Molly Ruland stops by to explain how she started a branded podcast that brought in so many clients from season one that she had to pause it. For Molly, it is all about starting and building relationships with her guests.

By conducting targeted outreach, she added 500 marketing people to her LinkedIn network, improving the relevance of her feed.

When it comes to SEO, AI is interesting, but she advises against using "podcast lingo" and emojis in podcast show notes and metadata. Instead, she recommends focusing on using relevant keywords. We should be advising AI to use relevant keywords in our descriptions and have it use the AIDA approach.

• Molly Ruland emphasizes that authentic podcasting is about being yourself and not just a sales pitch.
• Building relationships through your podcast can lead to business opportunities without being pushy about it.
• SEO isn't just a buzzword; optimizing your podcast content can help increase its visibility and attract the right audience.
• Don't just focus on the numbers; create meaningful connections with your guests and audience.

Ralph has been an accountant for 30 years. Because of his podcast, Intuit approached him to share and teach about the experience of moving from local copies of their software (Quickbooks and others) to the web-based version.

Check out Ralph's show at www.askralphpodcast.com

• schoolofpodcasting.com
• askralphpodcast.com
• heartcastmedia.com
• Camp Content Show
• Tom Petty and Axl Rose

Mentioned in this episode:

I'd Love To Meet You - Here is Where I Will Be

I will be manning the Podpage booth at Podcast Movement in Chicago and Dallas. For more information go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/where If you would like to me speak at your even (on or offline) go to www.schoolofpodcasitng.com/contact

Where Will I Be?

Starting a podcast can be daunting. Fear of failure, uncertainty about where to begin, and doubts about your abilities can hold you back. But what if you had a guide? The School of Podcasting is here to help you confidently launch, grow, and monetize your podcast. With over 20 years of experience and tons of successful podcasts launched, I'll walk you through every step. From planning to promotion, you're never alone." Learn at your own pace with video courses, join a supportive community, and get unlimited coaching. Say goodbye to fear and hello to success." Start your podcasting journey today with the School of Podcasting. Join now and take the first step towards turning your passion into a reality. Visit SchoolOfPodcasting.com to get started. No fear, just success.

School of Podcasting

2025 Audience Survey

Question of the Month: Let's Talk AI

Form a listener, are you using AI, if so what tools, what do you create, and do you spend more time tweaking the results that it would be quicker to just do it yourself?

After a lot of feedback on the first episode about podcast newsletters, I wanted to answer more questions, and this time I brought Paul Gowder to help.

We’ll discuss what tools to use and what content to include. If you really want to skip this whole newsletter thing, we've got some backup plans for you, too. Paul not only has wisdom about newsletters, but we also talk about building his community.

Spoiler alert: You might even want to ditch social media for this! Buckle up, because we’re about to make your newsletter dreams a reality.

• Start building your podcast newsletter today; it's like planting a seed for growth.
• Don't overthink content; even simple updates can keep your audience engaged and informed.
• Use email as a direct line to your audience; it's way better than shouting into the social media void.
• If you're not asking for emails, you're missing out—it's like having a party and not inviting anyone.
• Be cautious with Facebook. They may delete your group with 85,000 people in it.

• schoolofpodcasting.com
• paulgouder.com
• Paul's Free Strategies
• paulgowder.com/emailtools
• Paul's Email Jump Start
• What to expect at your first Powow.
• schoolofpodcasting.com/972 - Part 1 about Newsletters
• schoolofpodcasting.com/974 - This episode
• Jef Sieh's Social Media News Live Podcast

• Sustack
• Sendfox
• Mailerlite
• Kit
• Newsletter Database
• Liz Wilcox Templates
• Group Leads for gathering emails from Facebook Groups.

Mentioned in this episode:

Do You Need a Podcast Coach

Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, and many others have had COACHES to help them with an outside view to help them shape their content. I will start my 20th year in podcasting and would love to help you follow the best practices of podcasting, and avoid the common mistakes and avoid those steps that lead to burnout.

School of Podcasting

Question of the Month: Let's Talk AI

Form a listener, are you using AI, if so what tools, what do you create, and do you...

