Podcast
Podcasting Morning Show | Podcast Growth, Launch and Strategy for Indie Podcasters
Hosted by Marc Ronick | Podcast Strategist and Producer · EN
The Podcasting Morning Show helps indie podcasters, creators, consultants, and entrepreneurs start, grow, improve, and monetize their shows. Hosted by 20+ year podcast pro Marc Ronick, it’s a morning show meets mastermind group, with veteran podcasters sharing real strategies, tools, trends, hard lessons, and what’s worked or failed. Episodes cover podcast growth, launch strategy, audience building, content planning, interviews, video podcasting, AI tools, monetization, community, podcast news, and the business of podcasting for creators who want better listeners, content, and results.
104episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
549. Why Podcast Conferences Leave Podcasters Overwhelmed
Jul 901:01:15Tap to summarizeFeeling overwhelmed by podcasting advice, creator conferences, and too many decisions? This conversation shows how Empowered Podcasting Conference 3 (EPC3) is being built to help podcasters overwhelmed by information overload find more simplicity, stronger connections, and a real sense of community.In this episode, I hand the conversation over to the Podcasting Morning Show team for a behind-the-scenes look at Empowered Podcasting Conference 3. Joining me are Jason Cercone, Rich Perry, Ralph Estep, and members of the podcasting community as we discuss the origins of EPC, the lessons learned from the first two conferences, the challenges of planning an intimate event, and why independent podcasters need spaces where they can feel supported, connected, and inspired instead of overwhelmed.Episode Highlights:[10:19] Why Creators Need EPC[16:20] The EPC Origin Story[18:44] Early Risks and First Wins[21:04] Lessons from the EPC2 Stress Test[26:53] Partners and Event Roles[31:37] The Virtual Tickets Debate[35:07] Building Year-Round Sponsorships[40:30] Community and Networking Matter Most[47:36] Intimacy vs. Conference Growth[50:53] How Speakers Are Selected[55:29] Volunteers Wanted!Links & Resources:Join us at Empowered Podcasting August 21-23:https://empoweredpodcasting.com (20% off with code: EPCMARC20)Connect with Jason Cercone:https://www.bombtrackmedia.com/Connect with Rich Perry:https://richperry.com/Feature Your Podcast on the Podcasting Morning Show:https://PodcastingMorningShow.com/spotlightThe Podcasting Morning Show:www.podcastingmorningshow.comWays to Watch or Listen: https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/joinus/Meet the Cast and Crew:https://podcastingmorningshow.com/peopleJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingBook A Free Call With Marc:https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycallApplication To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:https://podcastingmorningshow.com/evalPowered by iRonickMedia.com and ContentCreatorsAccountant.comSend in your mailbag questions: https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Show? Send me a message on PodMatch, here:https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
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548. YouTube Podcast Growth, Podcast Movement and Industry News
Jul 800:53:17Tap to summarizeFinding your podcast is still harder than it should be, and this week our cast and crew dig into why discoverability remains a challenge for indie creators. We also cover podcast movement updates, including the new community voting process for conference sessions, YouTube growth tips that many podcasters overlook, and the latest platform changes affecting creators. Ralph's Business Bite breaks down why Starbucks is paying baristas to create TikTok content and what that strategy can teach creators about authentic marketing and generating new revenue. Along the way, we discuss captions on YouTube, Facebook's creator updates, new recording tools, and what these shifts could mean for growing your show.Episode Highlights:[03:28] Active Podcast Stats Explained[06:34] What the Numbers Really Mean[11:00] Billy's 100 Reels Challenge[17:54] Oversaturation vs. the Algorithm[23:11] Business Bite: Starbucks and TikTok Marketing[25:37] Trust Beats Ads Every Time[25:54] The Creator Tax Reality[32:23] How YouTube Captions Boost Discoverability[39:06] SureTake Recording Tool[42:41] Podcast Movement VotingLinks & Resources:Billy Thorpe's 100 Reel Challenge:https://www.facebook.com/reel/1731930684713828Vote for Ralph to speak at Podcast Movement 2026:https://podcastmovement.fider.io/posts/329/your-podcast-is-a-business-now-keep-more-of-what-it-makesFeature Your Podcast on the Podcasting Morning Show:https://PodcastingMorningShow.com/spotlightThe Podcasting Morning Show:www.podcastingmorningshow.comWays to Watch or Listen: https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/joinus/Meet the PMS Cast and Crew:https://podcastingmorningshow.com/peopleJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingBook A Free Call With Marc:https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycallApplication To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:https://podcastingmorningshow.com/evalPowered by iRonickMedia.com and ContentCreatorsAccountant.comSend in your mailbag questions: https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Show? Send me a message on PodMatch, here:https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
