Send us Fan Mail In this quickcast, we’re talking about the rise of AI-generated “podcasts” from companies like Amazon and Spotify, and why the word is getting stretched pretty thin. Amazon is turning product reviews into conversational audio. Spotify is experimenting with personalized AI audio experiences. And suddenly, a lot of things that feel more like chatbots, summaries, or audio briefings are being labeled as podcasts. So should podcasters be worried? We don't think so. Links mentioned: A...
May 29, 2026•19 min•Ep. 230
Send us Fan Mail We’re joined again by Alex Sanfilippo from PodMatch to talk about one of our favorite podcast growth strategies: getting booked as a guest on other podcasts! We talk about why podcast guesting is valuable beyond promotion, including how it helps you sharpen your message, become a better communicator, and build real relationships with other podcasters. We'll also give tips on how to build a podcast guest profile that actually helps hosts say yes. We talk about why your guest prof...
May 22, 2026•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 229
Send us Fan Mail Small podcasts are often treated like smaller versions of big podcasts, but a niche audience is not just a tiny audience. It can be a more focused, more trusting, and more valuable audience. Inspired by an article in Podnews, we talk about why download numbers do not tell the full story of a podcast’s value. Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast , @albanbrooke , @kfinn , and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!...
May 15, 2026•23 min•Ep. 228
Send us Fan Mail Most podcast repurposing advice sounds the same: turn your episode into clips, blog posts, newsletters, and social captions. That can be useful, but it is not the only way to get more value from your podcast. In this episode, we look at creative ways podcasters are turning their existing content into something new: conversation cards, games, kid-friendly feeds, real-world meetups, field guides, downloadable resources, and more! We also talk about how to use AI to find themes hid...
May 08, 2026•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 227
Send us Fan Mail We did something new…you can watch this episode as a video on Apple Podcasts! Make sure you're on the latest version (26.4 or higher). But the bigger story is that any independent podcaster can now publish video directly to Apple Podcasts through Buzzsprout! In this episode, we break down why this isn’t just “another place to upload video,” and how it’s fundamentally different from platforms like YouTube. We talk through the opt-in nature of podcasting, why that matters for crea...
May 01, 2026•26 min•Ep. 226
Send us Fan Mail We break down why “crowded” is usually a clarity problem, not a competition problem, then map the difference between a podcast category and a real niche. We also study five popular business story shows to prove how audience, format, tone, and payoff make similar topics feel completely different! Read Jordan's mention in the WSJ: Why People Who Listen To Podcasts Are Suddenly Feeling Left Out Topics discussed: • Defining category versus niche through audience, format, tone, and p...
Apr 24, 2026•55 min•Ep. 225
Send us Fan Mail Publishing more often can help your podcast stay top of mind, get more downloads, and keep your audience engaged. But if you increase your cadence the wrong way, it can also make podcasting feel heavier, more rushed, and a lot less fun. In this episode, we answer a listener question from Rich ( Two Guys on a Plane ) about moving from biweekly to weekly episodes and break down what has actually worked for us. We talk about the benefits of adding shorter episodes, why quick wins c...
Apr 17, 2026•19 min•Ep. 224
Send us Fan Mail Where do listeners actually find new podcasts? We're breaking down the biggest ways people discover new shows today, from podcast apps and search to word of mouth, social sharing, and AI-driven discovery. We also talk about why being easy to recommend matters more than ever, how podcast titles and transcripts can improve discoverability, and why trying to be everywhere online is usually the fastest path to burnout. In this episode: What Alban learned from editing a full episode ...
Apr 10, 2026•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 223
Send us Fan Mail Jordan is out sick, so we talk through Voicemail and why hearing a listener’s voice can change the energy of a show. We share practical ways to collect, edit, and feature voicemails without turning the episode into a messy mailbag. If you'd like your voice featured on the podcast, leave us a voicemail and tell us how you found your latest, most favoritist, podcast episode. Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast , @albanbrooke , @kfinn , and @JordanPods Th...
Apr 03, 2026•9 min•Ep. 222
Send us Fan Mail We're digging into improved podcasting tools that can make your show easier to manage, easier to discover, and easier for listeners to engage with. (And the best part is its all built into your Buzzsprout account!) Learn how better transcripts can help surface your episodes in search and AI tools, why chapter markers are getting more and more practical to use, and how listener interaction through Fan Mail is getting a big bump with replies and voicemail! Discussed in this episod...
