Podcast Insider

🎙️ Podfest 2026 Recap: Creators, Community & What’s Next In this special episode of Podcast Insider, Mike Dell, Dave Clements, and MacKenzie Bennett are joined by Cyndee Harrison and Rachael Amato from Synaptic to recap Podfest 2026 — and the conversations that stood out most. From a packed booth and plenty of “pre-podcasters” (people planning their very first show) to meaningful reconnects with longtime customers, the team shares why Podfest continues to be one of the most creator-focused events of the year. What We’re Hearing From Creators AI has shifted from fear to usefulness: More creators are asking how AI can help with planning, editing, and promotion — without losing the human connection that makes podcasts work. Video podcasting is here (and the debate is tired): Whether creators are video-first or audio-first, the goal is the same: reach people where they listen/watch. Blubrry’s focused on supporting both. Monetization is bigger than sponsors: More sessions and conversations centered on using a podcast to support a business funnel — like books, coaching, courses, and community building. Podcast-to-book momentum is growing: The team noticed more creators turning transcripts and story-based content into tangible, published books. Honoring Todd Cochrane & Podcasting’s Legacy Blubrry was proud to sponsor the Podcast Hall of Fame ceremony, which included a meaningful moment honoring our late CEO, Todd Cochrane. The team reflects on the respect Podfest showed for podcasting pioneers — and why building the future still means honoring the legacy. 🔗 Links & Resources Vid2Pod Podcast Hall of Fame ceremony video: watch here For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion. Share your feedback at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider. Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com)

📊 Why IAB-Certified Stats Matter — and How Blubrry Makes It Easy Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Dave Clements When it comes to podcast monetization, your download numbers aren’t just bragging rights—they’re how you prove your value to advertisers, networks, and sponsors. But here’s the thing: not all stats are created equal. To be taken seriously, you need IAB-certified podcast statistics—and here’s why they matter, especially if you’re trying to grow or monetize your show. 1. They’re the Industry Standard for a Reason The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) created strict, transparent guidelines for how podcast downloads should be measured. With IAB-certified stats, you get: A clear picture of real, human listeners Numbers filtered for bots, auto-refreshes, and duplicate requests Confidence that your data will stand up under scrutiny This is the standard advertisers, agencies, and platforms trust and expect when deciding whether to spend money with your podcast. 2. Blubrry Helped Set the Standard Blubrry has been tracking podcast statistics since 2005—we’ve been doing this longer than almost anyone in the space. And we weren’t just early—we were foundational. We played a major role in helping create the IAB guidelines that podcasters and platforms use today. Our system undergoes regular third-party audits to maintain IAB Tech Lab certification. So when you use Blubrry stats, you’re not just using certified tools—you’re using tools built by a company that helped define what certification looks like. 3. IAB-Certified Data Helps You Monetize If you want to work with sponsors, join a network, or use programmatic ad platforms like SoundStack, your podcast needs data they can trust. IAB-certified stats help you: Prove your true audience size Qualify for ad networks and monetization tools Build sponsor relationships with credible, standardized numbers This data is essential when you’re pitching your show or negotiating CPM rates. Without certified stats, you’re at a disadvantage from the start. 4. Blubrry Offers Stats for Everyone You don’t have to break the bank to get professional-grade analytics: Free Basic Stats are available to any podcaster—Blubrry host or not Standard Stats are available for just $5/month and offer deeper insights Every Blubrry hosting plan includes IAB-certified stats at no additional cost Whether you’re just getting started or ready to grow your revenue, Blubrry gives you access to the tools you need to move forward with confidence. 🧠 Bottom Line: If you’re serious about podcasting—especially monetizing—you need stats that advertisers and networks will trust. IAB certification isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the difference between a maybe and a yes when it comes to sponsorship. With Blubrry, you’re backed by nearly two decades of expertise, a platform that helped shape the standards, and tools built to support you at any stage of your podcasting journey. For the best support, please use our Blubrry ticket system so our full team can help. Join the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group for general podcasting discussion. Share your feedback at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider. Blubrry hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com)

