In 2025, where do podcasts live? In your ears? On your screens? In the untamed wilderness of AI-assisted creativity? Pete Wright and Andy Nelson do their best to untangle the web of modern podcasting—a world where AI tools can both dazzle and baffle, where success is measured in engagement rather than downloads, and where communities spring to life in unexpected places.

The future of podcasting isn’t just about tools and metrics—it’s about people. In a world of endless content and dwindling attention, it's time to experiment, innovate, and create formats born for the medium. What does it mean to be the "human in the middle," balancing the efficiency of AI with the irreplaceable authenticity of human creativity?

Links & Notes

• Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick
• Adobe Podcast Voice Enhance
• TruStory FM Discord Community
• Unapologetically ADHD by Pete Wright and Nikki Kinzer

Pete and Andy explore the peculiar intimacy of podcasting, a medium where listeners forge surprisingly strong bonds with hosts. They dissect the "podfluencer" phenomenon, examining the authenticity and responsibility that comes with this unusual form of influence.

From unexpected conference encounters to the strategic use of online communities and listener engagement, they delve into the mechanics of building trust and connection. This isn't a how-to guide, but a thoughtful exploration of the surprising power of voice and the unexpected intimacy that blossoms in the digital age.

Hey ho, podcasters! We’re back, talking about Apple's big push for binge-worthy narrative podcast series. Are you into it? And in the grand ol’ spirit of podcast follow-up, we dive back into analytics with John Spurlock, the creator of OP3 (Open Podcast Prefix Project).

John explains why he created OP3, how it works, and why open podcast data is so important. He addresses the privacy concerns some podcasters have about sharing their stats, and how OP3 is designed to be both useful and transparent. This is a must-listen for anyone who cares about the future of podcasting and wants to understand how to get the most out of their show's data. Plus, you'll finally learn how to pronounce OP3 without sounding like a dummy.

Links & Notes

• Open Podcast Prefix Project