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547. How to Grow a Podcast With Better Discovery and Analytics
Jul 700:56:24Tap to summarizePodcasting is changing fast, and keeping up can feel overwhelming when the numbers and tools keep shifting. In this episode, the morning show cast and crew discuss podcast discovery, metrics, and what they really mean for creators trying to grow their audience and build a sustainable show. From play counts and listener engagement to premium content, fan support, and monetization, the conversation shares practical ideas that help podcasters make better decisions without getting distracted by vanity metrics. Here's the thing, the numbers only matter when they help you better understand the people listening.Episode Highlights:[01:48] Meet Sam Sethi[06:18] Why Plays Matter More Than Downloads[08:03] Listen Time and Completion Metrics[20:09] HLS and First-Party Data Explained[25:05] Making Podcast Discovery Simpler[29:25] Gamified Rewards for Podcast Listeners[30:41] Discovery Without Video[36:37] Superfeeds Explained[44:32] Premium Content Made Simple[48:32] Micropayments and OpenUSD[52:01] Go Ugly Early: Launch Before It's PerfectLinks & Resources:Sam Sethi on TrueFans:https://truefans.fm/fans/samListen to Podnews Weekly Review Co-hosted by Sam Sethi:https://open.spotify.com/show/1c5Vr6LiR2THR2j0QQkP3U?si=27b677e518e1454fFeature Your Podcast on the Podcasting Morning Show:https://PodcastingMorningShow.com/spotlightThe Podcasting Morning Show:www.podcastingmorningshow.comWays to Watch or Listen: https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/joinus/Meet the PMS Cast and Crew:https://podcastingmorningshow.com/peopleJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingBook A Free Call With Marc:https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycallApplication To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:https://podcastingmorningshow.com/evalPowered by iRonickMedia.com and ContentCreatorsAccountant.comSend in your mailbag questions: https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Show? Send me a message on PodMatch, here:https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
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546. How to Build Better Podcast Sponsorship Packages
Jul 201:01:56Tap to summarizeGrowing a podcast takes more than publishing new episodes. In this conversation, the morning show cast and crew discuss how to build better podcast sponsorships by looking beyond traditional ad reads and making the most of the audience, platforms, and content you already have. From newsletters and social media to community engagement and sponsorship packages, the discussion shares practical ideas for creating partnerships that bring value to both creators and sponsors. Here's the thing, the strongest opportunities often come from the trust you've already built with your audience.Episode Highlights:[03:34] Trailer: I Shake My Head[09:44] Producer Backstory and Growth[14:03] Defining Podcast Real Estate[18:08] Overlooked Assets That Build Trust[22:18] Monetizing Platforms and Video[27:25] Know Your Audience to Monetize[35:23] Newsletter Engagement Tactics[42:21] How to Create Sponsor Packages[45:44] Small vs. Long-Term Sponsorship Deals[51:39] Proving Sponsor ValueLinks & Resources:Content Creator’s Accountant Blog Post:Audio vs. Video: Where Is Your Audience? https://www.contentcreatorsaccountant.com/blog/audio-vs-video-audience/I Shake My Head Podcast:https://www.ishakemyheadpod.com/Feature Your Podcast on the Podcasting Morning Show:https://PodcastingMorningShow.com/spotlightThe Podcasting Morning Show:www.podcastingmorningshow.comWays to Watch or Listen: https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/joinus/Meet the PMS Cast and Crew:https://podcastingmorningshow.com/peopleJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingBook A Free Call With Marc:https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycallApplication To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:https://podcastingmorningshow.com/evalPowered by iRonickMedia.com and ContentCreatorsAccountant.comSend in your mailbag questions: https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Show? Send me a message on PodMatch, here:https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
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545. Riverside 2.0 and The Future of Podcast Creation | Podcast News
