How To Deal With Online Trolls

How To Deal With Online Trolls

From School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast by Dave Jackson

July 13, 2026 · 41 min · Episode 1044

About this episode

Dave Jackson discusses how to handle online trolls and feedback to improve your podcast.

If you’ve ever thought, ‘I want feedback, but I’m terrified of the internet,’ stay tuned—I’ll show you how to get useful criticism without letting trolls live rent-free in your head. Two Types of Feedback I’m sharing how I handle trolls, reviews, and feedback—and how you can turn all of that into fuel to grow your show instead of reasons to quit. I’ll walk you through when to ignore, when to engage, and how to build a trusted focus group that helps you make your podcast better without letting anonymous strangers live rent‑free in your head. Trolls, Critics and Focus Groups I break down the difference between true trolls, genuine critics, and helpful focus groups—and how each one fits (or doesn’t) into your growth as a podcaster. I share real stories about nitpicky typo trolls, cyberbullying from years ago, people who send you two and a half pages of “do a different show,” and how other podcasters are using their audience—and even Snapchat—to get honest, constructive criticism. By the end, you’ll see why I say feedback is the “breakfast of champions,” and why your fear of judgment shouldn’t keep your show stuck on your hard drive. What You’ll Learn Trolls vs. Focus Groups How I…

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