Live events can provide great opportunities to grow your knowledge, create content, expand your network, and grow your podcast audience.

Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/whyattend

More episodes about getting the most from live events.

 * [7 tips for effective blog/podcast cards(https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/tap083-7-tips-for-effective-blogpodcast-cards/)
 * How to Get the Most from Podcasting and Social-Media Conferences [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/how-to-get-the-most-from-podcasting-and-social-media-conferences-tap229/]
 * Avoid These Mistakes If You Go to Events [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/avoid-these-mistakes-if-you-go-to-events-tap321/]
 * 9 Tips for How to Grow Your Audience by Attending Social-Media Events [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/tap054-9-tips-for-how-to-grow-your-audience-by-attending-social-media-events/]

1. Grow your knowledge [01:26]

2. Grow your content [02:56]

 * Example of when I compiled "micro-interviews" from Podcast Movement 2016 [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/creative-solutions-to-podcasting-problems-tap278/]

3. Grow your network [05:43]

4. Grow your podcast [09:47]

Love the podcast? Consider giving back what you feel it's worth to you! [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/giveback]

Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/

Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/

Send questions and feedback

 * Call (903) 231-2221
 * Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com
 * Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity
 * Mailing address: The Audacity to Podcast, PO Box 739, Burlington, KY 41005

403. Why Attend Live Events for Your Podcast?

It takes more than high quality content to make a full-time income from your podcast!

Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/fulltime

Introduction [00:00]

Option 1: A big audience [01:37]

Option 2: A generous audience [02:15]

 * StickerMule: https://stickermule.com
 * Dashery, by TeePublic: https://www.dashery.com/
 * Redbubble: https://redbubble.com/

Option 3: A company that will pay you [07:04]

Grow toward the P.R.O.F.I.T. you want [08:15]

Love the podcast? Consider giving back what you feel it's worth to you! https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/giveback

Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/

Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/

Send questions and feedback

 * Call (903) 231-2221
 * Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com
 * Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity
 * Mailing address: The Audacity to Podcast, PO Box 739, Burlington, KY 41005

402. What Does It Take to Podcast Full Time?

Unlike traditional broadcasting, there are no "show clocks," scheduled ad breaks, or rigid time slots for podcasts. So should you care about publishing episodes of different lengths?

While I think episodes don't have to be the same length, there are some considerations.

Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/consistentlength

1. What does your audience expect?

2. Don't force a length

3. Should you mention the difference in length?

Community Corner

 * Thanks for the streaming support from Randy Black!
 * I'll be speaking at Podcast Movement 2025 in Dallas, TX! Join my session "What You Need to Know About Podcasting 2.0."

Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/

Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/

Send questions and feedback

 * Call (903) 231-2221
 * Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com
 * Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity
 * Mailing address: The Audacity to Podcast, PO Box 739, Burlington, KY 41005

401. Should Podcast Episodes Have a Consistent Length?

This fundamental question that has been challenged and even abused: what is a podcast anymore? There's plenty of misinformation and disinformation out there about what a podcast is. My efforts to help set the definition straight may be fruitless, but there's more to consider here than only the meaning of the word.

This is my 400th episode of The Audacity to Podcast, to to commemorate this milestone, I want to jump back to this fundamental question because how we answer it will affect the future of our content and even of the whole podcasting industry.

Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/definition

The definition of a "podcast"

 * https://whatsapodcast.com

Other attempted definitions of a "podcast"

What's wrong with redefining what a "podcast" is?

True podcast distribution and consumption are unique

Strict definition versus usage description

Is the definition a "gatekeeper"?

Should you really call your content a "podcast"?

 * More about calling your content a "podcast" vs. a "show": https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/are-you-really-a-podcaster-and-should-you-really-be-podcasting-tap182/

Community corner

 * Thanks to Bryan Entzminger, Dreb Scott, and Steve Webb for streaming support to The Audacity to Podcast totaling about 4,500 satoshis!
 * Support The Audacity to Podcast through your modern Podcasting 2.0 app or at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/giveback

———

Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/

Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/

Send questions and feedback

 * Call (903) 231-2221
 * Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com
 * Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity
 * Mailing address: The Audacity to Podcast, PO Box 739, Burlington, KY 41005

400. What’s a Podcast Anymore?

Podcasting guesting is consistently the #1 way to grow your own podcast. This works because it gives you the opportunity to get in front of more ideal listeners, provide value and demonstrate your knowledge, and it's easy for them to follow you over to your podcast.

But how do you find the first shows you should try getting on?

Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/firstguesting

Understand how in-app podcast recommendations usually work

 * Podcasting 2.0's "podroll" spec: https://podcasting2.org/tags/podroll
 * How to Add Podcast Recommendations with Podroll: https://podcasting2.org/docs/guides/how-to-add-podcast-recommendations-with-podroll

Look at your podcast's "outgoing" recommendations section

Bonus: check Podgagement's "incoming" networking list

 * https://podgagement.com

Check the recommendations sections for other podcasts you think have your ideal audience

How to approach these guest opportunities

 * Example prompt with Gemini 2.5 Flash in Magai [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/magai]: https://app.magai.co/public/1752980668283x821243579549614100
 * Join Magai [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/magai] for the best AI toolbox (I earn through this link): https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/magai

This is only the first place to look!