Jul 100:56:44Tap to summarizePodcasting keeps changing, and creators are constantly deciding which tools, platforms, and formats are worth their time. In this episode, the morning show cast and crew discuss the future of podcast creation, including Riverside and other AI-powered production tools, all-in-one workflows, video, newsletters, audience behavior, and why listeners often follow creators instead of platforms. The conversation looks at what these changes mean for independent podcasters without losing sight of what keeps people coming back. Here's the thing: new technology, including platforms like Riverside, can make creating easier, but strong relationships with your audience still matter most.Episode Highlights:[05:50] Podcast Stats and the Summer Slump[13:59] Midyear Money Checkup[20:09] News Bites: Mel Robbins Goes Audio-First[21:57] The Audio vs. Video Editing Debate[27:18] Why Audio Still Comes First[31:23] Car Brands, Radio, and Listening Habits[34:32] CarPlay, Radio, and Earbuds[39:23] Tech Updates: Substack and Captivate[48:15] The Risks of All-in-One Platforms[53:30] Why Fans Follow CreatorsLinks & Resources:Mid-Year Money Check by Ralph Estep:contentcreatorsaccountant.com/blog/mid-year-money-checkRiverside's Big Announcement:riverside.com/blog/riverside-2-0Podcast SEO Workshop (Arielle Nissenblatt):luma.com/p9u6idp5People Follow Creators, Not Platforms:podnews.net/press-release/podcast-atlasSubstack Recording Studio:https://on.substack.com/p/introducing-the-substack-recording Feature Your Podcast on the Podcasting Morning Show:https://PodcastingMorningShow.com/spotlightThe Podcasting Morning Show:www.podcastingmorningshow.comWays to Watch or Listen: https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/joinus/Meet the PMS Cast and Crew:https://podcastingmorningshow.com/peopleJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingBook A Free Call With Marc:https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycallApplication To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:https://podcastingmorningshow.com/evalPowered by iRonickMedia.com and ContentCreatorsAccountant.comSend in your mailbag questions: https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Show? Send me a message on PodMatch, here:https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
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544. Podcast Tax Write-Offs for Podcasters and Content Creators
Jun 3000:54:19Tap to summarizeTreating your podcast like a business starts with understanding podcast tax write-offs and which expenses you can deduct. In this episode, the morning show cast and crew explain podcast tax write-offs for podcasters and content creators, covering the difference between a hobby and a business and the everyday deductions many creators overlook. From podcast equipment and editing software to conferences, home office expenses, and creative side projects, they share practical examples that make tax season easier to understand. Here's the thing, building good financial habits now can save you money and a lot of stress when tax season rolls around.Episode Highlights:[02:31] Saving Bug and Moss[09:22] DJ Gear as a Tax Deduction[12:09] Audit Proof and Business Intent[18:40] Write-Off vs. Business Expense[21:52] Conference and Sponsorship Costs[28:20] Business Vehicle Red Flags[30:20] Why Receipts Beat Bank Statements[33:17] Start Tracking Expenses Today[44:12] Hobby vs. Business Rules[47:59] Common Creator Tax Deductions[49:45] The Six-Step Tax RoadmapLinks & Resources:Bug & Moss Special:mbpod.com/bug-and-moss-specialContent Creator’s Accountant Blog Post:Podcast Hobby to Business contentcreatorsaccountant.com/blog/when-your-podcast-hobbyFeature Your Podcast on the Podcasting Morning Show:https://PodcastingMorningShow.com/spotlightThe Podcasting Morning Show:www.podcastingmorningshow.comWays to Watch or Listen: https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/joinus/Meet the PMS Cast and Crew:https://podcastingmorningshow.com/peopleJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingBook A Free Call With Marc:https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycallApplication To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:https://podcastingmorningshow.com/evalJoin us every other Monday at 8 AM ET for the Obsession Worthy Podcasts:http://podcastingmorningshow.com/owp/Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 8 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://podcastingmorningshow.com/clubhousePowered by iRonickMedia.com and ContentCreatorsAccountant.comSend in your mailbag questions: https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Show? Send me a message on PodMatch, here:https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
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543. How Effective Is Your Podcast Cover Art?
