Podcast Answer Man – Episode 485 Summary
Overview
In this episode of Podcast Answer Man, host Cliff Ravenscraft sits down with Brian Erickson, CEO and co-founder of Cincinnati Podcast Studio, to have an in-depth and respectful discussion about the ongoing debate over what defines a podcast and, specifically, why the RSS feed remains crucial to podcasting’s identity. Through their spirited exchange, Cliff passionately explains why he believes RSS feeds are core to the definition and freedom of podcasting, while Brian challenges and explores the evolving views in the industry. This episode serves as both a defense of “classic” podcasting principles and an open-minded look at how the medium is changing.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. What Is a Podcast? – The Importance of the RSS Feed
[04:36–07:01]
- The conversation opens with Brian questioning the boundary between “a show” and “a podcast,” using the YouTube-exclusive show “Dropping Names with Brent and Johnny” as an example.
- Cliff asserts the technical definition: a podcast is any episodic content distributed through RSS feeds with a media enclosure. If it can’t be subscribed to in a podcast app via RSS, it isn’t a podcast.
Notable Quote:
“A podcast is defined by any episodic content that is delivered via an RSS feed via a media enclosure. That is the definition of a podcast.”
— Cliff Ravenscraft, [06:13]
2. Local Downloads, Streaming, and the Future of Podcasting
[07:01–09:15]
- Brian raises the idea that the future of podcasts might be streaming-only, as is popular in other media formats.
- Cliff recounts scenarios (such as long flights) where local downloads—facilitated by RSS—are essential for listeners.
- Even with “download” features in streaming apps (like YouTube Premium or Netflix), Cliff maintains this does not make a show a podcast unless it's delivered via an RSS feed.
Notable Quote:
“Just having it be the format of people just chatting and having it less polished ... that isn’t what makes a podcast. A podcast is a technical term of how the media is delivered.”
— Cliff Ravenscraft, [07:24]
3. Pop Culture Versus Technical Definitions
[09:53–10:50]
- The discussion turns to the blurring of terms. Brian and guests note that the word “podcast” is being applied to video shows, YouTube series, and other non-RSS content.
- Cliff uses analogies: “Coke” for any cola, “Kleenex” for tissues, to show how terms get generalized, while also emphasizing that only a Kleenex is a Kleenex, and only RSS-delivered content is truly a podcast.
Notable Quote:
“Pop culture can call it what it wants, but only a Kleenex is a Kleenex... There is going to be an overwhelming majority of people who are ignorant of what a podcast is, and they're gonna call what they consume or create a podcast.”
— Cliff Ravenscraft, [10:50]
4. Control, Gatekeeping, and the Value of the RSS Feed
[12:28–16:43]
- Cliff underscores the historical importance of RSS in podcasting: removing gatekeepers (radio/tv program directors) and enabling anyone to reach an audience without censorship or platform dependency.
- He explains that even if a podcast is delisted from Spotify or Apple, the RSS feed continues to deliver episodes to existing subscribers—guaranteeing control and direct access.
Notable Quote:
“The thing is, is if my content is only available on YouTube, my content is only available here...and if there’s no RSS feed, I am not in control. I do not have a direct relationship with my subscriber. In podcasting, the person who subscribed to my feed has my feed. And I’m the one who puts what’s in the feed, and nobody is in between us. That’s why this needs to be protected.”
— Cliff Ravenscraft, [16:12]
5. Platform Risk and the Independence RSS Provides
[17:43–20:17]
- The discussion touches on de-platforming: Brian references high-profile social media bans (including a U.S. president) and what creators lose when reliant on platforms.
- Cliff and Brian both share cautionary tales of creators being banned, delisted, or having accounts removed on social media and video platforms—even when not posting controversial content.
- Cliff concludes that only by controlling your RSS feed do you own your communication channel—platforms cannot take that away.
Notable Quote:
“If he, from the very beginning, delivered all of his 140 character updates via an RSS feed, they could have taken him out of Twitter, but anyone who was subscribed to his RSS feed, he would still be able to instantly communicate with the millions… You’ll never have anyone able to take that communication channel away from you.”
— Cliff Ravenscraft, [18:40], [20:17]
6. Technical Ownership: RSS Feeds and Hosting
[20:38–21:44]
- The group briefly debates whether Amazon S3 or platform hosting is truly “ownership.”
- Cliff details how portable and simple an RSS feed is; should one host (like S3) fail or ban them, a podcaster can simply move files, update the RSS URLs, and listeners don’t lose access.
Notable Quote:
“I own my RSS feed, I own my URL, I own my domain.”
— Cliff Ravenscraft, [21:44]
Memorable Moments & Quotes
-
The analogy of podcasting and Coke/Kleenex—in how words morph meanings but clarity and precision matter.
[10:24–10:50] -
Direct challenges to pop culture's embrace of “video podcasts”
[07:24, 09:41] -
The comparison with Joe Rogan no longer having a podcast because it’s exclusive to Spotify
[10:50–11:48] -
The passionate defense of podcasting’s origin story and mission as a medium “without gatekeepers”
[12:28–14:21]
Important Timestamps
| Timestamp | Segment Description | |------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | 04:36 | When is a show a podcast? The Brent & Johnny example | | 06:13 | Cliff’s clear definition of a podcast | | 07:24 | Streaming-only shows: “Why that’s not a podcast” | | 10:24 | Coke/Kleenex analogy | | 12:28 | Gatekeepers and podcasting’s independence | | 16:12 | Control via RSS vs. platform gatekeeping | | 17:43 | Platform bans and the President/YouTube creator examples | | 20:17 | Why RSS guarantees you can always reach your audience | | 21:44 | “I own my RSS feed, I own my domain" |
Tone & Language
The episode is thoughtful, passionate, yet respectful. Cliff’s tone is patient but firm in defending the RSS-centric view of podcasting. Brian adds genuine curiosity and openness, testing the boundaries and representing how newer creators and industry outsiders think. There’s a friendly, constructive debate vibe.
Conclusion & Takeaways
- RSS feeds are the backbone of podcasting’s definition—they grant creators independence, audience control, and freedom from platform gatekeepers.
- Pop culture and platforms increasingly blur “podcast” terminology, but technical roots still matter for the medium’s unique value.
- Cliff encourages creators to embrace multi-platform distribution, but always maintain and promote their RSS-powered podcast feed.
Final Words:
“Until next time, I encourage you to go publish some content into your RSS feed and take everything you do to the next level.”
— Cliff Ravenscraft, [End]
Further Resources
- Full YouTube interview and studio tour: Link in show notes.
This episode is a masterclass for creators on understanding and defending the technology and freedoms that made podcasting unique—serving as both a practical guide and a philosophical manifesto for the future.