 * Be sure to join Podgagement to help you discover your podcast networking opportunities! https://podgagement.com

Community corner

 * Thanks to Bryan Entzminger from https://TopTierAudio.com for streaming 411 satoshis
 * Thanks to Cameron Stack from https://PodLabs.org for interviewing me for his upcoming miniseries on podcast awards!

———

Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/

Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/

Send questions and feedback

 * Call (903) 231-2221
 * Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com
 * Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity
 * Mailing address: The Audacity to Podcast, PO Box 739, Burlington, KY 41005

399. Where to Find Your First Podcast-Guesting Opportunities

I see podcasters often think that their podcast might grow faster if they switch podcast hosting providers, like from Blueberry to Captivate [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/captivate] or vice versa. But is this true? Short answer, no. Now, of course, I'm going to give you more details about that.

Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/hostinggrow

Short answer: no

1. Podcast stats may be measured differently

 * Do IAB-Certified Stats Really Matter for Your Podcast? https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/do-iab-certified-stats-matter-for-your-podcast/

2. Included podcasting tools may be different

 * Get the networking feature in Podgagement: https://podgagement.com/
 * How many podcasts are currently in Apple Podcasts: https://podcastindustryinsights.com/apple

3. Look at podcast-hosting providers as toolboxes

4. My 2025 recommendations for podcast-hosting providers

 * Blubrry [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/blubrry] (WordPress-focused workflow): https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/blubrry
 * Buzzsprout [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/buzzsprout] (easiest to use): https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/buzzsprout
 * Captivate [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/captivate] (everything else / powerhouse of tools): https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/captivate

Community corner

 * 101§ + 47§ from Randy Black
 * Thanks to Lyndsay Phillips for interviewing me on her show Leverage Your Podcast, talking about Podgagement and how to engage your audience: https://www.smoothbusinessgrowth.com/category/podcast/

Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/

Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/

Send questions and feedback

 * Call (903) 231-2221
 * Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com
 * Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity
 * Mailing address: The Audacity to Podcast, PO Box 739, Burlington, KY 41005

398. Will Changing Hosting Providers Grow Your Podcast?

Intentional growth requires regular evaluation and adjustment. That applies to so many areas of life and business, and your podcast is no different. I've put together five things I suggest you evaluate about your podcast every year so that you can make the changes necessary to keep growing your podcast.

Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/evaluateyearly

 * Why You Should Put Podcasting P.R.O.F.I.T. First [episode 388] :https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/why-you-should-put-podcasting-profit-first/

1. Your podcasting goals and PROFIT

2. Your episode structure and flow

 * How Long Should Your Episode Closing Be? https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/how-long-should-your-episode-closing-be-episode-396/

3. Your podcasting workflow

 * Magai [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/magai], the powerful AI toolbox I use (affiliate link): https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/magai

4. A podcast trailer

 * 15 Regrets from 15 Years of Professional Podcasting [episode 394]: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/15-regrets-from-15-years-of-professional-podcasting-episode-394/

5. Your podcast description

 * Magai [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/magai],: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/magai

value4value Community Corner

 * 150§ and 64§ from Randy Black
 * 356§ from Bryan Entzminger
 * A couple of 5-star ratings on my episodes in Goodpods from "Barnabas"

If you love the Audacity to Podcast, would you consider giving back in value what you feel the show is worth to you? https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/giveback

Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/

Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/

Send questions and feedback

 * Call (903) 231-2221
 * Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com
 * Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity
 * Mailing address: The Audacity to Podcast, PO Box 739, Burlington, KY 41005

397. Top 5 Podcasting Things to Evaluate Yearly

How long should your episode closing be? While your episode openings should be as short as possible, the length of your episode closings can be a bit more dynamic. The answer is actually a little different this time: as simple as possible.

Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/simpleclosing

Answer: as simple as possible

Spread out your calls to action

Give your audience a reason to stay until the end

Lead with value, leave with value™

value4value community corner

 * 406§ from Bryan Entzminger

———

Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/

Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/

FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity

MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

396. How Long Should Your Episode Closing Be?

What is the first thing your audience hears when they play your latest episode? Are your providing value in your opening, or just keeping your audience from what they came to hear?

Although the terms “intro”/”introduction” and “opening” are often used interchangeably, I'm going to be more specific to call the “opening” everything your audience hears before your episode's unique content. I would consider the “intro” to be a smaller piece of that. For example, an intro could be for the podcast as a whole, or the introduction for your guest, or how you lead into your topic.

Answer: as short as possible

Yes, I'm actually leading with the answer—just like how you should lead with great content!

People come to your podcast to hear the content, not your introduction of the content. And they especially don't come to your show to hear you explain the premise of your whole podcast.

