Surveying your audience doesn't have to be a complicated matter. Moving into a new year, here are the three most important questions I recommend you ask your audience.

Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/3questions

1. "What would you like more of from me/us or my/our podcast?" [01:20]

2. "What would you like less of from me/us or my/our podcast?" [02:14]

3. "What do you want to tell me/us that's been on your mind?" [04:05]

You turn these into to-dos and take action [04:43]

I want to hear your thoughts about The Audacity to Podcast! [07:36]

 * Please share your answers to these through questions through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity

Special thanks [10:30]

 * 1,363§ from Bryan Entzminger from TopTierAudio.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

414. Ask Your Audience These 3 Questions in 2026

Is WordPress still the best choice for your podcast website, or should you try something else now?

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

Your podcast does need a website! [01:16]

Podcast-hosting providers have much better websites now [05:24]

 * Captivate [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/captivate] podcast hosting: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/go/captivate
 * Buzzsprout [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/buzzsprout] podcast hosting: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/buzzsprout
 * Transistor podcast hosting: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/transistor

WordPress gives ultimate power with costs [07:24]

 * Blubrry [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/blubrry] podcast hosting: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/bhosting

Website builders have gotten easier and better [10:04]

 * Squarespace [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/squarespace]: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/squarespace
 * Wix [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/wix]: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/wix

Podpage and Beamly provide a new way [11:15]

 * Podpage [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/podpage]: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/podpage
 * Beamly [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/beamly]: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/beamly

What's right for you? [13:35]

Important tip #1: update your RSS feed's episode links! [15:01]

Important tip #2: copy or redirect all old URLs [16:00]

Chapter your podcast with PodChapters! [18:07]

 * Try PodChapters FREE! https://podchapters.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

413. Does Your Podcast Need WordPress Anymore?

Running short on time but feel obligated to podcast? Should you "wing it" or just cram like a procrastinating high-schooler the night before a big test?

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

1. Respect your audience's time

 * Should Podcast Episodes Have a Consistent Length? [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/should-podcast-episodes-have-a-consistent-length/]

2. Always consider quality over quantity

 * Seth Godin's blog [https://seths.blog/]

3. Adapt to prevent recurrences

Special thanks

 * Try PodChapters FREE [https://podchapters.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

412. Don’t Cram for Your Podcast!

There are plenty of great podcast-hosting providers, but some of them are committing podcasting sins that could make it harder for you to use them, or impair your podcast's performance.

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

(I earn from qualified purchased through my affiliate links in this episode, but I recommend things I truly believe in, regardless of earnings.)

Introduction [00:00]

Sin 1: not redirecting your podcast RSS feed [01:02]

 * [Redirects and How to Use Them in Podcasting] (https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/redirects-and-how-to-use-them-in-podcasting-tap280/)

Sin 2: using unpredictable media URLs [06:07]

Sin 3: changing your GUIDs [14:08]

 * Podcast GUID from Podcasting 2.0 [https://podcasting2.org/docs/podcast-namespace/tags/guid]

Sin 4: improperly constructing your RSS feed [18:35]

Sin 5: stripping important data from your episodes [28:19]

 * Try PodChapters for $0! [https://podchapters.com/]

Sin 6: not optimizing your media [32:53]

Sin 7: unnecessarily optimizing your media [39:21]

 * My podcast-hosting performance results [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/who-offers-the-fastest-podcast-hosting-tap335/]

Special thanks [45:53]

 * Lyndsay Phillips had me as a guest on Leverage Your Podcast to talk about engaging your podcast audience. Go listen to it! [https://www.smoothbusinessgrowth.com/podcast-listenership/]
 * Podfest Multimedia Expo accepted my session proposal, so I will be sharing "What You Need to Know About Podcasting 2.0" at Podfest! Please join me at Podfest, January 15–18, in Orlando, Florida! [https://podfestexpo.com/]
 * Please support The Audacity to Podcast if you feel you get any value from it! [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/giveback]

Try PodChapters on your next episode for $0! https://podchapters.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

411. Beware These 7 Deadly Sins in Podcast-Hosting Providers

In a world that can't correctly define a podcast anymore, there's a new obsession over and pressure to publish video. But if you are able to publish both audio and video, which should actually be your priority?

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

Introduction [00:00]

 * What's a Podcast Anymore? [episode 400] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/whats-a-podcast-anymore/

1. Prioritize audio in production [00:44]

2. Prioritize listeners in your audience [02:25]

3. Prioritize video for sharing [04:07]

 * OpusClip: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/opusclip
 * Squadcast [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/squadcast]: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/squadcast
 * Riverside: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/riverside

4. Feeling overwhelmed? Then prioritize audio! [08:26]

Special thanks [10:27]

 * 501§ from Bryan Enztminger
 * I was a guest on episode 237 of Podcasting 2.0 with Adam Curry and Dave Jones
 * Try PodChapters for free! https://podchapters.com/
 * Thoughtful feedback from Dan LeFebvre, from Based on a True Story. Send your own feedback: https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity

———

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

410. Which Is Higher Priority: Audio, or Video?

You may have heard that certain topics are "taboo" to share in your podcast, but are they really? Or is it okay to share your "controversial" perspectives?

