wondering how to actually do a podcast audit...here’s the best part—I’ve got a free 7-step podcast audit process that I’m sharing with you. It’s a comprehensive, step-by-step guide that’ll help you diagnose what’s really going on with your podcast so you can make informed decisions about how to improve it (and boost that ROI).

So what are you waiting for?

Head over to PodcastPerformanceCoach.com/free-podcast-audit and grab your free podcast audit. Let’s turn your podcast into the marketing tool it was always meant to be.

GET YOUR FREE PODCAST AUDIT NOW (Instant Access)

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/free-podcast-audit/

Struggling to keep your podcast fresh?

The secret might just be repetition!

Discover why revisiting your core topics can boost your authority and keep listeners coming back for more.

Ever feel like you're running out of new ideas for your podcast?

You're not alone. Many podcasters hit a wall, thinking they need fresh topics all the time. Here’s the kicker: you don’t. It’s not about reinventing the wheel; it’s about reinforcing your message.

Most of your listeners haven’t heard every episode. They didn’t start at episode #1 and follow religiously. Even your super-fans don’t remember everything. So, repeating topics isn’t just okay—it’s essential. It reinforces your message, aids comprehension, and solidifies your authority.

Imagine explaining a concept multiple times in different ways—using new analogies, fresh takes, or case studies. This repetition helps listeners fully grasp and retain your message. Plus, it establishes you as the go-to expert in your field.

And think about this: when people search for solutions online, they look at multiple sources. You want to be that recurring expert who shows up in their search results, not just a one-time hit.

Running a business means solving your ideal customer’s problems. You don’t have to constantly innovate new solutions. Stay in your lane, solve that one problem exceptionally well, and keep attracting new listeners.

Recycle and revamp your old topics with new insights and perspectives. It’s not about dazzling your audience with novelty every time but ensuring they understand and remember your core messages.

Check out episodes 24, 56, 122, 154, and 193. They all touch on the importance of consistency through repetition. Walking my talk, baby. 

Click play to learn more about how you can do it effectively too.

24 5 Ways to Generate Podcast Topic Ideas

56 How to Brainstorm your Podcast Ideas

122 What are Podcast Themes and Do You Really Need Them?

154 Are You Ignoring The Best Podcast Episode Topic Ideas?

193 5 Content Hacks So You Never Run Out of Podcast Episode Topics

Ready to make your podcast an authority-boosting marketing tool?

Book your free private podcast coaching call by clicking the big orange button on PodcastPerformanceCoach.com.

Is your show starting to get a bit predictable (and boring)? Maybe it’s time to break a few rules and shake things up a bit.

Breaking the rules (self-imposed or industry wide) can be risky business but it can also add some needed spark to your show. But - be warned - you can do it wrong.

There are a lot of good reasons to break the rules from time to time. Not all the time - but once in a while. And, if you’ve listen to my show at all, then you won’t be surprised to hear that one of the main reasons you should throw the rules out the window is that it can really serve your listener.

In this episode of Just the Tip, I’ll walk you through the dos and don’ts of breaking a few rules when it comes to your podcasts. Whether you’re a solo-caster, part of a team or interviewing guests,  I’ll give you some great ways to shake things up a bit. You know, get a little freaky to keep the love alive.

Plus, I’ll explain why you’ll want to do this and exactly how it’s going to make more of your listeners engaging fans.

Consider this episode your guide to detouring from the same old, same old; to safely leaving the path for a little bit.

Plus, I’ll tell you the one rule you must never break. Let me say that again with a bit of reverb: One. Rule. You. Must. Never. Break. Yes, this could alienate your fans and kill your podcast. And, I’ve heard plenty of podcasters make this mistake.

So, wake up your inner rebel and press play. Mild anarchy is just ahead.

By the way, if you listen to this and think to yourself, ‘Wait, what? I’m supposed to have rules? My show is supposed to have a plan?’ then you need to grab my totally free Engaging Podcasts Blueprint. I mean, come on - you have to know the rules before you can break them.

Why do you podcast? Seriously, why? I’m not being smug (for a change). I want you to seriously think about this question.