I ask my audience what their top pet peeves are just drive them nuts. We're spilling the beans on all the annoying things that make us want to tear our hair out while listening. We've got it all covered from podcasters who take forever to get to the good stuff to the dreaded mid-sentence ads that pop up like uninvited guests at a party. We also chat about the classic blunders that drive listeners nuts, like out-of-context clips and those cringe-worthy audio issues. So, grab your headphones and get ready to laugh and commiserate as we call out all the podcasting faux pas that need to be put to rest!

Steve Stewart from SteveStewart.me and the Podcast Editor Academy

Kim Newlove from the Pharmacist's Voice and the Perrysburg Podcast

Mark Lawley from the Practical Prepping show.

Todd the Gator from the Guardian Downcast show.

Zo Richardson from the Back Look Cinema show.

York from Welcome to Earth Stories Show.

Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting.

Niel's GoFundMe Page and his Documentary The Messengers: A Podcast Documentary

• Podcasters need to stop dragging out the intro and just get to the point already.
• Volume fluctuations between hosts and guests are a major annoyance that can ruin a podcast.
• Out-of-context clips at the start of a podcast are confusing and just plain unnecessary.
• Too many commercials can turn a great podcast into a frustrating experience for listeners.
• Not including show notes wastes listeners' time and makes it hard to follow up on interesting topics. Don't tell me a book and then not put the link.
• Bad audio quality is the ultimate deal-breaker that makes me want to hit stop immediately.

Additional Links referenced in this episode:

• Podpage - a great tool to make amazing websites for podcasters.
• Captivate media host (with some very cool tools built-in)
• YouTube Billion Views
• The Meidas Touch, which produces 15 episodes A DAY has "

Forget social media; if you want to drive traffic, newsletters are where it’s at. Seriously, I’ve been crunching the numbers and guess what? My newsletter is pulling in way more visitors than my half-hearted attempts at tweeting or posting on Facebook. Yeah, shocking, I know.

It’s like trying to catch a fish with a toothpick when you could just use a net, right? So, in this episode, we’ll look at why newsletters are the real MVPs of traffic generation, sharing some juicy stats and personal tales that’ll have you reconsidering your social media obsession. Buckle up, because we’re about to turn your traffic woes into wows!

I also share some behind the scenes of a future episode.

• A newsletter is like a Swiss Army knife for driving traffic; social media is just a flimsy butter knife.
• Crazy thought: newsletters give you more bang for your buck than social media ever will, who knew?!
• Social media might be fun for scrolling, but newsletters actually get people to click and engage.
• Turns out, people prefer their marketing via email rather than social media, shocking right?
• If you're still chasing social media likes, maybe it's time to rethink your strategy and join the newsletter revolution.
• Newsletters allow for better audience segmentation, making it easier to deliver personalized content that actually resonates.

School of Podcasting

schoolofpodcasting.com

Audience Survey

schoolofpodcasting.com/survey25

SOP Episode on UTM

schoolofpodcasting.com/896

Dave's Newsletter

podcastingobservations.com

schoolofpodcasting.com/newsletter

schoolofpodcasting.com/daily

Gary Arndt Everything Every Daily

https://everything-everywhere.com/

Gary Interviewed on the School of Podcasting

https://schoolofpodcasting.com/how-gary-arndt-adopted-the-audience-growth-strategy-from-the-movie-industry/

Podnews Report Card

podnews.net/report-card

Leave Dave a Review

schoolofpodcasting.com/apple

Captivate Media Hosting No Payments 'Till April

supportthishow.com/captivate

Podcast Marketing Trends Survey (Please Fill Out)

https://podcastmarketingacademy.typeform.com/to/DR7WmJbF

Paul Gowder Email Tips

https://www.paulgowder.com/

Liz Wilcox Email...

We're diving into the wild world of podcasting and pulling some juicy lessons from the legendary Saturday Night Live as it hits the big 5-0. Seriously, SNL didn’t just survive; it thrived, and we’re here to steal some of that magic for our own shows. From knowing your audience to embracing the weirdness, there’s a treasure trove of insights that can help us all level up our podcasting game. Forget about being boring—SNL took risks, and guess what? It paid off! So, buckle up and get ready to channel your inner SNL spirit, because we’re about to get creative and maybe a little absurd.

