Podcast
Ask the Podcast Coach
Hosted by Dave Jackson, Jim Collison · EN
Dave Jackson has been helping people launch podcasts since 2005 and every Saturday he is joined by Jim Collison to is runs the Average Guy Network. Together they have 20 years of podcasting experience and coaching.
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Are You Ready for the Shift from RSS to API in Podcasting?
1w ago01:29:47Tap to summarizeSend us feedback/questions via TextIn this episode we talk about the following: sharing stories about our moms for Mother’s Day, discussing the latest changes with Spotify’s video podcast distribution and the shift from RSS to API models, reflecting on how these changes could impact podcasting’s open ecosystem, and worrying about being locked into certain platforms. We also dive into the increasing use of AI in content creation, how to stand out in a world filled with “AI slop,” and what it means for trust and originality. We tackle questions about the future of websites for podcasters, how much editing is too much, and what makes a podcast worth listening to. Plus, we answer gear questions about shotgun microphones, debate the human connection in sports and comedy, and share thoughts on affordable tools for video editing—all while fielding lots of great input from the chat.Sponsors:PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear youBasedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?Video Version (unedited)Mentioned In This EpisodeSchool of Podcastinghttps://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/joinPodpagehttp://www.trypodpage.comHome Gadget Geekshttp://www.theaverageguy.tvPodcast Hot SeatThe Audience Is Listening BookFeatured Supporter Chris StoneCast Ahead has carved a niche in the podcasting industry by providing full-spectrum podcast production services tailored to each client’s unique needs See castahead.net Leave Your QuestionGo to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show.Podcast Hot Seat: Podcast FeedbackGet your show going in the right direction. Your audience will thank you.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showBE AWESOME!Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome want a one time donation? Buy Dave a Coffee.
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Why All In One Podcast Platforms Usually Disappoint
2w ago01:31:12Tap to summarizeSend us feedback/questions via TextAll-in-one podcast platforms are everywhere again, and they’re selling the same dream: one login, one bill, one magical dashboard that handles hosting, editing, video, email, websites, and growth. We slow down and ask the uncomfortable question: if a tool does everything, what corners did it cut and what will that cost you in time, quality, or control? We also unpack the bigger industry trend behind it all: consolidation, rising prices, and why “free” tools (especially AI) rarely stay free forever.Video VersionMentioned In This EpisodeCaptivateBuzzsproutBourbon Barrel PodcastingRiversideFeatured Supporter Chris StoneCast Ahead has carved a niche in the podcasting industry by providing full-spectrum podcast production services tailored to each client’s unique needs See castahead.net Leave Your QuestionGo to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show.Podcast Branding.coMark Des Cotes makes professional podcast artwork, websites and moreBased on a True Story PodcastHave you ever wondered how much of those "based on a true story" movies are true?School of PodcastingGet access to courses, community, and unlimited one-on-one consultingPodcast Hot Seat: Podcast FeedbackGet your show going in the right direction. Your audience will thank you.Featured: Chris StoneChris is a great podcast producer who can do just about anything. Check him out.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showBE AWESOME!Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome want a one time donation? Buy Dave a Coffee.
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Hobbies are Not Free and That Includes Podcasting
3w ago01:26:22Tap to summarizeSend us feedback/questions via TextThe fastest way to burn out in podcasting is believing you can build a professional show on “free” forever. We get honest about the real cost of remote interviews, why Zoom at $20 a month is not the villain, and how the market always moves from free to paid once tools have to support real users at scale.Sponsors:PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear youBasedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?Video Version (unedited)Mentioned In This EpisodeSchool of Podcastinghttps://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/joinPodpagehttp://www.trypodpage.comHome Gadget Geekshttp://www.theaverageguy.tvPodcast Hot SeatsClubhouseStreamyardEcammWe also draw a hard line between a podcast and a YouTube-only show. If you want your work to live beyond one platform’s rules, you need an RSS feed and reliable podcast hosting. That point gets painfully real when we react to a creator who says they lost four years of work after platform enforcement and vague policy flags. From backups to hosting choices to owning your distribution, we talk about what actually keeps your catalog safe.Then we tackle the clip dilemma: spending more time making TikTok, Reels, and Shorts than producing the main show. We break down why many clips fail out of context, how “views” can be misleading, and how to use AI tools responsibly without letting them erase your voice. Jim also answers questions about local AI with LM Studio and what it means for privacy, workflow automation, and the very real hardware costs behind the AI boom.If you want smarter podcast strategy, better production habits, and fewer wasted hours, hit play and come hang with us. Subscribe, share this with a podcaster friend, and leave a review so more creators can find the show.Featured Supporter Chris StoneCast Ahead has carved a niche in the podcasting industry by providing full-spectrum podcast production services tailored to each client’s unique needs See castahead.net Leave Your QuestionGo to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show.Featured: Chris StoneChris is a great podcast producer who can do just about anything. Check him out.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showBE AWESOME!Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome want a one time donation? Buy Dave a Coffee.
