Buzzcast Podcast — “6 New Ways To Earn Money With Buzzsprout Subscriptions”

Date: May 23, 2025
Hosts: Alvin, Jordan, Kevin
Theme: A deep dive into the major updates to Buzzsprout Subscriptions, exploring new monetization options for podcasters, strategies for engaging listeners, and the broader impacts of platform changes in the podcasting industry.

Episode Overview

This episode centers on Buzzsprout’s major update to their Subscriptions feature, expanding how podcasters can monetize their content. The hosts break down the new subscription options, discuss practical strategies for audience engagement, and reflect on what the evolving podcast landscape means for creators—particularly in the context of open podcasting versus platform-driven changes.

Key Discussions & Insights

1. Unique Podcast Marketing in Las Vegas and Digital Billboard Anxiety

• [00:00-01:35] Alvin recounts seeing a podcast advertised on a digital Uber billboard in Las Vegas, highlighting how podcast marketing is moving into creative territory.
• Kevin: Digital billboards that rotate ads create anxiety—it's hard to catch all the info before it disappears.

“As soon as it...if it catches my attention...I immediately get anxiety because it's going to switch before I can capture the information.” — Kevin (01:00)

2. Major Update: Buzzsprout Subscriptions 2.0

• [01:35-04:00] The latest update splits Listener Support and Subscriptions into two distinct features. Listener Support acts as a tip jar, while Subscriptions focuses on premium/patron content.
• Kevin: The Buzzsprout approach is iterative: release, gather feedback, refine for future updates.

3. Listener Support: Turnkey Donations

• [03:02-03:56]
  • Now a standalone feature, offering an easy, one-button setup for donations directly in Buzzsprout.
  • Integrates seamlessly; listeners can support without third-party platforms.

“This is just a really easy way just to click one button in buzzsprout and people can give you donations. We'll collect the money for you in your buzzsprout account, and then you can cash out whenever you want.” — Kevin (03:26)

4. Subscriptions: Expanded Monetization Types

• [04:06-12:00]
  • Five supported subscription types, modeled after Apple Podcasts:
    1. Premium Episodes/Bonus Content: Paywalled episodes.
    2. Early Access: Subscribers get episodes before the public.
    3. Back Catalog: Past episodes available only to subscribers.
    4. Subscriber-Only Podcasts: Entire shows behind a paywall.
    5. Ad-Free Episodes: Premium version of episodes without ads.
  • Early Access is highlighted as a low-effort, high-impact approach for small to medium shows.

“Early access is like a really great alignment of all of the interests…you're not doing more work. You're doing the same work, same episodes. You're putting them out there and then the premium get them, but then everybody else [gets them] three days later, five days later, a week later.” — Alvin (07:27)

Notable Note:

• Early access is praised as “the most exciting” for its simplicity and value.

5. Deep Dive: Which Models Fit Which Podcasters?

• [12:08-16:14]
  • Back Catalog: Effective for large, evergreen shows (“This American Life”), less so for new/small creators.
  • Subscriber-Only Podcasts: Great for miniseries, audio dramas, or podcasts with hook episodes; needs compelling “free sample” content plus solid marketing.

“You have to get even more people interested in the content to ever make any of those sales. … There has to be a marketing channel around it, right?” — Alvin (16:30)

6. Ad-Free & Extended Cuts—Creative Freedom

• [18:21-19:56]
  • The ad-free option allows creators to upload alternate audio: longer episodes, “director’s cuts,” or exclusive segues.
  • Custom benefit messages let podcasters tailor the subscriber offer beyond just ad removal.

7. Apple Podcasts Subscription Integration

• [19:56-26:41]
  • New integration allows podcasters to simultaneously push subscriber content from Buzzsprout to Apple Podcasts, massively simplifying workflow.
  • Apple’s user experience is celebrated for its frictionless “subscribe” path, higher conversion, and familiar subscription management.

“The way they've implemented that in the Apple Podcast app is the absolute best way to do it.” — Kevin (21:11)

How To Set It Up (For Creators):

• Sign up for Apple Podcasters Program ($20/yr), create promo artwork, and link Buzzsprout using an authentication key from Apple Podcast Connect.

• Pro Tip: Try Buzzsprout subscriptions standalone first, then tackle Apple integration once you see traction.