There’s a good chance that you knew the answer to this question when you started your podcast. Hopefully, you took the time when you started to figure out why in the world you wanted to become a podcaster! Maybe it was because you wanted to promote your business, try out a new marketing technique, establish yourself as a thought leader, have a reason to buy a giant microphone and cover your closet wall in foam. Maybe it was even ‘because I want to be cool like Tim Wohlberg.’ Legit reason. They’re all legit.

And what about now? Is this still why you do it? Do you even know why you podcast anymore?

Seriously, WHY?

This is the question I ask all of my new coaching clients. It’s step one. Sometimes, it’s step two and three.

But, I always start there because the answer - the real answer - should inform everything you do in your podcast. Seriously. This is the one question to rule them all.

Precious. My precious.

Don’t believe me? Plug some headphones into your earballs and let me explain. This episode is all about reconnecting with your ‘why’ and what to do if you’ve lost your way.

Speaking of which, if you need some help peeling all of the layers of the why-onion, I’m here. I promise not to cry. Or, at least not a lot. Well, maybe just not in an ugly blubbering kind of way. Okay, so just silent sobbing while we peel your why-onion. Sound like fun? Oh yeah! Grab my 30 Days to a Better Podcast coaching package and even if there are a few tears, I guarantee you’ll have a better, more purposeful podcast in the end.

Click here!

Here’s a newsflash - creating a podcast costs time and often, money. It won’t take long before you start thinking, ‘I need to make some money here…’

If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me how to monetize their podcast (often before they’ve even started) I’d be rich… and I guess my podcast would be monetized. 

Here’s the hard truth, monetizing takes time. But, since so many of you have asked, I’m going to break it down for you over the next two episodes. 

Before we can start talking about monetization strategies, we need to clarify which type of podcaster you are. There are two main types of podcasters - those who podcast for their business (podcasting = marketing) and those who podcast as a business (selling your audience to a sponsor). 

In this episode, I’m talking to those business owners who are podcasting to draw attention to what they do and build their authority. 

Here’s how you monetize your podcast if you are a business owner. You don’t! Your podcast is not how you make money, it's a tool for you to increase the money you make in your business by increasing your revenue. Hello, marketing.  

Here’s how it works. You create a podcast about your area of expertise and create content that you know your ideal customer will LOVE and lap up like a thirsty pup during a heatwave. 

Then, in your podcast, you have a killer call to action that helps that thirsty audience connect with you, engage with you, and eventually buy from you. 

And, because they know who you are (and pretty well too, since you’re in their earballs every week), they like you (obviously, or they wouldn’t keep listening) and they trust you (thanks to all of that great valuable information you keep sharing) they are going to happily sign up for whatever service or product you offer. 

This kind of know/like/trust doesn’t happen overnight so you do have to keep with it. And, you need a few more key things to make sure your audience is moving in the right direction (next stop: paying client). 

Here are the podcast must-haves if you want to monetize (aka have it be an effective marketing tool):

1. Brand alignment (your podcast and your brand are on the same page)
2. Listener-centric podcasting (you have your ideal customer in mind every time you record)
3. Valuable content that will position you as trusted expert in your niche (and make you an authority)
4. Quality production that reflects the value you offer in your business. 
5. Clear call to actions at the end of each podcast so that your listeners (aka potential customers) know what to do to work with you (cha-ching).  Oh, and;
6. Don’t try to double dip by bringing in a sponsor. It confuses the message and makes your audience feel frustrated and less important. If you want to build your authority make sure you keep your eye on the prize and don’t get side-tracked with piddly little sponsorship deals.  

For those of you who skip to the very end of my 5 minute episodes for the solid gold nuggets… 1) you’re missing all the fun and 2) here’s what you need to know to monetize your podcast - be intentional, serve your audience, be patient, help them take the next step with a solid call to action. And, don’t treat them like a commodity… serve them and they’ll think of you first the next time they need to buy the service or widget that you sell. 

Still not clear on how to make money with your podcast? Book a free 15-minute coaching session with me and I’ll walk you through the steps you need to be taking to turn your podcast from a time-vortex into a lead-generating machine. 

Tune in to the next episode to find out how podcasting-as-a-business types can monetize their podcast. 