It may seem impressively professional to have a high-production opening with custom music; dramatic sound effects; and a professional voiceover explaining who you are, who the podcast is for, and what the podcast promises. But I challenge you to consider that your audience will be impressed not by the production quality of your opening, but by the quality of your content and how quickly and how well you fulfill your promises.

Have you ever searched the Internet for a recipe? Searching DuckDuckGo for “cinnamon toast recipe,” [https://duckduckgo.com/?q=cinnamon+toast+recipe&t=h_&ia=web] I picked the current top result: “The Best Cinnamon Toast Ever!” [https://southernbite.com/the-best-cinnamon-toast-ever/]

This should be one of the simplest recipes on the Internet! Instead, that top webpage contained 14 paragraphs and 2 subheadings before getting to the actual recipe! (In case you're wondering, it's 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and they recommend a pinch of salt. Though I personally prefer 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon.)

Don't let your podcast be like those recipe webpages unless your audience is coming for the story and explanation because you've promised that to them from your podcast description.

So specifically, how short should your podcast opening be? I recommend keeping it shorter than 10 seconds before you get into at least the unique content intro (but maybe your content doesn't need much of an intro)!

What about audio branding?

I'm definitely a fan of audio branding! And the best audio branding can be done in seconds!

The Audacity to Podcast‘s complete opening used to be longer than a minute. But then I restructured it and now the music is only about 6 seconds! And when I made that change, it actually felt really good to have a short music clip that was still unique to my show, and is actually from the same music I've used for 15 years—but now much shorter so you get the content sooner!

What about welcoming your new audience?

Podcast consumption is different from broadcast TV and radio, and it's even different from YouTube consumption.

On traditional broadcast media, you might tune in right in the middle of the content, or you don't know what you're actually tuned into at all. And people frequently come and go with little to no context about the content.

And on YouTube, people will bounce from video to video, often falling down a recommendation rabbit hole that includes other channels they've never seen before but that offer attractively relevant content.

But podcasting is different.

People don't usually stumble upon or accidentally start playing a

395. How Long Should Your Episode Opening Be?

As The Audacity to Podcast celebrates 15 years of professional podcasting, I invite you to take a critical look back at the biggest mistakes I've made and things I wish I did differently with my show. My hope is that this will inspire you to either fix these things early for yourself, or avoid them altogether!

Even though I published the first episode of The Audacity to Podcast 15 years ago on June 17, 2010, I've actually been podcasting longer than that. I published my first-ever episode in April 2007. But I consider The Audacity to Podcast to be when I really took podcasting seriously and even “professionally.”

Besides the first and last items on this list, the following regrets in no other particular order. To keep this episode “shorter,” I'll let you figure out how to apply each of these yourself, but please let me know if you'd like more information about any of these in a future episode!

Regret #1: Hiatuses

This is my biggest regret about my podcast: the embarrassingly long hiatuses I've taken. It started in late 2017 when I suddenly disappeared due to a devastating family emergency. And the long times away since then have been multiple shockwaves from having my world turned upside down.

But here's what's difficult to confess: I could have returned to the mic sooner if not for my own “head junk.” It was a mix of “imposter syndrome,” self-doubt, unnecessary distractions, some level of “perfectionism,” self-criticism, and even some fear and laziness.

It cost me a lot of opportunities, audience, influence, authority, and even income.

And even though I mention income, please hear me clearly that I am not bringing back The Audacity to Podcast for money. Instead, I'm finally taking the steps against my negative “head junk” and stepping back into a burning passion to continue educating and inspiring you!

Regret #2: Not building an email list sooner

You probably hear this one so often from entrepreneurs that you're sick of it.

But email lists aren't only for marketers!

Even if you podcast only for the fun of it, there are plenty of great ways you can use an email list no matter why you're podcasting! [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/13-ways-to-use-an-email-list-for-your-podcast-tap198/] For example, you can use an email list to provide actionable information from your podcast episodes to your audience, get more personal with your audience, solicit feedback you can share in your podcast, get to know your audience, and—yes—even promote things to your audience.

Regret #3: Not promoting my episodes via email

Speaking of email, I actually recommend against using an email list only to promote your latest episodes. But my regret is that I didn't promote my latest episodes in my emails at all! I often think about creating an additional email list solely for the sake of providing my full notes and links to you so you can easily take action on anything even after you delete the podcast episode from your podcast app. But I've not even been good at simply including an auto-updating widget in any of my emails—nothing from my email list or personal emails. Granted, part of this is because my email service provider, ActiveCampaign [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/activecampaign], used an outdated RSS validator that would choke on valid podcast RSS feeds—at least the last time I tested it.

I actually still haven't corrected this, either. But please let me know if you would be interested in receiving my episode notes via email automatically af

394. 15 Regrets from 15 Years of Professional Podcasting

Giving you the guts and teaching you the tools to start and grow your own podcast for passion or PROFIT!

danieljlewis

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