Learn when podcasting best practices are not rules but only guidelines, what tradeoffs matter, and how to break podcasting rules with intention instead of laziness.

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

Introduction [00:00]

Break "rules" with intention [01:40]

Consistency: a guideline, not a law [04:05]

 * https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/how-to-continue-podcasting-when-your-life-is-unpredictable-tap294/?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap434&utm_content=chapter_3-consistency_a_guideline_not_a_law

Inside jokes can build rapport [06:59]

 * https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/should-your-podcast-have-inside-jokes/?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap434&utm_content=chapter_4-inside_jokes_can_build_rapport

You may not HAVE to "niche down" [08:24]

 * https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/4-types-of-podcast-niches-its-not-just-your-topic/?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap434&utm_content=chapter_5-you_may_not_have_to_niche_down

"It's not hurting them" is a myth [09:06]

 * https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/debunking-the-myth-its-not-hurting-their-podcast/?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap434&utm_content=chapter_6-its_not_hurting_them_is_a_myth

Some "rules" are dumb [10:13]

Don't break "rules" out of laziness [20:59]

———

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

434. It’s Okay to Break Some Podcasting “Rules”

You've probably heard the podcasting advice that you must choose a niche, or even "niche down." But your topic isn't the only kind of niche your podcast could have!

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

What is a "niche podcast"? [01:42]

 * https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/niche

1. Topic [03:58]

2. Audience [06:52]

3. Style/approach [08:50]

4. Voice [14:39]

 * Office Ladies podcast: https://officeladies.com
 * Podgagement: https://podgagement.com
 * PodChapters: https://podchapters.com
 * School of Podcasting [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/schoolofpodcasting]: https://schoolofpodcasting.com

———

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

433. Four Types of Podcast Niches—It's Not Just Your Topic!

Here's how to balance your podcast SEO, spark curiosity, and maintain clarity when naming podcast episodes that don’t fit neatly under one topic.

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

Introduction [00:00]

1. Find a theme [01:44]

2. Use the most compelling topic—keep those promises! [05:05]

 * https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/remember-and-keep-your-podcasts-promises/?utm_source=tap&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap432

3. List topics concisely [08:42]

4. Be creative instead of descriptive—inside jokes are okay! [10:26]

 * https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/should-your-podcast-have-inside-jokes/?utm_source=tap&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap432

5. Combine these techniques [12:52]

Do value the podcast? [16:11]

 * https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/giveback?utm_source=tap&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap432

Track your podcast SEO in Podgagement! [17:05]

 * https://podgagement.com/?utm_source=tap&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap432

———

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

Five Ways to Handle Multi-Topic Episode Titles

I've been teasing for a while that I made some major workflow changes for The Audacity to Podcast, Here's what I change and why.

Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/workflow25

Introduction [00:00]

1. Chapters and transcripts with PodChapters [01:24]

 * Try PodChapters FREE on your next episode! https://podchapters.com/

2. Back to outlines instead of scripts [05:01]

3. Episode articles with trained AI [14:10]

 * Use Magai [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/magai] as your AI toolbox! https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/magai

———

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

431. How I Improved My Podcasting Workflow in 2025

Skip the mixers and mic stands. These lightweight podcasting accessories fit in a small bag and can help you podcast from anywhere.

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

Introduction [00:00]

1. Smartphone [01:11]

2. Wireless lav mic kit [02:40]

 * https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/larkm2s

3. Phone stand with selfie stick [06:58]

4. Miniature lighting [08:50]

 * https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/lightweightled

5. USB drive [09:45]

6. Backup batteries [10:41]

7. Wired headphones [12:06]

8. Cables and adapters [13:43]

9. Printed promotional material [14:43]

10. Ultra-fine-point permanent marker [16:28]

———

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

Ten Lightweight Portable Podcasting Accessories Every Podcaster Should Own

Your podcast makes promises through its branding, titles and descriptions, and your own words. Learn 3 ways to identify and keep those promises.