067 This is the Bare Minimum You Need to Reach in Podcasting

075 Why You Need To Know Your Podcaster Type

Are you compromising your authority just by how you present your information? You might be if you do this one thing? And I hear a lot of people doing it? 

I’m not going to mince words, it drives me crazy?

Imagine if every sentence you wrote had a question mark on the end (like I did above). It would be pretty hard to accept that person as a confident expert in their field, right? You’d have to doubt whether they actually know anything if they are even questioning themselves. 

This is what you are doing if you engage in ANY level of upspeak (or uptalk). 

Upspeak is when your intonation goes up at the end of the sentence. The result is a sentence that sounds a bit like a question, even when it’s not meant to be. 

This alone can sabotage your efforts to sound like an authority in your field or come across as a subject matter expert. 

And the worst part is, so many people have no idea they are doing it. 

First thing you need to do is listen to your own podcast and have an ear out for any level of upspeak. 

Next, fix it!

The antidote to upspeak is downspeak. You can practice this by having your tone drop down at the end of a sentence. End on an emphatic note. End with some certainty. Drop it down so they know that it’s a fact not a question. 

Try putting an arrow on your script at the end of each sentence to remind you to drop it down. You might even want to practice over doing it, just to get the feel of it. 

Downspeak has the opposite effect of upspeak. It will instantly boost your authority. It makes you sound confident in your own words. People will feel reassured by this and see you as someone who knows what they are talking about. And, they will trust you and the information you are sharing.

That’s what you want, right? To be known as someone who knows what they are talking about and who can be trusted?

If you are an entrepreneur or business owner who is using your podcast as a marketing tool, then you want your podcast to boost your know-like-and-trust factor. Being confident and delivering information with certainty is going to make you much easier to trust!

It can take some time to break out of the upspeak habit, especially if you’ve been doing it a long time. But, keep at it. It’s worth it. And, you will see the results in how your podcast performs. 

And I hope that’s just the tip you need? Ahem, I mean I hope that’s just the tip you need⬇.

Need more help creating or turning your podcast into an authority boosting machine? Book a free 15-minute coaching call and we’ll get down with the details on how to do that.

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Congratulations! You’ve got your first sponsor. Before you start dancing all the way to the bank, you better make sure you’re handling it right or you’ll lose your listeners and your sponsor quick.

Here’s the deal. Sponsors want to work with you because you’ve got an adoring audience. And you have that audience ecause you’ve been paying attention to all of my tips and your podcast is spectacularly listener-centric.

So, how can you stay listener-centric (and keep your hard-earned, loyal fans) BUT also make some ka-ching. YES! But it takes work and some cajones. You’re going to have to stand up to your sponsor and demand that they respect your relationship with your listener. That might even mean saying ‘no thanks’ to a sponsor (and their giant bag of money).

We don’t want that! This episode is all about how to find that perfect balance. When to include your sponsor mentions so they are least disruptive and how to create great content for your sponsors so they benefit and you audience does too.

It’s all about keeping everyone happy. Follow my tips and you’ll be sounding like a pro, gaining more podcast fans and taking cheques to the bank from happy sponsors!

I need to tell you something and you may not like it. Here goes. You’re not perfect. Shocking, I know. The good news is - you don’t need to be because there’s this magical thing called editing.

I believe that you should be editing your podcast. Few people can pull off a great show without a bit of tidying up. We’re talking about having years of experience; hundreds of hours logged behind the mic before you’re pulling off a perfect show. And frankly, if you try too hard to deliver it perfectly the first time - you just might be a little fixated (and not performing at your best). That’s a lot of pressure! Allow yourself to make mistakes knowing that you can clean it up in post. Ah, doesn’t that feel like freedom?

But, here’s a word of caution - editing can get addictive and you can overdo it. Once you get good at it, you might go a little too far. Suddenly, you’ve got a podcast without a single breath between sentences or you’ve smashed together sentences that no longer make sense. The key is to keep it natural - let it (and you) breath. Finding that perfect balance is a skill and one you’ll have to work on.

Yep, work. Okay, all you smug ones who think you’ve got a trick up your sleeve - yes, I do know there’s software that will automatically eliminate gaps in your podcast. Danger, Will Rogers, danger! I still think you should do the work (or at least have a human, with human ears, do the work) because those programs can leave you sounding unnatural and alien. And, they might just zap the nuance right out of your show.