Mar 27, 2026•48 min•Ep. 221
Send us Fan Mail We break down how to make a call-to-action that listeners actually complete without turning your podcast into a list of chores. In this episode, we cover: • defining a podcast call to action and why it matters across platforms • avoiding stacked asks by choosing one priority • planning CTAs during the outline so they feel intentional • preventing listener selective hearing by varying the wording and prompt • using the Benjamin Franklin effect to ask for help in a compelling way ...
Mar 20, 2026•21 min•Ep. 220
Send us Fan Mail Can AI actually help you make a better podcast??? This week, we break down how to use AI to analyze your podcast episodes, transcripts, titles, and back catalog so you can spot patterns, improve your content, and plan stronger future episodes. Kevin shares how he used ChatGPT to review Buzzcast’s episode titles, downloads, durations, and transcripts to uncover what topics perform best, what kind of conversations create the most engagement, how each host contributes to the show, ...
Mar 13, 2026•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 219
Send us Fan Mail We unpack data from Buzzcast's 217-episode archive and a Reddit case study to show how clarity, timing, and structure turn titles into growth engines. We share what actually moves downloads, why length is not the problem, and how to lead with listener outcomes. Tips we discuss: Why clear, benefit-driven titles outperform clever or vague phrasing The myth that shorter podcast episodes perform better (and what the data actually shows) How timely quickcast-style episodes can help y...
Mar 06, 2026•18 min•Ep. 218
Send us Fan Mail This week, we're discussing audio content editing! This isn't the typical audio editing of noise reduction or EQ settings, but how to edit the dialogue and story so your interviews feel tighter, clearer, and way more listenable. We talk about how to “get good tape” (even when a guest gives you a non-answer), what to cut that annoys listeners, and how to remove preambles, filler words, repetition, and random environmental detours without making your show feel robotic. Then we dig...
Feb 27, 2026•57 min•Ep. 217
Send us Fan Mail Apple’s newest announcement promised that “video arrives this spring,” but the bigger question is what actually changes for creators who aren’t sitting on network budgets or ad deals. We break down Apple Podcasts’ new HLS video support, why launch partners are all ad-driven networks, and what dynamic video ads could mean for revenue sharing. More importantly, does this shift help independent podcasters grow, or does it mostly refine the playback experience for audiences you alre...
Feb 20, 2026•25 min•Ep. 216
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Badr Milligan, host of The Short Box Podcast and co-founder of JAX Podcasters United , to talk about how a simple meetup in 2018 turned into a 500+ member podcasting community. We're covering: How to start a local podcast meetup (even if you’ve never hosted an event) Why bars and restaurants want your group there How to market your event using Eventbrite, local news, libraries, and word-of-mouth When to add workshops, education tracks, or even a...
Feb 13, 2026•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 215
Send us Fan Mail We talk through the real costs of a bad interview and share when to publish, when to pass and how to protect your feed without burning bridges. From SmartLess canceling a big-name taping to our own not-so-good experiences, we give practical tips for handling awkward recordings. Special thanks to Kevin of Grit, Grace, and Inspiration for our custom Buzzcast song! (Stay until the end to hear it!) If you have any tips or questions about hosting a meetup, let us know before the next...
Feb 06, 2026•16 min•Ep. 214
Send us Fan Mail When you first start a podcast, everything feels exciting! But somewhere around six months in, that feeling can change. Recording starts to feel routine. Metrics feel heavier. Deadlines creep in. And podcasting slowly starts to feel more like work than a creative outlet. We are talking honestly about what happens when podcasting stops being fun, and how to bring that joy back without quitting your show. If you’ve been feeling stuck, uninspired, or just tired of hitting publish, ...
Jan 30, 2026•55 min•Ep. 213
Send us Fan Mail We’re back from Podfest and this year felt different in some ways. We're recapping our favorite moments from the conference, from reconnecting with Buzzcast listeners and hosting our meetup to surprising industry shifts on the expo floor. We talk about what stood out, what was missing, why the sessions felt more creator-first than salesy, and get into frozen hallways, cold showers, Hall of Fame moments, and one legendary birthday party! Links mentioned in this episode: Join the ...
Jan 23, 2026•25 min•Ep. 212
Send us Fan Mail This episode, we start with a quick look at Apple’s new Creator Studio announcement and what it could mean for podcasters (plus some thoughts on GarageBand, Logic Pro, CapCut, and pricing across creator tools). Then we dig into realistic, healthy podcasting goals. We asked listeners what success would look like for them in 2026, and the answers weren’t about chasing downloads or quitting day jobs. Instead, podcasters talked about consistency, letting go of perfection, building s...