Jun 2500:52:42Tap to summarizeYour podcast has only a few seconds to make a first impression, and that moment often starts before anyone hears a single word. In this episode, the morning show cast and crew discuss what makes your podcast cover art stand out, how artwork influences listener decisions, and why branding, readability, and simplicity matter more than adding extra design elements. The conversation also covers episode thumbnails, AI-generated artwork, and practical ways to test what actually gets people to press play. Here's the thing, small changes to your visuals can make a bigger difference than you might expect.Episode Highlights:[01:55] Unboxing a 3D-Printed Gift[06:39] How Taglines Boost Search Discovery[11:50] Apple’s “Featured in This Show” Links[16:29] Cover Art Questions Kickoff[18:12] Cover Art Specs, Ratios, and Testing[23:17] Measuring Click-Through Success[30:11] Your Cover Art Is the First Handshake[34:05] Why Faces Build Trust[38:32] The Billboard Rule: Five Words or Less[45:06] Should You Disclose AI Artwork?Links & Resources:Chuck Taylor: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechucktaylor33/video/7647318172294565151What 500 Episodes Reveal About Podcast Success:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjoH1dcpPNMFeature Your Podcast on the Podcasting Morning Show:https://PodcastingMorningShow.com/spotlightThe Podcasting Morning Show:www.podcastingmorningshow.comWays to Watch or Listen: https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/joinus/Meet the PMS Cast and Crew:https://podcastingmorningshow.com/peopleJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingBook A Free Call With Marc:https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycallApplication To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:https://podcastingmorningshow.com/evalJoin us every other Monday at 8 AM ET for the Obsession Worthy Podcasts:http://podcastingmorningshow.com/owp/Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 8 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://podcastingmorningshow.com/clubhousePowered by iRonickMedia.com and ContentCreatorsAccountant.comSend in your mailbag questions: https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Show? Send me a message on PodMatch, here:https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
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542. YouTube Is Now the Top Podcast Discovery Platform
Jun 2401:01:53Tap to summarizeFinding new listeners has never been easier, yet getting discovered can still feel like one of the biggest challenges in podcasting. In this episode, the morning show cast and crew discuss how YouTube has become a major Podcast Discovery Platform, changing the way audiences find and engage with new shows. The conversation covers listener behavior, social media's role in growth, AI-generated content, advertising trends, and why creators need to think beyond traditional podcast apps. Most podcasts don't struggle because there aren't enough listeners. They struggle because those listeners are discovering content in places many creators aren't paying attention to.Episode Highlights:[02:41] Game Talk[06:13] News and Data Roundup[14:19] Business Bite: Beyond CPM Revenue[21:01] Amanda Returns Update[27:08] Shure Microphone Deals[28:51] The AI Podcast Flood[30:24] The Transparency Debate[32:06] Regulation Risks for AI Content[39:56] Netflix and Video Podcasts[47:49] YouTube's Discovery Shift[50:04] Podcast Growth Tactics Breakdown[53:29] Paid Ads and Podcast Websites[01:00:02] Using AI for AnalyticsLinks & Resources:Empowered Podcasting LIVE! (live or recorded):https://podcastingmorningshow.com/epcliveShure's 4-day Sale:https://www.shure.com/en-US/special-offersFeature Your Podcast on the Podcasting Morning Show:https://PodcastingMorningShow.com/spotlightThe Podcasting Morning Show:www.podcastingmorningshow.comWays to Watch or Listen: https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/joinus/Meet the PMS Cast and Crew:https://podcastingmorningshow.com/peopleJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingBook A Free Call With Marc:https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycallApplication To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:https://podcastingmorningshow.com/evalJoin us every other Monday at 8 AM ET for the Obsession Worthy Podcasts:http://podcastingmorningshow.com/owp/Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 8 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://podcastingmorningshow.com/clubhousePowered by iRonickMedia.com and ContentCreatorsAccountant.comSend in your mailbag questions: https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Show? Send me a message on PodMatch, here:https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
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541. Why Most Podcasts Don’t Grow: Audience Growth with Rob Walsh