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Are You Building A Podcast Or Just Adding Work
4w ago01:29:21Tap to summarizeSend us feedback/questions via TextToday we talk about artwork for Dave's new show, and look at why people aren't using clubhouse like they use to?Sponsors:PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear youBasedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?Video Version (unedited)Mentioned In This EpisodeSchool of Podcastinghttps://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/joinPodpagehttp://www.trypodpage.comHome Gadget Geekshttp://www.theaverageguy.tvPodcast Hot SeatsClubhouseStreamyardEcammStreamlabs Talk StudioEvery week Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting and Jim Collison from the Average Guy Network answer your podcast questions. This episode 573 is part of the Power of Podcasting NetworkFeatured Supporter Chris StoneCast Ahead has carved a niche in the podcasting industry by providing full-spectrum podcast production services tailored to each client’s unique needs See castahead.net Leave Your QuestionGo to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show.Featured: Chris StoneChris is a great podcast producer who can do just about anything. Check him out.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showBE AWESOME!Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome want a one time donation? Buy Dave a Coffee.
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Apple Video Podcasts Reality Check
Apr 1101:27:28Tap to summarizeSend us feedback/questions via TextWe dig into Apple’s upcoming video podcast changes and why pulling audio straight from a video file can wreck a careful audio-first edit. Then we shift to what actually helps creators right now: show notes that serve listeners and search, plus AI workflows that save time without handing your laptop the keys. Sponsors:PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear youBasedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?Video Version (unedited)Mentioned In This EpisodeSchool of Podcastinghttps://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/joinPodpagehttp://www.trypodpage.comHome Gadget Geekshttp://www.theaverageguy.tvPodcast Hot SeatOpenclaw.aiCurse CutterHLS Discussion on Podnews Weekly ReviewTopics Included• debating whether curse word removal tools solve a real podcasting problem • unpacking Apple’s video podcast plan and what “switching” implies for audio quality • estimating the real costs of video podcast hosting, HLS chunking, and insertions • questioning the need to “compete with YouTube” instead of serving listener habits • arguing for editing for value over editing for algorithms • explaining why better measurement may shock creators and reshape ad expectations • breaking down what show notes do for listeners, SEO, and AI discovery • sharing automation wins for publishing workflows while warning about agent security • defining APIs as safer access than browser control and stressing revocable keys Go over to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome and be an awesome supporter today. If you go over to schoolofpodcasting.com/question. When you go over to schoolofpodcasting.com/start Featured Supporter Chris StoneCast Ahead has carved a niche in the podcasting industry by providing full-spectrum podcast production services tailored to each client’s unique needs See castahead.net Leave Your QuestionGo to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show.Featured: Chris StoneChris is a great podcast producer who can do just about anything. Check him out.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showBE AWESOME!Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome want a one time donation? Buy Dave a Coffee.