So, what stays and what goes when editing? I outline it in this podcast and give you an example of how bad ‘breathless’ podcasts sound. Follow my simple guideline and you’ll be sounding more like a pro and gaining more fans.

It’s all in the lead up. Great athletes know this. Successful business people know this. And you, fine podcaster, should know it too. Having a good pre-record routine is the key to setting yourself (and your show) up for success.

If you’re scratching your head and thinking, ‘what am I supposed to be doing before I hit record?’ - fear not, Captain Podcast is here to save the day. In this episode I give you the 5 most common mistakes that podcasters make before they hit record. And, let me tell you - they are not as obvious as remembering to press record! In fact, I’ll bet you’re making at least one of these mistakes. You won’t after this episode.  

These tips (yes, plural - I know I usually only give you one but you’re getting quite the deal in this episode!) are easy to follow and will help you avoid making crappy sounding podcasts. And, as if that’s not enough of a deal - these are just 5 of the items on my Pre-Record Checklist that I refer to before every single podcast to make sure I’m primed and ready to go.

I bet you’d like to get your little grubby hands on that list, wouldn’t you. Alright, alright - calm down. I’ll give it to you. Just click here to get it and I’ll even throw in a few performance posters to keep you on track once you do hit record.

Following a routine and going through your checklist before you start recording is an easy way to sound more like a pro.

Are you still there? Oh, uh you cut out there for a second. Can you say that again?

If you interview guests over the internet for your podcast, I'll bet you six bucks you've had this conversation.  And, that's if you catch it! How many times have you finished up a recording session and patted yourself on the back for a job well done only to listen back and find out that your guest sounds like a cheap sci-fi robot? And no, there is no 'de-mechanicanize' secret button in Audacity or Audition that will instantly make your guest sound human again.

Technology is great... right up until it fails you. Then, there's a whole lot of swearing. And, I'm not talking about the swearing you're doing when you listen back. I'm talking about your audience. Nobody wants that kind of crap in their ears. Nobody wants to have to hit the 'back 30' button because that last sentence didn't quite make sense. It's super frustrating and annoying.

Is that how you want to treat your listeners - you know the very people you make this podcast for?

In this episode, I share one important tip that will vastly improve your internet connection, decrease your chances of having dropouts, stalls, technical interruptions, and guests who sound like they were born on a factory line. And I'm sorry to tell you this, it's going to make you smack your head and say 'that's so simple!' Yep, this one little tip is going to immediately change how your guest sounds.

Plus, I'll give you a little more insight into why these interruptions happens. We'll talk about all of the things that are out of your control and what you can do to get back that control.  I'll also share some strategies for communicating with your guest to makes sure they're connecting the best way possible too.

Whether you use Zoom, Zencastr, Skype, or any other online conferencing system to record your podcast, you want that connection to sound as good as it can. Hit play and learn the most important thing you should be doing to improve that connection. Your guests will thank you, your fans will thank you, heck, your dog will thank you (since you are no longer cursing at the computer as you failingly attempt to fix it and now have so much more time for walkies).

 By the way. These connection issues are one of the first things I ask my editing clients about. We also spend some time making sure their recording settings are optimized. It's totally selfish - I'm making my job easier as an editor - but it also means they have a much better sounding show. Win- win- win (that last one is for the listener).  If you're looking for the kind of editor who cares what your show sounds like, hit me up for a free 15 minute consultation.

Do you have any ‘best of’ albums? They’re great, right? So, why not give your listeners nothing but the hits by creating a ‘Best Of’ episode?

A ‘best of’ episode is pretty self explanatory - you take the most impactful or magical moments of your podcast and slap them together for a show chock full of the good stuff. There are a few really good reasons to do this and you can get surprising results - if you do it right. In this episode I reveal why you should do one and how to pull it off.

I might be dating myself here but I used to love buying ‘best of albums’ from my favourite musicians or bands. I got the cream of the crop all in one shiny disc. Even if I had all of the other albums - I still loved having the best of the best all in one place. It was smart for the artist too because they were either selling the same song twice to fans or giving potential new fans a way to fall in love with them.