8. Podcast Gear Conspiracy: The ATR2100X Discontinuation

• [26:41-35:54]
  • Hosts mourn and dissect the quiet discontinuation of the Audio Technica ATR2100X mic—a long-time favorite in the podcast world.
  • Discussion ranges from chip shortages to “the microphone was too good (and cheap)” to the possibility of a new model.

“This did happen before…So it is possible…that the 2100X, whatever X2 is going to drop in the next month or two.” — Kevin (33:34)

• Memorable moment: The hosts realize they accidentally hoarded one of the largest stashes of the now-discontinued mics, joking about their “collector’s item” cache.

9. Industry News: Spotify “Plays” Controversy

• [35:58-52:30]
  • Spotify introduces public “play” counts for episodes. Podcasters push back: concerns that public numbers discourage new voices, put pressure on creators, and misrepresent show size (since most non-Spotify listeners go uncounted).
  • The hosts vehemently critique Spotify’s “compromise” to only show play milestones starting at 50,000—believing it serves no one and feels patronizing.
  • Broader reflection about the importance of keeping podcasting distinct from mainstream social platforms in both spirit and technology.

“Podcasting is different. And I don't feel like there's enough people who are just like, by default we should say no, because what we have is good.” — Kevin (40:00)

10. Sound Off (Listener Mail & Community)

• [55:02-end]
  • Q&A on AI transcription, feed drops, scheduling tools (Calendly), and preparing guests.
    • Listeners share tips like reassuring nervous guests with heavy editing, or clarifying equipment needs early.
    • Feedback on AI’s transcription progress and the importance of transparency with feed drops.
    • Inspirational messages about facing doubts as podcasters, celebrating support from friends and family.
  • Fun banter: Strong listener response requesting a Priscilla & Jordan TV/movie podcast—Korean dramas get love!

11. Personal Stories & Recommendations

• [71:28–end]
  • Alvin shares about hiking the Grand Canyon and appreciation for U.S. National Parks.
  • Kevin talks about serving in Costa Rica, community spirit.
  • Both recommend embracing local parks, travel for new perspectives.

Notable Quotes

• “If you don't ask, you probably won't get much engagement on it.” — Kevin (04:06)
• “For non Professional podcasters, I like the idea of trying to find ways to make monetization simple because it really is just ancillary income for most people.” — Kevin (08:55)
• “Early access is like a really great alignment of all of the interests… and you're not doing more work.” — Alvin (07:27)
• “I don't love this idea [back catalog] for anyone who's not massive because you're limiting your own growth.” — Alvin (13:23)
• “If you really care and you want to protect it, then don't act like you do and then continue to publish your stuff on Spotify because it doesn't make sense.” — Kevin (51:14)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:35] — Introduction to Buzzsprout Subscriptions update
• [03:00] — Listener Support feature explained
• [05:53] — Breakdown of five subscription types
• [07:27] — Deep dive into Early Access
• [12:08] — Back catalog strategies
• [18:21] — Ad-free episode details
• [19:56] — Apple Podcasts integration
• [26:41] — ATR2100X microphone “conspiracy” and product cycle
• [35:58] — Spotify plays, community pushback, protecting podcasting’s uniqueness
• [55:02] — Sound Off: AI, guest prep, podcast doubts, listener wins
• [71:28] — Host stories, Grand Canyon, Costa Rica, travel reflections

Listener Takeaways

• There are now multiple, more nuanced ways to monetize your podcast within Buzzsprout, each with strategic pros and cons.
• Early Access is the standout method for most non-pro, growth-focused podcasters.
• Apple Podcasts integration makes managing both open and in-app subscriptions dramatically easier.
• Community sentiment still values podcasting’s independence and privacy—be wary of “mainstream” platform features that erode that specialness.
• Real engagement comes from both transparent choices and celebrating/supporting your listeners directly.

Closing Sentiment

Buzzcast’s team celebrates making monetization simpler and more flexible—so any podcaster can take incremental steps, without compromising what makes their show unique, special, or enjoyable. Above all, they urge creators and industry insiders to protect the open, personal, and community-driven nature of podcasting.

Next Sound Off Question:
What’s your experience with podcast subscriptions—as a creator or subscriber? What perks work for you? What keeps you paying (or not paying)?
Share via the text link in the show notes!

Summary compiled in the conversational, candid tone of Buzzcast, focusing on actionable ideas and the ever-evolving landscape of podcasting.