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OpenClaw Isn’t Magic
Apr 401:23:48Tap to summarizeSend us feedback/questions via TextLet an AI agent loose on your computer and you may learn a lesson the hard way: “automation” isn’t the same thing as “safe.” We dig into OpenClaw and the sudden shift from AI that only chats to AI that can act, locally, with access to your files, your scripts, and whatever permissions you hand over. If that sounds like Zapier with a rocket booster, you’re not wrong and that’s exactly why we talk guardrails, sandboxing, approvals, and why you should never treat a beta tool like it’s magic.Sponsors:PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear youBasedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?Video Version (unedited)Mentioned In This EpisodeSchool of Podcastinghttps://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/joinPodpagehttp://www.trypodpage.comHome Gadget Geekshttp://www.theaverageguy.tvPodcast Hot SeatOpenclaw.aiMichael Girdley "The Rise and Fall" GuyFeatured Supporter Chris StoneCast Ahead has carved a niche in the podcasting industry by providing full-spectrum podcast production services tailored to each client’s unique needs See castahead.net Leave Your QuestionGo to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show.Support the showBE AWESOME!Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome want a one time donation? Buy Dave a Coffee.
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Sync Is Not Backup: Saving Your Podcast Files (and Your Sanity)
Mar 2801:30:31Tap to summarizeSend us feedback/questions via TextIn this episode of Ask the Podcast Coach, Dave and Jim dive deep into one of the least sexy—but most critical—parts of podcasting: how you store, sync, and back up your files without losing your mind (or your episodes). They talk through practical strategies for using local drives and cloud services like Dropbox, iCloud, iDrive, Backblaze, and more; the crucial difference between sync and backup; and how to design a file workflow that actually fits how you podcast. Along the way, they veer into tech nostalgia (AOL, Windows Vista, DVDs), debate whether podcasting is “at the beginning of the end,” and tackle tricky topics like bad interviews, ad-heavy networks, and why not every conversation—or phone call—needs to be a podcast.Sponsors:PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear youBasedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?Video Version (unedited)Mentioned In This EpisodeSchool of Podcastinghttps://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/joinPodpagehttp://www.trypodpage.comHome Gadget Geekshttp://www.theaverageguy.tvPodcast Hot SeatiDriveDropboxFeatured Supporter Chris StoneCast Ahead has carved a niche in the podcasting industry by providing full-spectrum podcast production services tailored to each client’s unique needs See castahead.net Leave Your QuestionGo to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show.Featured: Chris StoneChris is a great podcast producer who can do just about anything. Check him out.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showBE AWESOME!Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome want a one time donation? Buy Dave a Coffee.
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From Podcaster to Seller: The School of Podcasting Acquisition Story
Mar 2101:27:34Tap to summarizeSend us feedback/questions via TextIn this episode of "Ask the Podcast Coach," Dave Jackson and Jim Collison kick off a jam-packed Saturday morning with some major news—the School of Podcasting has been acquired by Podpage! They dive into what this means for members, reminisce about the journey with Brendan Mulligan, and share insights on podcast branding, community engagement, handling feedback, and the ups and downs of podcast monetization. It's a lively mix of industry updates, podcasting tips, and a dash of nostalgia, all served with their signature humor and authenticity.00:00 Introduction00:41 School of Podcasting Acquired by Podpage http://www.trypodpage.com01:06 Sponsor: Podcast Branding.Co https://www.podcastbranding.co02:24 Sponsor: Based On A true Story Podcast https://www.basedonatruestorypodcast.com05:43 Why the Acquisition Happened https://community.schoolofpodcasting.com07:00 Listening to Customer Feedback09:44 Customizable Guest Intake Forms11:03 The Free Tier Dilemma13:42 Managing a Busy Work Schedule16:50 Don't Self-Select Out of Opportunities19:54 Direct Interaction with Customers21:47 The Podcaster as a Customer Support Agent23:40 The Importance of Consistency26:37 Ensuring Human Connection in Support31:14 Dealing with Negative Feedback and Trolls34:07 Dave Praises Spotify Support????36:45 Ask the Podcast Coach's Independence43:31 The Importance of Clear Podcast Titles59:03 Using Music and Sound Effects in Podcasts01:12:06 Awesome Supporters https://www.askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome01:12:44 Join the School of Podcasting https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com01:12:58 Podcast Hot Seat: Podcast Auditing Service https://www.podcasthotseat.com01:13:30 Try Podpage https://www.podpage.com/preview01:13:42 Home Gadget Geeks https://www.homegadgetgeeks.com01:13:54 Supporter of the Week https://www.soniccupcake.com01:15:02 Get a Shout Out! Support the Show https://podcastcoach.supercast.com01:15:54 The Monetization MindsFeatured Supporter Chris StoneCast Ahead has carved a niche in the podcasting industry by providing full-spectrum podcast production services tailored to each client’s unique needs See castahead.net Leave Your QuestionGo to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show.Featured: Chris StoneChris is a great podcast producer who can do just about anything. Check him out.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showBE AWESOME!Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome want a one time donation? Buy Dave a Coffee.