It’s the same with podcasts. You take the best parts of past episodes and stitch them to make a new episode. And, as we head into the holidays and the new year, now is the perfect time to do it. Especially if you want to take some time off over the holidays or you’re having trouble convincing guests to give you time right now. This is a trick we used to use all the time around the holidays. It was something we could produce ahead of time so we could take time off without leaving our listeners without content (looking for a replacement!). And, want to know a secret? The audience loves it. They love reliving their favourite moments or hearing something GOLD that they may have missed. Plus, new listeners get to sample only the good stuff - like filling your plate with meat and dessert and never having to even pretend to consider those stupid Brussel sprouts.

But, beware! You can get this wrong. If you don’t pick the right stuff, fail to string it together cohesively or you do it too often, the result could be the opposite from what you intend - your listener might feel like you’re being lazy or taking them for granted.

In this episode, I go over when you should be putting out a best of episode and how often. Also, how to pick the material to use by using different approaches. I’ll also give you a handy way to move forward so your next best of show produces itself.

I’ve put together these tips for you so that you can pull this off the right way and reap all of the benefits of a good ‘best of’ show. It’s my little gift to you  - a perfectly produced best of show that warms the heart of your audience, attracts new listeners and gives you a much deserved break.

Here’s the best of my advice - go listen to it now.

Everyone wants to know, ‘what makes a podcast good?’ Ask 10 podcast listeners and you’ll get 10 different answers. The truth is, there’s one critical thing that every good podcast has. In this episode of Just the tip, I reveal what that is and how it can make your podcast good (even great). 

I see this question about podcasts all the time, especially on social media. The answers range from good sound quality, the performance of the host, to the content and even the music. 

All of those things are elements of a good podcast, but when you think about it, each one of these things is subjective. What’s not subjective, is the intention. 

Is the podcaster delivering on their promise to their listener? Is the intention of the podcast being delivered consistently, every episode? 

If you’ve listened to my show AT ALL, you know that I’m all about being listener-centric so it should come as no surprise when I tell you that the answer to the question of ‘what makes a podcast good?’ has only one answer. That’s up to the intended audience. 

Let’s look at it from a different medium. Are smultzy made-for-TV holiday movies good? If you ask someone who wants to spend every waking hour playing Mindcraft, the answer is going to be a ‘hell-no!’ But, if you ask someone who’s snuggled under their favorite blanket and already clutching their box of tissues, well the answer between the sobs is a mushy yes. 

Apply this to podcasting. Apply this to your podcast. 

Here are a few questions that will help you determine whether your podcast is good. 

What experience do you intend to deliver to your audience? And, are you delivering? 

Is the podcast serving your listener in the intended way? 

Is your podcast respectful of the listener’s time?

Are you ever lazy about planning or putting together your podcast? 

Can people comfortably listen to your podcast or is it an assault to their earballs?

Are you putting your listener first (and yes, I do mean ahead of your ego)?

It’s all about delivering on the intention of your podcast and serving your listener!

This is true whether you’re like most of my clients and have a podcast that is a marketing tool for your business, you’re building your personal brand, authority or visibility, or even if you’re just podcasting for the fun of it. You’re intention is likely to inform, educate, inspire, or entertain - if you’re not delivering on that intention, your podcast is not good.  

The good news is, you can make your podcast good. Now you know the secret so go figure out what the intention is, do what you say you’re going to do, and treat your listeners like gold. 

I know this seems simple, but if you’re struggling with it (and MANY people do) I can help. Hit me up for a free 15-minute coaching call and lets see if we can get you in the good (podcasting) books. Click here to access my calendar and book a time that works for you. 

Learn more about podcasting good on my website https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

The reset. It’s one of the greatest, most versatile tools and so many podcasters have never heard of it. Let’s change that right now. Listen and discover the power of the show reset.

Do you want your podcast to be remembered, understood, and trusted?

Embrace the secret weapon of the world's most compelling speakers: repetition.

Repetition isn’t just a broken record; it’s a powerful technique to make your message stick. Think of it as a mental highlighter, ensuring your key points don’t get lost in the noise of daily life.

Studies show that repetition helps with memory formation and builds trust. Simply put, repetition makes your message memorable and believable. Boom - who doesn’t want that?