Jun 2300:59:25Tap to summarizeGrowing a podcast audience has never been easy, and today's creators face more competition and more choices than ever before. In this episode, the morning show cast and crew sit down with Rob Walch to talk about audience growth, discoverability, monetization, AI, video podcasting, and the lessons learned from more than two decades in the industry. One of the biggest takeaways is why most podcasts don't grow as quickly as many creators expect. Rob shares practical advice on podcast SEO, advertising, and building an audience that sticks around. Whether you're launching your first show or looking to grow an existing one, this episode offers a realistic look at what it takes to succeed in podcasting today.Episode Highlights:[02:01] Meet Rob Walch[07:11] Blue Yeti Microphone: Then and Now[09:27] Why the Old Podcasting Advice Still Works[10:40] Is It Too Late to Start a Podcast?[15:35] How to Spot Fake Podcast Numbers[17:19] The Basics of Real Podcast Growth[21:37] Podcast SEO and Search Discovery[25:55] The Podcast Discovery Myth[27:14] Why Podcasters Quit[30:28] Monetization Beyond CPMs[35:06] Programmatic Ads Explained[37:39] The Reality of HLS Video[53:23] AI Tools vs. AI SlopLinks & Resources:Connect with Rob Walch:https://www.podcage.com/podcast411/about/https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/https://captivate.fmFeature Your Podcast on the Podcasting Morning Show:https://PodcastingMorningShow.com/spotlightThe Podcasting Morning Show:www.podcastingmorningshow.comWays to Watch or Listen: https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/joinus/Meet the PMS Cast and Crew:https://podcastingmorningshow.com/peopleJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingBook A Free Call With Marc:https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycallApplication To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:https://podcastingmorningshow.com/evalJoin us every other Monday at 8 AM ET for the Obsession Worthy Podcasts:http://podcastingmorningshow.com/owp/Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 8 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://podcastingmorningshow.com/clubhousePowered by iRonickMedia.com and ContentCreatorsAccountant.comSend in your mailbag questions: https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Show? Send me a message on PodMatch, here:https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
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540. Private Podcasting for Training, Onboarding and Community Building
Jun 1800:58:15Tap to summarizeBuilding a loyal audience is one thing, but finding new ways to serve them can open up entirely different opportunities. In this episode, the morning show cast and crew talk with Sid Meadows about using private podcasting for education, onboarding, community building, and paid podcast content. Drawing from his experience launching a training program for newcomers in his industry, Sid shares how solving a specific problem led to a new revenue stream and a scalable way to deliver valuable content. Here's the thing, a paid podcast doesn't have to be complicated or reserved for large audiences. Sometimes the best ideas come from identifying a need, creating a solution, and being willing to test something new.Episode Highlights:[02:00] Why Private Podcasting Matters[05:53] Core Foundations of a Private Podcast[08:28] Revenue Opportunities and Industry Challenges[14:31] Audio vs. Video Strategy[18:00] Selling and Distribution Plans[24:23] Keeping Content Updated[30:41] Lessons Every Creator Can Apply[31:34] Building Scalable Content Offers[31:51] Solve Real Problems, Not Just Create Content[36:25] Choosing Joy Over the Grind[43:40] Automation and Drip Content[54:08] Launch Plans and FunnelsLinks & Resources:Core Foundation I Contract Interiors Training:https://www.corefoundations.co/Feature Your Podcast on the Podcasting Morning Show:https://PodcastingMorningShow.com/spotlightThe Podcasting Morning Show:www.podcastingmorningshow.comWays to Watch or Listen: https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/joinus/Meet the PMS Cast and Crew:https://podcastingmorningshow.com/peopleJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingBook A Free Call With Marc:https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycallApplication To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:https://podcastingmorningshow.com/evalJoin us every other Monday at 8 AM ET for the Obsession Worthy Podcasts:http://podcastingmorningshow.com/owp/Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 8 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://podcastingmorningshow.com/clubhousePowered by iRonickMedia.com and ContentCreatorsAccountant.comSend in your mailbag questions: https://www.podcastingmorningshow.com/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Show? Send me a message on PodMatch, here:https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
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