Change can be scary — especially when your podcast format is “working well enough.” But doing the exact same thing every week can lead to burnout, stale content, and flat growth. In this episode of Podcast Insider, Mike and Dave dig into how to experiment with your show format without confusing your audience, tanking downloads, or losing the core of what makes your show work. Whether you’re thinking about shorter episodes, new segments, rotating co-hosts, or even a full refresh down the road, this conversation walks through how to test changes in a thoughtful, data-informed way over time. Today’s Hosts: Dave Clements and Mike Dell Why Even Good Shows Need Format Experiments If your show is “fine,” it can be tempting to leave it alone forever. But small experiments can: Keep you excited and creative as a host Help new listeners understand your show faster Make the content easier to binge and share Reveal what parts of your format actually matter to listeners Common worries podcasters have: “If I change anything, people will unsubscribe.” “My audience expects this exact structure.” “I don’t have time to reinvent everything.” Breaking down the difference between: Tweaks (small adjustments, low risk) Experiments (intentional tests with a goal) Overhauls (big changes that need more planning) 💡 Blubrry helps: Use your Blubrry stats to compare performance before and after changes—episode downloads, trends over a few weeks, and listener behavior over time. Low-Risk Ways to Experiment With Your Format You don’t have to flip your show upside down to “try something new.” Mike and Dave walk through small, manageable experiments you can test over a few episodes: Structure Experiments Move your main topic earlier so listeners get to the “good stuff” faster Add a short recurring segment (news, wins, Q&A, recommendations) Group related topics into a mini-series within your feed Length & Pacing Experiments Try a shorter, punchier episode every few weeks Alternate between deep-dive episodes and quick tips Tighten long intros or outros to get into the content sooner Format Variations Rotate between solo, co-hosted, and interview episodes Test a “mailbag” or “listener questions” format occasionally Try themed episodes (case studies, breakdowns, live coaching, etc.) They also talk about running experiments in “seasons” or short runs so changes feel intentional, not random. 💡 Blubrry helps: Tag your episodes clearly in titles and descriptions (e.g., “Quick Tip,” “Deep Dive,” “Listener Q&A”) so you can see which experiment types attract more plays over time. Bringing Your Audience Along for the Ride Listeners are usually more flexible than podcasters think—as long as they’re not surprised in a bad way. Communicate changes without sounding unsure or apologetic: Explain why you’re trying something new: “We want to get to the main topic faster.” “We’re testing shorter episodes for busy listeners.” Set expectations and limits: “We’re experimenting with this format for the next 3–4 episodes.” Invite feedback directly: Ask for emails, social DMs, or voicemails Run a simple listener poll or survey The power of framing: Position changes as a perk (“We’re giving you more X”) Make listeners feel included (“You’re helping shape how this show evolves.”) 💡 Blubrry helps: Link to your contact page, newsletter, or survey using Quicklinks so listeners always have an easy, one-click way to respond. What to Track When You Change Your Format Experimenting without paying attention to results is just guessing. We break down what to watch once you start testing new ideas: Core metrics: Overall downloads per episode over a few weeks Trends (Is it steady, slightly up, or noticeably down?) Are new format episodes in line with your usual performance? Engagement signals: Do you see more replies, reviews, or social shares? Are listeners mentioning specific segments or changes they liked? Do people reference the new format when they reach out? Patterns over time: Are certain experiment types performing consistently better? Did a change cause confusion (e.g., more “what is this?” feedback)? Don’t panic over one “weird” episode—look at patterns, not outliers. 💡 Blubrry helps: Use episode comparison tools and long-term stats trends to see how format changes affect performance across multiple episodes, not just one. Knowing When to Roll Back vs. Commit Not every experiment will be a hit—and that’s okay. Roll it back if: You’re getting clear negative feedback you can’t ignore Downloads are dropping significantly and staying down The new format is burning you out more than before Tweak and keep testing if: Feedback is mixed but curious (“I like this, but…”) Performance is similar, but the show feels better to make You see signs of new engagement from your core audience Fully commit if: Your audience responds positively and consistently The show feels easier or more fun to produce The format fits better with your long-term goals Tell listeners when something worked: “You all loved this new segment, so we’re making it a regular thing.” Listener Takeaway Experimenting with your format doesn’t mean starting from scratch—it means refining what already works and letting go of what doesn’t. When you: Change one thing at a time Communicate clearly Watch your data and listen to feedback …you can evolve your show in a way that feels natural for both you and your listeners. The best place for all Blubrry support is our ticket system. A ticket gives the whole team access vs. direct emails and calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call for a tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com).