In this episode, we dive into smart repetition strategies to transform your podcast into a memorable experience:

1. Literal Repetition

2. Contextual Repetition

But beware, overdoing it can backfire. Find a balance to reinforce key points without overwhelming your audience.

Repetition is also crucial for your Calls to Action (CTAs). Repeat your CTA multiple times to ensure your listeners remember it.

Ready to make your podcast unforgettable?

Press play and discover how to use the power of repetition to boost your podcast’s impact. Let’s ensure your podcast isn’t just heard but remembered.

Book your free private podcast coaching call at PodcastPerformanceCoach.com.

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

Let’s work together to make your podcast the powerful marketing tool it’s meant to be.

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Make a sticky note and put this up in your podcast studio: The Weight is in the ‘Why’, Not the ‘Who’. 

Let me help you decipher this one. The weight or the value of each episode comes from why someone would listen NOT who you have on your show.  

Let that sink in. Why, Not Who. 

The reason I wanted to share this with you today is because I see this mistake all the time. 

I see titles that are just the guest’s name. 

I hear people start an episode with something like 'My guest today is…*reads bio*. 

You know you've heard this. Maybe you've done it. That ends today, my friend! 

Here's why. 

Unless your guest is a household name or some kind of titan in your industry... nobody is tuning in to hear them…besides their mother (and she probably isn’t your target audience). 

This comes up a lot with my clients. They ask about including their guest's names in their podcast episode titles. Don’t bother. Don’t waste that valuable and limited episode title real estate on a name nobody has ever heard of.

I remind them of the golden rule of podcasting: focus on your listener. Be listener-centric. Your podcast is not about you and it definitely isn't about your guest. It’s about and for your listener.

If you want them to press play on an episode, you need to acknowledge this fact. You need to tell them why they should press play.

Put this on a sticky note too: WIIFT

What’s In It For Them.

What’s in your episode that’s going to make it worth their time and attention?

This is the WHY of your episode. 

Put yourself in your listener's shoes. 

It’s podcast time! Yay!  They're looking at fresh episodes…

What's going to motivate them to press play? Is it some random name they've never heard of or a very clear benefit to them? 

A conversation with Sue Trinham or The #1 Way to Make Money Growing Bonsai?

Seems pretty obvious when you look at it that way, doesn’t it. I get that you see other people listing their guest’s name in the title and starting the episode with a full bio like this is the most important part of the show. Now you have the opportunity to be a better podcaster than them by focusing on WIIFT instead of your guest. 

I just had this discussion with a client and he pushed back. He felt that the interview was the point of the podcast. But here's what he's missing: the interview is just the how. It’s how the information is shared… but it’s NOT why someone would listen. 

Yes, your guest qualifications are important but I expect that as a podcaster you’re vetting your guests and only bringing on the best people. I expect that they will be impressive. 

Let me be clear, I'm not saying you won't eventually tell me about who is on the show and share a bit about why they are qualified to offer information on a topic... I'm saying that is not the POINT of the episode. It’s not the focus. It’s not the reason I’m going to tune in. 

My client still pushed back. He thought it was misleading if he didn’t mention the guest in the title. Or even in the first minutes or 2 of the episode. 

It’s not misleading at all, it’s leading with the gold. 

The point of the episode comes down to what someone will get out of listening and why they should care. I’m going to assume that your guest is qualified and that you're going to deliver a great conversation every time. It’s a given. 

So, stop treating your guest’s name like it’s some kind of super magnet and keep it out of your title. Here’s how you can effectively incorporate their name:

Put your guest's name in the author field of your episode details. You can do this by entering your name as you normally would followed by “with guest Sue Trinham”. 

That way, if anyone searches Apple Podcasts or Spotify for their specific name, your episode featuring them will show up.

You can have your cake and eat it too. Have a compelling title filled with WIIFT AND make it easy for anyone to find your episode when they’re searching for podcasts featuring your guest.

Just never forget that the weight is in the WHY, not the WHO.

By the way, shifting to the listener-centric approach can be a challenge for many podcasters. It’s not just one thing (like your title), it’s the entire structure, content, marketing, and feel of the show. 

