Hello again!

I was recently chatting with a podcasting friend last month and she asked what I thought about the podcasting space. I don’t know for sure, but I wondered if I could hear a bit of uneasiness in her voice when she asked the question.

And it’s no wonder with articles like Spotify layoffs, NPR podcast staff cuts, Luminary staff cuts, (more) Spotify layoffs and Gimlet canceled shows coming out more frequently it seems.

I can understand why those headlines can make soon-to-be podcasters a little uneasy.

But, speaking as someone with a journalism background who wrote hundreds of headlines way back when, I’ll only get scared when I see headlines like Creative People Are All Choosing To Stifle Their Creativity, Independent Podcasters Are Giving Up, or Everyone Has Officially Forgotten What A Podcast Is.

When I started podcasting back in 2015, I would tell people, “Podcasting is great and there’s so much opportunity!” And I truly believed that.

I still do, actually, but I’ve noticed a shift in the last few years. While I think this has always been true, you have to work even harder as a creator to stand out and grow your show, especially as an indie podcaster right now.

Does that mean podcasting has lost its edge or is dying?

No! In fact, this is a fantastic time to either start that podcast you’ve wanted to or go back or maybe bring back your podcast from hiatus! (I see you, Best Forevers Pod! Excited for your relaunch!)

I’ll give you the same advice I gave my friend: If you’re working toward building a community around your show and putting out content with your listeners in mind, focus on that and you’ll do just fine. Make sure your podcast is on as many podcast apps as possible, make it easy for people to find it (more on that below!), and ask your listeners to pass the podcast on to their friends who would enjoy it. Don’t let what the big names do or the scary headlines distract you.

I know this might be opening a can of worms, but what do you think of the podcasting space lately?

Let me know any questions, comments, or suggestions for upcoming newsletter topics!

This Month’s Podcasting Tip

If you’re reading this, you probably know what a podcast is and how to listen. But according to the 2022 Infinite Dial report from Edison Research, there are still 38% of Americans who have never listened to a podcast!

Sure, podcasts aren’t for everybody, but I bet there is someone in your immediate friend circle or family who wants to listen to a podcast but doesn’t know how. Why not be the podcaster who introduces someone to their first podcast and shows them how to listen?

Here are some suggestions, including some from those of you who answered the question in my Instagram stories last week!

Carolyn from Wellness While Walking answered my IG question by saying she will ask for their phones and walk people through how to find and follow their favorite podcasts. I love this because many people don’t know they probably already have a podcast app ready to go on their phones.
Use your screen-recording software on your phone to record yourself finding and following your podcast in your favorite app. This can be used as an Instagram/Facebook Reel, TikTok, video on your website or YouTube. Here’s a YouTube video I made to walk people through how to find and subscribe to The Story Behind. As an example. Note: This video is from a few years ago, as you may be able to tell from the old cover art. Also, Apple has since changed its wording from “Subscribe” to “Follow.” (More info about Apple Subscriptions can be found HERE.)
Show friends how they can listen to podcasts on their smart home devices with a simple prompt, such as “Hey Google/Alexa, play The Story Behind (or your podcast name) podcast.” Note: Be sure to add “podcast” to the end of the podcast title, even if the show already has podcast in the title.
Since many people know how to use a website, this is a fantasstic place to post instructions and easy-to-click links to apps your podcast can be found on. Christine from Footnoting History sent this to me on Instagram: “I literally made a page on our website to answer that question because I didn't want people to find us and not be able to listen.” Check out her Listen Page HERE.

Another example of using your podcast’s website to help people listen comes from Gadget Lab. They include this in their shownotes on the website:

How to Listen
You can always listen to this week's podcast through the audio player on this page, but if you want to subscribe for free to get every episode, here's how:

If you're on an iPhone or iPad, open the app called Podcasts, or just tap this link. You can also download an app like Overcast or Pocket Casts, and search for Gadget Lab. If you use Android, you can find us in the Google Podcasts app just by tapping here. We’re on Spotify too. And in case you really need it, here's the RSS feed.

Note: Where you see the underlines is where hyperlinks were added so readers and listeners could be taken directly to the apps to find the show. 😉

If you decide to create something similar, this can also be added to your newsletters or descriptions on your YouTube videos!

Turn Your Podcast Into a Book!

I’ve noticed a trend recently on the consulting calls I’ve been doing where podcasters who are past the beginning stages of starting a podcast have now hit their strides and then question, “Now what?”

For me, I found writing a book to be such a great next step and I like recommending it to clients, but I often hear “That would be great, but I wouldn’t know where to even start. I have so much content!”

When I told my friend Lynn "Elikqitie" Smargis from Write For You about the trend I noticed and how I wished I could help out my clients when it came to turning their podcast into a book, she sprang into action and offered to write this guest post!

I split it into 2 parts so you’re not overwhelmed! It’s quite long because Lynn made sure not to leave anything out!

Here’s the link to Part 1 and be sure to save this email for when you need that link for Part 2!

Need help with writing, editing, formatting, or publishing your book? Maybe you just need an hour to bounce ideas off an experienced ghostwriter? Definitely grab a spot on Lynn's discovery call calendar to find out more!

My Morning Routine — Podcast Appearance

I was recently interviewed on my friend Carolyn Cohen’s podcast, Wellness While Walking, talking about my morning routine and how it’s changed recently. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or listen directly on the website here!

Check Out the Latest Blog Posts

E Podcast Productions — Podcasting Blog

Emily: Out Loud — ADHD/Creative Lifestyle Blog

Thanks again to BCast for featuring me on their list of top podcast consultants and consulting companies 2023!

Until next time, Happy Podcasting!

Work With Me on Your Podcast

I’ve opened up a few dates in my June calendar for those of you who are seeking a Strategy Session with me to plan, revamp, and help you use your creative skills to grow your podcast.

These 30- or 60-minute sessions are where you can pick my brain about all things podcasting, whether it’s planning your new podcast and making sure you start off on the right foot, podcast equipment recommendations that won’t break the bank, or growing your show and taking it to the next level.

Like What I Do?

Enjoying this newsletter and my content? If you’ve found my tips and information helpful, you can support me and my work by buying me a cup of coffee over at BuyMeACoffee.com/emilyprokop 🙂 And look for a shout-out over on my Instagram Stories!

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