the softer cast: podcast advice for small-business owners & creatives - podcast cover

the softer cast: podcast advice for small-business owners & creatives

Podcast support for beginners & pros from your favorite feminist podcast studio. Our host, Softer Sounds founder Amelia Hruby, answers your questions about podcasting topics like — Should I put my show on Youtube? How much do editors really cost? and Why isn’t anyone listening to my podcast?? Submit your questions at speakpipe.com/softercast then tune in to join us on the softer side of podcasting. 🏆 Named one of the 25 Best Business Podcasts for Beginners by Feedspot & one of the 50 Best Podcast Industry Podcasts by Million Podcasts.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

How do you promote your episodes? & Can I copy your workflow?

Today’s question comes from Stephanie of NoseyAF . She’s wondering how I handle the publication and promotion workflow for my podcast Off the Grid . And can she copy my process? (Yes!) Tune in to hear my advice on: Why I write a blog post and email for every episode of my show How far ahead I work on episodes and scheduling Ways to prioritize your podcast tasks with the nice, necessary, ideal framework The difference between podcast promotion and marketing Why I place ads for my episodes in ilov...

Jul 15, 202514 minEp. 26

Is it better to have podcast seasons or publish without breaks?

Today we're taking on podcast seasons! Are they good? Bad? Better for some shows than others? 🧐 Should your podcast probably be publishing every week forever if you really want to grow?? 😅 Let's talk about it! Tune in to hear Amelia's take on: The purpose of seasons & how to take breaks Whether or not you lose listeners between seasons Reasons you might want to publish in a consistent rhythm The benefits & drawbacks of an ongoing schedule FREE SUPPORT 🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get o...

Jun 17, 202513 minEp. 25

Should I create a podcast trailer? & What about hosting a launch party?

In this episode, we're answering two questions for all our friends out there launching new shows or new seasons of your show: What's the point of a podcast trailer? & Are podcast launch parties cool anymore? Tune in to hear Amelia's take on: Two purposes for podcast trailers 🎬 Taking inspiration from Trailer Park Podcast 🏁 Why you probably want to host a launch party 🎈 A simple recipe for podcast success 🧾 FREE SUPPORT 🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today 💘 Wis...

May 13, 202513 minEp. 24

Is my podcast audience too small for guests?

We love podcasts of all sizes! But what happens when you invite someone on your show and they ask you how many listeners you have? 🫣 Tune in to hear Amelia's take on: How to right-size your audience 🧮 What to emphasize instead of download numbers 🤗 Two ways to reframe your pitches if potentials guests are asking about your audience size 🖼️ Why you might want to refocus your podcast growth efforts 🌱 FREE SUPPORT 🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today 💘 Wish your podc...

Apr 22, 202514 minEp. 23

What should go in my podcast show notes?

What are we all doing with our show notes? ...and why are some of them so long? Today’s question comes from Rachel of the Money Healing Club podcast . She’s curious about best practices for podcast show notes — including what we should put in them and what we shouldn't. Tune in to hear Amelia’s advice on: Why your show notes should always start with a hook 🪝 What everyone's doing wrong with bullet points 🎯 Our hot take on timestamps 🔥 How many links is too many links 🔗 Why you really need tw...

Mar 18, 202513 minEp. 22

How often should I release my episodes? & Do I need to be consistent every week?

Sometimes I joke that half my job is giving people permission to skip a week of their podcast. So in this episode, I'm diving into the questions I hear most often as a producer: How often should my podcast episodes release? Does it need to be every week? And what if I'm not consistent...? Tune in for clear advice on the pros and cons of weekly, biweekly, and monthly release schedules. And stick around for a permission slip to take things at your own pace — even if it's rather inconsistent. FREE ...

Feb 11, 202517 minEp. 21

What’s the best way to invite guests onto my podcast?

Today’s question comes from Charelle. She’s starting her second podcast and wondering how to invite people onto the show when she doesn’t have any episodes live yet. 🤔 Tune in to hear Amelia’s advice on: The best guest invitation process How to write a guest invite email Ways to share your show before it’s live How to pitch when you do have episodes published The worst things a pitch can be FREE SUPPORT 🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today 💘 Wish your podcast was easi...

Dec 10, 202413 minEp. 20

Should I host my podcast on Substack?

Today I'm answering the question — should I host my podcast on Substack? Or if you already have a show — should I move my podcast to Substack? If you've been considering podcasting on Substack, you'll definitely want to tune in to learn: What Substack is (in case you don't know!) Why cost is a major factor in choosing Substack to host your podcast How to think about email in relationship to your show Why you need to consider ads & listener behavior How Substack streamlines listener support &...