If you’d like some help coming over to the right side of podcasting (aka listener-centric podcasting), start by booking a Free 15-Minute Podcast Coaching Call

Book your FREE 15-Minute Podcast Coaching Call

https://calendly.com/timwohlberg

Listen to more 5-minute episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Got a Question? Contact me:

https://podcastperformancecoach.com/contact/

Want to grow your podcast audience using Other People's Podcasts (OPP)? It's a great strategy, but we need to discuss one crucial piece of the puzzle: how to be a fantastic guest.

In this episode, I’m diving into what it takes to be the kind of podcast guest hosts want back—and more importantly, the kind that audiences remember. Because let’s face it, if you’re a guest who shows up unprepared, sounds awful, or doesn't promote your appearance, you’re not going to see the results you’re hoping for. And you can kiss those future invitations goodbye!

Here’s how to be a great podcast guest every time:

1. Show Up Prepared: It’s not rocket science. Listen to a few episodes, know the host's name (and how to pronounce it!), and understand their audience. Bring value by aligning your points with their audience’s needs, and don’t forget to have a memorable story ready to back up your message.

2. Sound Great: You wouldn’t show up to a job interview in sweatpants, so why show up to a podcast sounding like you’re recording in a tunnel? Use your podcast mic, find a quiet space, and make sure your sound quality reflects your brand. Need mic tips? Check out episodes 163, 157, 134, and even my very first episode!

3. Be Gracious and Promote the Episode: Once the episode is live, thank the host publicly and share it across your socials. This isn’t just about being polite—it’s about leveraging social proof. Promoting your guest appearance builds your credibility (and makes hosts more likely to invite you back).

4. Build Long-Run Relationships: Podcasting is about creating connections. When you’re a great guest, you open doors for future collaborations. Maybe the host will refer you to other podcasters or shout you out in future episodes. It’s all about creating a positive ripple effect.

The Bottom Line: Being a great guest is about positioning yourself as a trusted expert, building relationships, and leveraging your appearances to grow your audience. When you do this right, guesting on podcasts becomes a winning strategy.

Ready to level up your podcast guesting game? Hit play and let’s make sure you’re the kind of guest everyone wants on their show!

And if you’re using podcasting as a marketing tool for your business, subscribe for more 5-minute actionable tips. Want to make sure your podcast is set up for success?

Grab your FREE Podcast Audit at PodcastPerformanceCoach.com.

What does your face look like when you podcast? Yes, it does matter even if you aren’t doing a video podcast. Why? Because we can hear your smile.

This is a note that almost every broadcaster has heard in their life (especially if they work the morning show), “we need more smile in your voice!” Being a podcaster is no different - you need to have smile in your voice. What that means is the listener has to hear your happiness when you talk. You have to convey to them that you’re happy to be doing the podcast, happy to have them listening, happy to have your guest join you.

So, how do you put a smile in your voice? Simple - put one on your face! Want a really good example of a podcast whose smile really works for him? Check out the Joe Rogan Experience. Did I shock you? Yes, he’s known for being ranty which is precisely why his smile is so powerful!

In this podcast, I also explain a few more benefits of adopting a smile while you podcast and help you to master the art of the voice-smile. Tyra Banks may smile with her eyes, now you need to learn how to smile with your voice.

Let me tell you something. When a broadcaster shows up for work, it doesn’t matter if her boyfriend just dumped her, his dog just ate an engagement ring or their kids were up all night puking on them - when that mic turns on, so does their smile. That’s what sounding like a pro is all about and you can sound like one too with a simple :)

What’s Next for Podcasting in 2025? (Hint: It’s Not Just About Video)

Podcasting is growing up fast, but are you keeping up? From political candidates hitting the mic to the rise of video podcasts, 2024 was wild—and 2025 is shaping up to be the same. Are you staying ahead of the curve?

I found a great article on Cohost's website about what 2025 has in store for podcasters. I'll link to those 25 trend predictions in the show notes if you want a more in-depth look into the future. But here are mt top 3 from the list.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

1. Creative Monetization Tactics: Discover new ways to make your podcast work harder for your business. Dynamic ads, private podcasts, and more!

2. The Rise of Video Podcasting: Why video matters more than ever—but why you shouldn’t jump on the bandwagon without a plan.