Podcasting isn’t just about entertainment — it’s a platform for change. Whether you’re raising awareness for an important issue, advocating for a marginalized community, or championing a nonprofit mission, a podcast can amplify voices and create real-world impact. In this episode of Podcast Insider, we explore how creators can responsibly, authentically, and effectively use their shows to inspire action. From storytelling that sparks empathy to partnerships that fuel momentum, your mic can be a catalyst for something bigger. Today’s Hosts: Dave Clements and MacKenzie Bennett Why Podcasting Works for Advocacy Podcasts build trust — and trust leads to action. Advocacy-driven shows succeed because they: Create space for personal stories and deeper context Give underrepresented voices a platform Encourage ongoing conversation and education Convert listeners into supporters and volunteers 💡 Blubrry helps: Our detailed stats help you understand whether your message is reaching — and resonating with — the right audience. Best Practices for Responsible Storytelling With purpose comes responsibility. Tips for telling stories ethically: Prioritize consent and accuracy Avoid trauma exploitation or sensationalism Center the people and communities affected Follow up with resources and actionable next steps 💡 Blubrry helps: Use show notes and episode descriptions to provide clear links to important resources and organizations your listeners can support. Partnerships That Amplify Impact You don’t have to lift the mission alone. Strengthen advocacy by: Working with nonprofit organizations Featuring subject-matter experts Creating campaigns aligned with awareness days/months Encouraging listeners to share the message Even small efforts can lead to collective momentum. 💡 Blubrry helps: Quicklinks makes it simple to share subscription options and calls-to-action across every channel — so supporters can spread the word faster. Listener Takeaway Podcasting is personal — and that’s what makes it powerful. When you speak up for something that matters, you can inspire your community to take action, learn more, and make a difference. 🔗 Resources & Tools Blubrry Hosting + Statistics Quicklinks for sharing and engagement Podcasting 2.0 value-driven features Find episode extras and past shows at podcastinsider.com. And if you’re ready to grow a mission-driven podcast, visit blubrry.com — we’re here to support you every step of the way. 🎧 Keep advocating. Keep storytelling. Keep making an impact. The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook Group. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call for a tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com).

Even the most passionate podcasters hit a wall sometimes — especially around the holidays. Between planning episodes, keeping up with publishing schedules, and juggling real-life responsibilities, it’s easy to lose steam. In this episode, we talk about how to recognize burnout before it hits, practical ways to refresh your creativity, and why taking a short break (like over Thanksgiving!) can actually help your show thrive in the long run. Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and MacKenzie Bennett Avoiding Podcast Burnout Spot the Signs of Burnout Early If podcasting starts to feel like a chore, you might be heading toward burnout. Common signs include: Episodes feel forced or rushed You dread recording or editing You’re running out of topic ideas You compare your show to others instead of focusing on your own goals  💡 Blubrry helps: With tools like episode scheduling and WordPress publishing, you can plan ahead — giving yourself time off without breaking your release rhythm. How to Stay Creative (Even When You’re Tired) When inspiration dips, try changing things up: Record shorter episodes or bonus updates Invite a guest host or do a collaboration Revisit a favorite past topic with a new perspective Ask your audience what they want to hear next 💡 Blubrry helps: Use our show notes and statistics tools to track which topics resonate most — helping you build new episodes around what’s working best. Planning Time Off Without Losing Momentum Taking a holiday hiatus doesn’t mean you’re quitting — it means you’re recharging. Here’s how to keep listeners engaged while you rest: Let your audience know ahead of time you’ll be taking a short break Re-air your most popular episode or create a “Best Of” highlight Use social media to stay connected without producing full episodes Come back with a refreshed mindset (and maybe a few new ideas!) 💡 Blubrry helps: With hosting and scheduling tools, you can prep episodes in advance or pause your publishing plan without losing consistency. Give Yourself Grace This Holiday Season Podcasting is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s okay to take a break — your audience will still be there when you return. Thanksgiving is the perfect reminder to slow down, reflect, and refuel your creative energy. 💡 Blubrry helps: Our support team is here year-round, and our platform makes it easy to keep your show on track — even when you take time to rest. The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call for a tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com).