Jan 16, 2026•49 min•Ep. 211
Send us Fan Mail This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at Buzzsprout’s most ambitious yearly recap yet! Learn how it was built, why it’s animated, and how it’s designed to help podcasters celebrate their work and share it easily. We dig into favorite stats, surprising listener data, and creative ways podcasters are using playback on social media. Podcast Playback Breakdown We're doing a giveaway for $4,000 in Buzzsprout Ad credits! Find out how to participate: Playback Giveaway Contact Buzzca...
Jan 09, 2026•17 min•Ep. 210
Send us Fan Mail Want to know how to start a podcast? We're running an experiment in (almost) real time to see if we can create a brand new podcast in one Buzzcast episode. Megan from Buzzsprout Weekly joins us as we work through her concept and niche, to format, equipment, software, artwork, and launching. We walk through the exact decisions we’d make if we were starting a podcast today! If you’ve been sitting on a podcast idea, feeling overwhelmed, or trying to convince a friend to finally hit...
Jan 02, 2026•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 209
Send us Fan Mail In this quick episode, we take a step back to appreciate how much podcast listening apps have improved and why that’s such a win for listeners and independent podcasters. Updates from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Overcast, and Fountain, had three big themes: Discoverability: making it easier to find new shows you’ll actually want to listen to Interactivity: likes, comments, and recommendations that help great episodes spread Quality of life: smarter playback controls, ...
Dec 26, 2025•16 min•Ep. 208
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we turn Buzzcast into a mini help desk: listeners wrote in with their biggest podcasting pain points and bravely submitted their shows for honest, constructive feedback. We dig into things like tightening edits without making conversations feel “too clipped,” keeping loudness consistent across episodes, making dynamic content transitions feel natural, and using your show title and cover art to instantly communicate who your podcast is for. We also talk strategy:...
Dec 19, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 207
Send us Fan Mail A small moment on Podnews Weekly Review sparked a chain reaction: episode shout-outs, listener fan mail jumping in, and a wholesome engagement loop that social media rarely delivers. We also share that Buzzsprout’s annual year-in-review is back with a new name and it’s coming in January (so it includes 100% of your year). Download the Buzzsprout mobile app so you don’t miss it! Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast , @albanbrooke , @kfinn , and @JordanPo...
Dec 12, 2025•14 min•Ep. 206
Send us Fan Mail Whether you’re producing your first episode or your 300th, a smooth, sustainable workflow is the key to a long-lasting podcast. In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the full podcasting process: from capturing ideas and outlining, to recording, editing, and finally publishing! We share the practical habits, tools, and systems that keep Buzzsprout podcasts running week after week. We cover how to avoid bottlenecks, the most common places creators waste time, how to protect your...
Dec 05, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 205
Send us Fan Mail We explore why filler words exist, when they help, and how to replace the noisy ones with breath, pause, and clean sentence endings. We share fast tools to calm nerves, better mic habits, and a pacing strategy that makes you sound confident without rushing. Watch the full Huberman Labs episode: How to Speak Clearly & With Confidence | Matt Abrahams Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast , @albanbrooke , @kfinn , and @JordanPods Thanks for listening an...
Nov 28, 2025•20 min•Ep. 204
Send us Fan Mail Monetizing your podcast doesn’t have to mean chasing sponsors or hitting massive download numbers. We break down what podcast monetization actually looks like for indie podcasters and how to choose the strategies that genuinely fit your show. We cover: When you’re truly ready to monetize How sponsorships actually work Affiliate marketing as a simple testing ground Subscriptions options: listen to the full Buzzcast episode Listener support and why it works for every podcaster How...
Nov 21, 2025•56 min•Ep. 203
Send us Fan Mail With iOS 26.2, Apple Podcasts will auto-generate chapters, support more chapter standards, and introduce timed links that surface as a banner at the right moment. We break down what this means for creators, how it compares to YouTube and Spotify, and why this move echoes Apple’s transcript strategy: respect what you provide, fill the gap when you don’t, and let you opt out if needed. PodMatch PodMatch Automatically Matches Ideal Podcast Guests and Hosts For Interviews Contact Bu...
Nov 14, 2025•33 min•Ep. 202
Send us Fan Mail We break down exactly how Apple's search, charts, and editorial features work. This episode dives deep into podcast SEO, metadata strategy, episode titling, user behavior, and how momentum affects your rankings. You’ll also learn what Apple looks for when featuring shows and how to pitch your podcast for a chance at that front-page spotlight! Read How to Rank Higher on Apple Podcasts (Data-Backed Guide) For SEO Keywords, try using the Ahrefs Keyword Generator Apple Podcasts Mark...
Nov 07, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 201