• SNL stands the test of time, and so should your podcast; don’t be boring!
• Know your audience, but also create content you want to see; it's a balance!
• Embrace weirdness in your podcast; it keeps things fresh and fun for everyone!
• Experimentation is key; SNL’s success came from trying new things, so should you!
• If you get bored, so will your listeners; keep it exciting or risk losing them!
• Word of mouth matters; promote your podcast like SNL promotes its guests!

Mentioned in this episode:

Do You Need a Podcast Coach

Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, and many others have had COACHES to help them with an outside view to help them shape their content. I will start my 20th year in podcasting and would love to help you follow the best practices of podcasting, and avoid the common mistakes and avoid those steps that lead to burnout.

School of Podcasting

I'd Love To Meet You - Here is Where I Will Be

I will be manning the Podpage booth at Podcast Movement in Chicago and Dallas. For more information go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/where If you would like to me speak at your even (on or offline) go to www.schoolofpodcasitng.com/contact

Where Will I Be?

Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes Content

In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community

Podcasting Observations

Danny Pena is back on the mic, and let me tell you, he’s got stories that’ll make you believe in the power of podcasting. After 20 years of grinding with Gamertag Radio, Danny shares all the wild opportunities that have come his way, and trust me, it's not just luck; it's hustle. Danny DOES THE WORK.

From interviewing gaming legends to landing a gig at the New York Stock Exchange, Danny shows us that if you know your audience and stay true to yourself, the sky's the limit. We dig into how he built connections that led to his success, proving that networking isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the real deal. So grab your headphones and get ready to be inspired—this is one ride you don’t want to miss!

• Danny Pena has been podcasting for 20 years, proving that persistence pays off.
• Building relationships through podcasting can lead to incredible opportunities and experiences.
• Getting to know your audience is key to creating content they love and respond to.
• Danny's success shows that focusing on impact rather than just numbers can lead to growth.
• Networking in person is crucial; nothing beats face-to-face connections for opportunities.
• Opportunities arise from being genuine and building a solid reputation in your field.

Links referenced in this episode:

• schoolofpodcasting.com - use the coupon listener
• gamertagradio.com
• https://www.dannyandriana.com/ <
• Danny Peña: Keep it Fun and Master Your Craft -EP827
• Danny Peña Is On a Mission For Additional Listeners - EP633
• Commitment to Community: How Danny Peña Grew His Podcast Audience - RP506
• The Danny and Riana Show

Mentioned in this episode:

Question of the Month: Let's Talk AI

Form a listener, are you using AI, if so what tools, what do you create, and do you spend more time tweaking the results that it would be quicker to just do it yourself? Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/quesiton and I need your answer by 3/21. Be sure to tell us a little bit about your show and provide your website address

Question of the Month

Do You Need a Podcast Coach

Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, and many others have had COACHES to help them with an outside view to help them shape their content. I will start my 20th year in podcasting and would love to help you follow the best practices of podcasting, and avoid the common mistakes and avoid those steps that lead to burnout.

School of Podcasting

I'd Love To Meet You - Here is Where I Will Be

I will be manning the Podpage booth at Podcast Movement in Chicago and Dallas. For more information go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/where If you would like to me speak at your even (on or

YouTube just dropped a report on what makes content good, and spoiler alert: it’s not just about looking pretty. Turns out, folks care way more about what’s being said than how fancy the background is. If you want to create stuff that really resonates, whether it's on YouTube or just in audio, you gotta aim for emotional connection. You know, the kind that makes you laugh, cry, or think, not just scroll mindlessly. So, if you’re ready to step up your content game and stop stressing over that bowl of cereal in the background, stick around!

YouTube just dropped a bombshell report on what makes content tick, and honestly, it's a game-changer for all of us trying to create stuff that doesn't suck. So, I dove deep into this thing, and guess what? Turns out, whether you're slinging videos or just talking into a microphone like yours truly, the core principles of good content are pretty much the same. They say good content should make you laugh, cry, or at least think a little—basically, it needs to resonate. And if you're worried about your background lighting or if your hair is on point, spoiler alert: it doesn't matter as much as you think. We're talking about a study that found less than 1% of viewers care about visuals, and really, if your audio is clear and your video isn't shot in a black hole, you're already ahead of the game.