Interviews are at the heart of many great podcasts — but asking the right questions takes more than reading from a list. In this episode of Podcast Insider, MacKenzie and Dave share tips for crafting thoughtful, engaging conversations that draw out your guest’s best stories and insights. Whether you’re new to interviewing or looking to refine your technique, you’ll learn how to prepare with purpose, stay present in the moment, and guide discussions that truly connect with listeners. Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Dave Clements How to Improve Your Interviewing Skills for Your Podcast Start with Curiosity, Not a Script A good interview starts with genuine curiosity. Instead of racing through a list of questions, focus on listening and reacting. Tips to improve your flow: Research your guest, but don’t over-prepare. Ask one question at a time. Follow up naturally — not mechanically. Let the guest finish their thought before jumping in. 💡 Blubrry helps: With our hosting tools and episode scheduling, you can plan interviews with confidence and stay focused on the conversation instead of the tech. Craft Questions That Open Doors Avoid yes/no questions and lean into prompts that invite storytelling and reflection. Try starting with: “Tell me about…” instead of “Did you…” “What was going through your mind when…” “How did that experience change your approach?” These questions lead to real, memorable answers that keep listeners hooked. 💡 Blubrry helps: Use your show notes and episode descriptions to highlight key takeaways — helping new listeners find your best moments fast. Silence Is Your Secret Weapon Most new hosts rush to fill silence, but short pauses can be powerful. They give your guest space to think — and often lead to deeper responses. Try waiting a full beat after your guest finishes speaking. You might be surprised what they add next. 💡 Blubrry helps: Our post-production options like Media Mastering and transcripts make editing smooth and professional while keeping those natural pauses intact. Stay Present — Not Performative The best interviewers sound like they’re discovering the story with their audience. Be conversational, but intentional: React honestly. Summarize or restate what your guest said before moving on. Don’t chase every tangent — guide gently back to the core topic. Your job is to keep listeners engaged while helping your guest shine. 💡 Blubrry helps: Whether you’re publishing through WordPress or our Blubrry Dashboard, our tools make it easy to present your content with polish and personality. The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call for a tech checkup with Mike (mike@blubrry.com).