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

Introduction [00:00]

1. What might your audience expect? [01:56]

 * Listen to my first episode [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/tap001-you-need-passion-organization-and-dialog-pod-to-podcast/?utm_source=notes&utm_medium=chapter&utm_campaign=tap429]

2. What does your description promise? [11:10]

3. What have you said in your podcast? [14:51]

Track your Podcast SEO in Podgagement! [19:14]

 * Try Podgagement [https://podgagement.com/?utm_source=notes&utm_medium=chapter&utm_campaign=tap429]

———

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

429. Remember and Keep Your Podcast Promises

When is it okay to pay a guest or pay to be a guest? And when you should you disclose compensation to your audience?

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

Introduction [00:00]

1. It's okay to pay to interview a guest on your podcast [00:54]

2. It's okay to pay to be a guest on another podcast [03:16]

3. Podcasters must disclose if they're getting paid to feature a guest [06:15]

 * You MUST Disclose Whenever You’re Compensated! [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/you-must-disclose-whenever-youre-compensated/]

4. You don't need to disclose if a booking service was used [13:27]

 * Interview Valet [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/interviewvalet]
 * Interview Connections [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/interviewconnections]
 * PodMatch [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/podmatch]

———

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

428. What Are the Ethics of Paying for Podcast Interviews?

Learn how to smartly handle podcast episode numbers when your title starts with a number, so your RSS feed, website, and podcast apps are optimized.

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

Introduction [00:00]

 * When to Use Podcast Episode Numbers - The Audacity to Podcast® [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/when-to-use-podcast-episode-numbers/]
 * When to AVOID Podcast Episode Numbers - The Audacity to Podcast® [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/when-to-avoid-podcast-episode-numbers/]
 * Should You Include Episode Numbers in Episode Titles? - The Audacity to Podcast® [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/should-you-include-episode-numbers-in-episode-titles/]
 * Are Episode Numbers REALLY Necessary? - The Audacity to Podcast® [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/are-podcast-episode-numbers-really-necessary-in-podcasting-show-notes-tap175/]

1. Add a leading word [05:13]

2. Spell the number in the title [07:03]

3. Title your episode differently in your RSS feed [09:10]

Special thanks [19:34]

 * Click here to support The Audacity to Podcast! [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/

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

427. Three Ways to Combine Episode Numbers with Numbers in Titles

Teleprompters aren't only for newscaster and politicians! They can be great for podcasting—even if you podcast in only audio!

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

Introduction [00:00]

 * Get one of my recommended teleprompters: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/why-you-should-consider-a-teleprompter-for-your-podcasting-workflow/#recommendations

1. Make "eye-contact" with your audience [02:01]

2. Display your notes or script [07:08]

3. See yourself as the camera sees you [19:01]

4. Look at your remote guest, cohost, or interviewer [20:14]

5. Use as an extra display [22:52]

My recommendation: Elgato Creator's Prompter and Prompter XL [26:50]

 * https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/why-you-should-consider-a-teleprompter-for-your-podcasting-workflow/#recommendations

Special thanks [29:10]

 * 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/

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

426. Podcasting with a Teleprompter—Even for Audio Podcasts

Discover when it makes sense to use clever podcast titles instead of descriptive ones, and learn how to protect your podcast SEO while doing it.

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

Introduction [00:00]

1. When clever podcast titles have clarifying subtitles [01:41]

 * Kicked from Apple Podcasts? What Happens When You Keyword-Stuff Podcast Tags: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/kicked-from-apple-podcasts-what-happens-when-you-keyword-stuff-podcast-tags-tap334/?utm_source=tap&utm_medium=chapter&utm_campaign=tap425

2. When clever episode titles are for entertainment-based podcasts [08:02]

3. When uniqueness is more important than podcast SEO [11:58]

 * PodChapters: https://podchapters.com/?utm_source=tap&utm_medium=chapter&utm_campaign=tap425

4. When clever-titled podcasts have amazing marketing [16:52]

 * Debunking the Myth: “It’s Not Hurting Their Podcast”: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/debunking-the-myth-its-not-hurting-their-podcast/?utm_source=tap&utm_medium=chapter&utm_campaign=tap425

———

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

425. When Clever Titles Are Okay for Podcasts and Episodes

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