But let's dive into the juicy bits. The report highlighted that emotional engagement is key. If your content doesn't hit people in the feels, you're just another background noise in their lives. And I get it; we all want to be relatable. If viewers can see themselves in your stories, you're golden. Authenticity is the name of the game—be real, be you, and stop trying to copy what everyone else is doing. This isn't a high school talent show where you're just trying to impress the popular kids; it's about creating a connection. So, whether you’re crafting a podcast episode or filming a YouTube video, focus on being genuine and let your unique voice shine through.

To wrap it up—what I gleaned from this report is that content creation isn't just about looking good or having the fanciest gear. It's about creating something that makes people feel like their time was well spent. And if you can throw in a good story or two, you’re well on your way to winning their hearts (and ears). So roll up your sleeves, get comfy with your mic or camera, and remember: it's all about the content, my friends.

• YouTube's report shows that content is about connecting emotionally, not just visuals.
• Good content should make people feel something, whether it's laughter or nostalgia.
• Don't stress about backgrounds or fancy gear; clear audio is what really matters.
• Being authentic and relatable is key to engaging your audience effectively.

School of Podcasting

Coach Builder: How to Turn Your Expertise Into a Profitable Coaching

School of Podcasting Audience Survey

Joe Rogan Episode 1

Jim Harold Paranormal Podcast

Mentioned in this episode:

I'd Love To Meet You - Here is Where I Will Be

I will be manning the Podpage booth at Podcast Movement in Chicago and Dallas. For more information go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/where If you would like to me speak at your even (on or offline) go to...

Every podcast can benefit from editing because it enhances the listening experience by removing the boring parts and keeping the content engaging. While authenticity is important, it shouldn't come at the cost of listener engagement. Effective editing can transform a good conversation into a great podcast by honing in on valuable content and eliminating distractions. By focusing on who your audience is and what they want to hear, you can make informed decisions on what to keep and what to cut. Ultimately, I encourage podcasters to see editing as a technical task and a creative opportunity to present their best work and respect their listeners' time.

• Editing helps improve the quality of your podcast by removing uninteresting or redundant content.
• A podcast should be a conversation with the boring parts removed for better engagement.
• Understanding your audience is crucial for determining what content to keep or cut.
• Planning your episodes effectively can reduce the time needed for editing later on.
• It's important to focus on making your podcast a favorite for listeners, not just good enough.
• Using editing tools wisely can enhance your show's clarity without sacrificing authenticity.

• schoolofpodcasting.com
• podcastsconnect.apple.com
• podcasters.spotify.com
• schoolofpodcasting.com/survey25

Mentioned in this episode:

2025 Audience Survey

Question of the Month: Let's Talk AI

Form a listener, are you using AI, if so what tools, what do you create, and do you spend more time tweaking the results that it would be quicker to just do it yourself? Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/quesiton and I need your answer by 3/21. Be sure to tell us a little bit about your show and provide your website address

Question of the Month

I'd Love To Meet You - Here is Where I Will Be

I will be manning the Podpage booth at Podcast Movement in Chicago and Dallas. For more information go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/where If you would like to me speak at your even (on or offline) go to www.schoolofpodcasitng.com/contact

Where Will I Be?

Join the School of Podcasting Worry Free

The School of Podcasting is your ultimate guide to mastering the art of podcasting. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced podcaster, the School of Podcasting provides invaluable tools and resources to help you successfully plan, launch, grow, and monetize your podcast. Imagine having a step-by-step guide that walks you through every stage of podcast creation, from the initial idea to reaching your audience and generating income. With the School of Podcasting, save time by avoiding common pitfalls, save money by learning proven strategies, and avoid headaches with our unlimited one-on-one coaching and community support. Say goodbye to the overwhelm and confusion of starting a podcast. Join our community today and transform your passion into a thriving podcast. The School of Podcasting: plan, launch, grow, and monetize your podcast easily. Ready to take the leap? Start today at schoolofpodcasting.com

School of Podcasting