Sep 24, 202419 minEp. 19

How do I come back from podcast burnout?

If you’re feeling podfade, we can help! Tune in to this episode to learn six ways to avoid, heal, or come back from podcast burnout, including: Advice on changing your release schedule Tips for taking a break from your show How to know if you need to hire support Ways to get more listener support & feedback Why you might want to move to a seasonal schedule How to have more fun with your podcast Big hugs to everyone experiencing podcast burnout. We’re cheering you on! FREE SUPPORT 🚀 Want to ...

Aug 01, 202416 minEp. 18

How do I get my podcast featured by Apple & Spotify?

Do you wish your show could be featured in Apple’s “New & Noteworthy” or Spotify’s “Episodes You Won’t Want To Miss”? In this episode, we’re talking about what it means to be featured in Apple & Spotify, why you might want that for your show, and how to make it happen. Listen and learn: The top Apple & Spotify features Why you might want to be featured there How to submit via Apple’s form & Spotify’s form Key elements of a great pitch Tune in for a dose of pod-promo-wisdom. Then ...

Jun 04, 202412 minEp. 17

What's the best way to monetize my podcast?

Do you wish your podcast could make you money, instead of costing you money? 💵 And is that really possible if your show doesn’t have thousands of listeners?? 🤷‍♀️ In this episode, we’re talking about the three most popular methods for podcast monetization — including what audience size you’ll need for each one, and how to decide which method is right for you. Listen and learn: The 3 most popular methods for podcast monetization How many listeners you need to get paid sponsors A few models for ...

Apr 16, 202410 minEp. 16

How do I grow my podcast audience?

Do you wish your podcast had a few (or a lot) more listeners? 🧐 Well you're in luck. Today we're tackling everybody’s favorite topic — podcast growth. In our opinion, there are two key components of podcast growth — having a great show and having a consistent marketing practice. So in this episode, Amelia guides us through: How to create a podcast that always attracts new listeners The 3 focus areas for any strong show Three popular podcast marketing strategies to try Tune in for a quick, pract...

Mar 19, 202412 minEp. 15

Is it too late to start a podcast?

Happy New Year, Softer Cast fans! Today on the pod, we're tackling a question that’s been landing in our inbox a lot lately — It seems like everybody has a podcast now. Is it too late to start mine? We hear this question too often, and we want to help you decide if it’s the right time to start your show. So in this quick episode, Amelia will walk you through: If it’s too late to start a podcast (spoiler: it's not) 3 guiding questions to ask before you start your show Where to begin when you’re r...

Jan 09, 202416 minEp. 14

Can I record my podcast on Zoom?

Welcome back to The Softer Cast! Today we’re popping in between seasons to answer a question that's been landing in our inbox a lot lately — can I record my podcast on Zoom? So in this episode, Amelia's exploring the pros & cons of recording on Zoom, as well as some great alternate recording platforms. Tune in as she shares: The best & worst things about recording on Zoom Two Zoom hacks you definitely want to do if you're recording there Why you might want to change recording platforms O...

Sep 19, 202313 minEp. 13

How do I pitch podcast sponsors when I have a small audience?

Welcome to final episode of season one of The Softer Cast! This month’s episode explores how to pitch sponsors for your show — even if you don’t have a large audience. Tune in as Amelia shares: Why relationships matter more than metrics The power of the personal endorsement Why right-fit is more valuable than a large audience How to pitch multi-channel sponsorships FREE SUPPORT 🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today 💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? ...

Jun 20, 202315 minEp. 12

What’s the easiest way to make a podcast?

There are a lot of ways to make a podcast. And most of them are…kind of challenging and convoluted. But podcasting doesn’t have to be hard! So this month’s episode answers the question — what’s the most easeful podcast workflow? Tune in as Amelia shares: Why everything begins with your concept & content How much you should prep for your recording sessions The easiest-to-use recording equipment Options for editing with ease (and why you might not need to edit anyway) The podcast hosting platf...

May 16, 202320 minEp. 11

What if another podcast already has the name I want to use?

You know what’s the worst? Coming up with an AMAZING name for your podcast and then realizing it’s already in use. This month’s episode is all about what to do when the pod name of your dreams is taken. Tune in as Amelia shares: Legal considerations around naming your show (AKA the almighty TM) How to be a polite & friendly part of the podcast industry (AKA pod naming etiquette) Some questions to consider when repurposing a name FREE SUPPORT 🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch t...