This was Todd’s last episode of Podcast Insider, recorded on September 4th. Todd poured his heart into Blubrry’s show and into serving the podcasting community, and we’re honored to share his final conversation here. We’ll be returning to the podcast most likely around mid-October. In the meantime, we want to thank all of our listeners for standing with us as we grieve, reflect, and decide the best way to move forward with the show. Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie Bennett Planning Podcast Seasons Some podcasters, like Todd, prefer not to use seasons because they’ve seen how it can disrupt listener habits—especially with shows tied to weekly news or current events. But for many podcasters, seasons can provide structure, creative focus, and built-in opportunities to reset or experiment without losing momentum. The key is knowing your audience and your show’s format, then deciding whether a seasonal approach will help you deliver content more consistently and sustainably. ✅ Start With the Big Picture Before you dive into episode ideas, take a step back and ask: What is the theme or goal of this season? Who is this season for—and what do they want to hear? How many episodes can you realistically commit to? Seasons don’t have to be 10 or 12 episodes—some are just 3 to 6. The key is to choose a structure you can stick with and that your audience will appreciate. 💡 Blubrry helps: Use your Blubrry stats to look back at past performance. What topics resonated most? What formats kept listeners around? Let your data guide your next season. ✅ Brainstorm, Then Batch Plan Once you’ve locked in your season theme or focus, start brainstorming topics. Don’t overthink it—jot down everything that fits. Then organize your ideas by: Episode title or working title Main talking points or guest ideas Any time-sensitive topics that should go earlier in the season Batch planning gives you a head start, so you’re not scrambling week to week. 💡 Blubrry helps: With built-in episode drafting and scheduling tools, your podcast dashboard makes it easy to prep ahead and stay consistent. ✅ Book Guests (or Solo Prep) Early If your season includes interviews, start reaching out to guests as early as possible. Provide a general timeline and ask about their availability over the next few weeks. If you’re doing a solo season, block out time to record multiple episodes at once. This is key for staying on track. 💡 Blubrry helps: Need to find guests? Use Guest Match Pro, Blubrry’s creator connection platform, to match with qualified guests and message them directly. ✅ Set a Publishing Schedule—and Stick to It Decide when your season will launch, how often episodes will drop (weekly, biweekly, etc.), and when it will wrap up. Then share that schedule with your audience. This builds trust and anticipation—and it gives you clear milestones to work toward. 💡 Blubrry helps: Auto-publishing tools let you schedule your season in advance so episodes go live even when you’re not at your desk. ✅ Don’t Forget Promo & Wrap-Up Content A season isn’t just the episodes—it’s also the buzz you build around it. Plan content like: A trailer or teaser for the season Social media graphics or audiograms A wrap-up episode or blog post summarizing key takeaways 💡 Blubrry helps: Tools like Pod2Vid and your free podcast website help you create and share that extra content without starting from scratch. Thanks for listening to Podcast Insider, you can subscribe to new episodes out every Monday. The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one tech checkup with Mike at mike@blubrry.com Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.

What separates a casual podcast from a “professional” one—and does it really matter in 2025? In this episode of Podcast Insider, Todd, Mike, and MacKenzie break down what it means to be a professional podcaster, the different interpretations of the word “professional,” and how podcasters can level up their show without losing their authenticity. Whether you’re podcasting as a hobby or building a brand, we’ll help you understand the standards, expectations, and options available to you. Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell, Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie Bennett And a happy Labor Day to all our podcasters. ✅ Professional = Purposeful Being professional doesn’t necessarily mean making money or having sponsors. A professional podcast is: Consistent in its publishing Clear in its message or purpose Respectful of the listener’s time and experience It’s more about intention than income. Plenty of unpaid shows are professional because they’re well-crafted and focused. 💡 Blubrry helps: With built-in tools for scheduling, show notes, and publishing, our dashboard helps keep your workflow organized and consistent. ✅ Where Quality Comes Into Play Audio quality is often the first thing people think of when they hear “professional”—and yes, it matters. But you don’t need a studio or high-end gear. Professional quality can come from: A quiet recording space Good mic technique Basic editing to remove distractions Clear intros and outros that help guide the listener 💡 Blubrry helps: We offer media mastering and transcripts that help polish your content for a more professional feel—without overcomplicating things. ✅ Is Your Podcast “For Fun” or “For Growth”? This is where the “does it matter?” question comes in. If you’re just podcasting for fun, there’s no need to force yourself into a professional mold. But if you want to: Attract sponsors or collaborators Grow your audience Be taken seriously in your industry …then it’s worth aiming for a more professional approach. 💡 Blubrry helps: We give you access to IAB-certified podcast statistics, a customizable podcast website, and monetization options like programmatic ads and subscriptions. ✅ Professional Doesn’t Mean “Corporate” Let’s be clear: professional ≠ boring. You don’t need to lose your personality or niche style to be taken seriously. The most memorable podcasts are: Authentic Passionate Listener-focused Easy to follow Think of professionalism as a framework—not a muzzle. 💡 Blubrry helps: Our tools adapt to your show, not the other way around. Whether you’re niche, newsy, narrative, or nerdy—we’ve got you covered.