3. The Power of Authenticity: In a world flooded with AI, your unique voice is more valuable than ever.

4. The Case for Micro Podcasts (Bonus Trend): Why shorter, snackable episodes might be the next big thing.

Why this matters for you:

If you're an entrepreneur using your podcast to generate leads, establish authority, or boost sales, these trends are worth paying attention to. But here's the kicker: trends come and go, and not every trend is right for your show. I'll share how to stay listener-focused and make the right decisions for your podcast and business.

Mentioned in this episode:

1. Want to align your podcast with your business goals? Check out the Podcast Tune-Up Program for a step-by-step guide to realigning your show and boosting your ROI.

2. Link to the full 2025 podcast trend predictions from Cohost (in the show notes).

Stay ahead of the curve, stay true to your audience, and make 2025 your podcast’s best year yet.

Learn more about the Podcast Tune-Up Program → PodcastPerformanceCoach.com

Have you ever had an amazing podcast episode idea, promptly written it down on a sticky note for safe keeping only to find the incomprehensible scribble months later?

Put an end to forgotten and mislayed ideas!  In this episode, I’m going to share a trick that every podcaster should be using so that brilliant ideas become brilliant podcasts (instead of dried up, illegible sticky notes).  

Look, putting together a podcast takes a lot of brain power. Whatever your topic is, you have to come up with show topics that you can present in a way that will serve your audience. That usually means you’ve thought it out. You know, like before you hit record.

But, coming up with ideas and crafting them into a show outline takes time and energy. A lot of podcasters find this out the hard way - usually around episode 38. When you start your podcast the ideas are never ending… and then you hit the wall. You’re banging your head, trying to will ideas to come to you but they’re not there. You’re reaching back into the week that was, certain that you’d had ideas. What were they, again?

Then, you start thinking crazy thoughts like - what if I just did an episode about my cat, or what if maybe I didn’t do an episode this week… month… year. Stop the madness!

There is a way to capture ideas and inspiration so that you never run out of topics. How and when you do that is key. This is something I learned back in my days as a radio DJ. I had to come up with 30 things to talk about every day. I realize pretty quickly that I needed to always be brainstorming! That’s when I came up with a system that ensured good ideas never got away.

So, take 5 minute right now and learn this super simple trick (that will become a good habit) if you want to get your ideas from your head (or sticky note) to published.

Need help articulating your ideas or formatting your show? Grab my 30-Days to a Better Podcast coaching package! We’ll have you podcasting with ease in just one month.

What does your music say about your podcast? If the only thing a listener had to go on, would they guess your podcast genre and target audience?

All too often podcasters go about picking their music all wrong. Here’s the first mistake - they pick something that they like (and then they play too much of it) and never really consider if it’s telling the right story for their show. 

The second mistake is that they hunt down free podcast music. Or, they precure it in a not-so-legit way. Do you really want to limit yourself here - you’re going to have to listen to this music a lot (especially if you’re editing or at least listening to your podcast like you should. )

You want your music to be on brand and attract your ideal audience. Is it doing that? Be honest. 

The third mistake podcasters make with their music is not picking a versatile enough track. You want a piece of music that does more than one thing. With the right piece of music, you can get an intro plus bumpers, sounders, earcons / earmarks, extro beds… yes, you want all of those things even if you don’t know what they mean. Essentially, you want music that does it all. 

By now, you’re probably getting the sense that your music is a big part of your podcast. Good! 

Finding Great Podcast Music

In this episode, I explain why it’s so important, how you can get the most out of a great piece of music and where to find royalty free podcast music. I even give you some time saving tips on how to search through those mountains of podcast tracks without totally losing your mind! 

Whether you’re just starting out with podcasting or you’re realizing that your music might need a tune up, this episode will help you develop a show with sweet, sweet sound. 

Listen to more 5-minute-tip episodes, explore my resources and check out my coaching packages at https://podcastperformancecoach.com/

Want some personal help with your podcast music selection? Hit me up for a free 15-minute coaching call. 

By the way, music selection is just one part of the podcast development program we offer. Want to learn how you can create a killer podcast that will promote your business? Let’s chat. Book a free 15-minute call.

Resources

https://audiojungle.net/

https://www.pond5.com/

https://www.podcastmusic.com/