Apr 18, 202314 minEp. 10

What are the best ways to grow my podcast?

Calling all our podcaster friends! This month we’re answering your biggest question — what’s the best way to grow my podcast? Tune in as Amelia shares: The best CTAs for audience growth How guests can be good (& bad) for your show Why your pod should have a really great lead magnet How to set clear goals & realistic expectations for growth FREE SUPPORT 🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today 💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podc...

Mar 14, 202323 minEp. 9

How do I get my podcast listed on Apple & Spotify?

We’re back with a super practical episode, pod friends! Everything you need to know about submitting your show to Apple Podcasts & Spotify (& any other directories you’d like to be listed in). Tune in as Amelia shares: Whether or not you upload your episodes to Apple & Spotify (spoiler: you don’t) Why you need a podcast hosting platform for your show (spoiler: that’s how your eps get on Apple & Spotify) Her favorite podcast hosting platforms & how to choose the best one for y...

Feb 14, 202314 minEp. 8

How do I take a podcast break without losing listeners?

It’s slow down season, y’all! So today’s episode is all about how to take a podcast break without sacrificing your stats in the process. Tune in as Amelia shares: Why breaks are so important for podcasters Her two-step process for taking a break A hot tip for making the most of your time away FREE SUPPORT 🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today 💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit 📱 Got a question for Amelia? Submit a voice m...

Dec 13, 202212 minEp. 7

What’s the least expensive way to create a podcast?

This one goes out to all our babes who love a good bargain. Great news, you can make a podcast for FREE! Tune in as Amelia walks you through: Why it bugs her when people emphasize expensive equipment The two tech tools you need to launch a podcast How to record with those tools Why podcasting should be more easy & accessible FREE SUPPORT 🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today 💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our FREE podcast audit 📱 Got a ...

Nov 29, 202215 minEp. 6

How do I know it’s time to hire a podcast editor?

Are you thinking of hiring a podcast editor? Pretty sure you need one? Wishing you could afford one? In today’s episode, Amelia unpacks how to know it’s time to take the leap and hire support for your podcast. Tune in for Amelia’s take on: Two things every good podcast editor will do for you How to determine what kind of podcast support you need The one thing that motivates most people to hire an editor (spoiler: it’s burnout) 5 “official” signs it’s time to hire a podcast editor FREE SUPPORT 🚀...

Nov 15, 202222 minEp. 5

What day of the week should I release my podcast episodes?

Monday, Tuesday, Podcast Day?! In today’s episode, we’re talking about what day of the week you should release your podcast. And why it might not be the same day as everyone else! Tune in for Amelia’s take on: The most popular day of the week to release new episodes How to know when your ideal listener is most likely to listen Two other important factors to have in mind when you plan your release schedule FREE SUPPORT 🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today 💘 Wish your po...

Nov 01, 202214 minEp. 4

How many downloads should my podcast have?

Downloads, downloads, and more downloads. In today’s episode, we’re talking about how many downloads your podcast should have (spoiler: there’s no “right” number). Then we unpack how to read your analytics, assess your show’s progress, & set goals for where you want to go. Tune in for Amelia’s take on: If you should care about downloads at all Which analytics are helpful to track (and which aren’t) How downloads relate to ads & sponsors Setting download goals that work for you & your...

Oct 18, 202219 minEp. 3

Should I put my podcast on Youtube?

Why is everyone suddenly talking about putting their podcast on YouTube? And should you be doing that, too? Tune in for Amelia’s take on: Why podcasters are pivoting to video What tech can make video podcasting easy How we put The Softer Cast on Youtube When you should & when you shouldn’t record video How to decide if video podcasting is right for you FREE SUPPORT 🚀 Want to launch a podcast? Get our FREE launch toolkit today 💘 Wish your podcast was easier & more fun to make? Grab our ...

Oct 04, 202216 minEp. 2

Should I start a podcast?

Welcome to The Softer Cast! In our inaugural episode we’re diving into the deep end to talk about why it’s a great — and a not-so-great — time to start a podcast. Tune in for Amelia’s take on: Why more people than ever are listening to podcasts Why podcast listeners are better for business than other audience members How many podcasts there really are & if you should care about that 3 good reasons to start a podcast & 3 bad reasons to start a podcast FREE SUPPORT 🚀 Want to launch a podc...

Sep 20, 202217 minEp. 1
Hosted on Transistor
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android