I'm not going to tell you what you "should" do on this issue. Instead, I'll give you several things to consider so that you can make the decision you believe is right for your podcast.

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

 1. Faith, politics, and morals are parts of your worldview [00:51]

 2. Everyone "leaks" their worldview [01:25]

 3. Is it relevant to your podcast? [02:25]

 4. You will likely alienate some of your audience [07:13]

 5. You might be the voice your audience needs [09:48]

 6. Standing for what's right will have a cost [11:25]

 7. Don't let labels control you [13:11]

 8. Remember kindness [15:02]

Special thanks [17:28]

 * 500§ from Claire Waite Brown
 * Chapter your podcast with PodChapters! https://podchapters.com/
 * 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

409. Should You Share Your Faith, Politics, or Morals in Your Podcast?

Podcast chapters allow your listening audience to get extra context during your podcast, more easily take action, and jump to spots in your episodes. So are chapters right for your podcast?

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

 1. What are podcast chapters? [01:05]

 2. Answering the objection: chapters allow audiences to skip content [03:53]

 3. The helpful benefit of chapters: context [07:19]

 4. The most convenient benefit of chapters: actionability [10:52]

 5. How to chapter your podcast episodes [17:55]

First, pick your chaptering style [18:05]

Second, add your chapters with the right tools [21:33]

 * Try PodChapters! https://podchapters.com/

 1. Podcasting 2.0 "cloud chapters" are already better [34:29]

 * The official Podcasting 2.0 chapters spec: https://podcasting2.org/docs/podcast-namespace/tags/chapters
 * Let's Look at Podcast Chapters, from The Future of Podcasting: https://www.futureofpodcasting.net/lets-look-at-podcast-chapters-with-daniel-j-lewis/

 1. Podcasting 2.0 could bring "super chapters" [36:30]

 * Super Chapters in Plain English, from The Future of Podcasting: https://www.futureofpodcasting.net/superchapters-in-plain-english/
 * Chapters, from Podcasting 2.0 in Practice: https://podcasting-2-in-practice.captivate.fm/episode/chapters

Special thanks [38:20]

 * Steve Wilkinson sent 1,234§, saying, "Thanks for all you do for podcasting!"
 * 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

408. Why and How to Use Podcast Chapters

During or after a tragedy, podcasting may be the last thing on your mind. Or maybe it's actually something you want or need to get back into, but you're not sure if it's appropriate.

Whatever the "tragedy" is to you, there is no single right answer to this. But I would like to share several points for you to consider so that you can make the decision that's right for you.

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

1. A Difficult truth: tragedies don't impact everyone equally

2. People need positivity

3. People need community

 * Sadness in Pixar's Inside Out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2CJ46XkwxA

4. Podcasting can be therapeutic

5. It takes courage to not stay down

 * "Why do we fall, Bruce?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIcGuFnl7ZU

Special thanks

If you love The Audacity to Podcast and value the podcasting inspiration and education I provide, would you please consider giving back what 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/

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

407. Podcasting During or After Tragedy

With the death of Todd Cochrane, his funeral, and the assassination and martyrdom of Charlie Kirk, I'm taking a week off of The Audacity to Podcast.

But with the return, I want to address several somber and even controversial questions you might have related to podcasting.

For example:

• How should you prepare your podcast for your own death? • Should you address current issues or tragedies in your podcast? • Should you talk about morality or politics in your podcast?

Please send me your own additional questions you would like me to address! Send written or voicemail feedback (optionally anonymously) to:

https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity

The Audacity to Podcast will return on September 24.

What Questions or Thoughts Do You Have on Somber or Controversial Issues in Podcasting?

Todd Cochrane, a great podcasting pioneer, an advocate for independent podcasters, and one of my good friends died Monday morning, September 8, 2025.

 * Blubrry [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/blubrry] CEO Todd Cochrane has died: https://podnews.net/update/todd-cochrane-rip
 * Todd Cochrane's Obituary: https://podnews.net/article/todd-cochrane-obituary
 * Blubrry [https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/blubrry] Podcasting Mourns the Loss of Founder and CEO Todd Cochrane: https://podnews.net/press-release/blubrry-mourns-loss, https://blubrry.com/podcast-insider/2025/09/09/blubrry-founder-todd-cochrane-in-memoriam/
 * Todd Cochrane: 20 Years of Podcasting Innovations and Insights: https://geeknewscentral.com/2024/10/09/todd-cochrane-20-years-of-podcasting-innovations-and-insights/

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

406. In Memory of Todd Cochrane

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