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The Real Time Cost of Podcasting: Editing, Publishing, and Promotion Breakdown
Mar 1401:24:53Tap to summarizeSend us feedback/questions via TextIn today’s jam-packed episode, we break down what really goes into producing a podcast—spoiler alert, it’s way more than just hitting record for an hour! I share and reflect on a listener’s detailed time-tracking for their weekly show, and Jim Collison and I offer strategies for streamlining both editing and promotion (without sacrificing quality or your sanity).Sponsors:PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear youBasedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?Video Version (unedited)Mentioned In This EpisodeSchool of Podcastinghttps://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/joinPodpagehttp://www.trypodpage.comHome Gadget Geekshttp://www.theaverageguy.tvPodcast Hot SeatPodcasting & Audio Tools:podcastbranding.co – Mark’s podcast artwork & branding servicesBased on a True Story – Dan Lefebvre’s podcastAuphonic – Audio leveling and processing Hindenburg – Podcast audio editing software Audacity – Free editing software ()Accentize De-Room – Reverb reduction plugin resound.fm – Um/long pause audio editor RODECaster Duo & Pro II – Podcasting hardware Hollyland Lark M2 – Wireless lavZoom Podtrak P4Next - Protable Recorder and InterfaceFeatured Supporter Chris StoneCast Ahead has carved a niche in the podcasting industry by providing full-spectrum podcast production services tailored to each client’s unique needs See castahead.net Leave Your QuestionGo to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show.Featured: Chris StoneChris is a great podcast producer who can do just about anything. Check him out.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showBE AWESOME!Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome want a one time donation? Buy Dave a Coffee.
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Why Your Podcast Chair Matters More Than Your Microphone
Mar 701:29:48Tap to summarizeSend us feedback/questions via TextThis episode spent a good chunk of time exploring the importance of having a supportive, comfortable chair for podcasters, with both Dave Jackson and Jim Collison sharing their experiences with back pain, various chair types, and why investing in quality seating pays off for anyone spending hours behind the mic. We also devoted significant attention to troubleshooting podcast recording setups—comparing platforms like Zoom, StreamYard, Boomcaster, and Riverside, along with the pros and cons of “all-in-one” podcast solutions versus a tailored workflow of specialized tools. Throughout, we highlighted the value of careful tech choices and ergonomic comfort for long-term podcasting successSponsors:PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear youBasedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?Video Version (unedited)Mentioned In This EpisodeSchool of Podcastinghttps://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/joinPodpagehttp://www.trypodpage.comHome Gadget Geekshttp://www.theaverageguy.tvPodcast Hot SeatWorkPro® Quantum 9000 Series Ergonomic Mid-Back Mesh/Mesh ChairLiberNovo Dynamic Ergonomic Desk ChairEmbody Ergonomic Office ChairAmazon Basics Breathable Mesh Mid-Back Office Desk Chair with Armrests, Lumbar SupportJodi Krangle Voice OverFeatured Supporter Chris StoneCast Ahead has carved a niche in the podcasting industry by providing full-spectrum podcast production services tailored to each client’s unique needs See castahead.net Leave Your QuestionGo to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave your message to be answered on the next show.Featured: Chris StoneChris is a great podcast producer who can do just about anything. Check him out.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showBE AWESOME!Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome want a one time donation? Buy Dave a Coffee.
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