School of Podcasting — Episode Summary

Podcast Title: School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast
Host: Dave Jackson
Episode: Is Live Podcasting Worth it? The Pros and Cons of Live Podcasting
Date: October 20, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Dave Jackson, Podcaster Hall of Fame inductee and long-time podcast coach, dives deep into the world of live podcasting. Based on listener interest—specifically a question from Ralph at AskRalph.com—he unpacks the benefits and challenges of going live, covering everything from technical setup to audience dynamics, essential gear, best practices, and the all-important question: Is it worth it?

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Basics: Should You Go Live?

• Live Audio vs. Live Video ([00:17])

  • Audio-only live streaming is possible (e.g., with Mixlr), but most audiences expect video.
  • Live video adds complexity: you’re not just recording; you have to manage streaming tech, gear, live interaction, and more.

• Who Should Start Live?

  • Don’t launch your first-ever podcast as a live show unless you already have experience with core podcasting skills.
  • Dave: “When you come in and everything is new... you are diving into the deep end of the pool.” ([02:20])

Gear & Tech Considerations

• Gear Overwhelm

  • Video brings new worries, especially about your background: "We obsess over our background... If your audience is paying more attention to what is going on in the background, that's a problem." ([03:15])
  • Avoid green screens unless you’re ready to solve lighting and technical issues: “You end up looking like some bizarre Martian with a green halo... For me, that's just not something I want as part of my brand.” ([04:10])

• Video Equipment Recommendations ([22:42], [24:43]):

  • Basic 4K webcams: Elgato Facecam Pro, Logitech 4K, Osbot Meet – all around $129–$200.
  • DSLR options: Sony Alpha ZV E10 II (~$1200)—unnecessary for most beginners.
  • Lighting: Two key lights in front, possibly one behind; affordable Neewer kits recommended ($179 for two lights and stands).

• Practicing with Tech

  • Do dry runs and practice performances before going live. This includes rehearsing multi-software setups and hardware integrations.
  • "You need to practice, practice, practice... you’re now doing a performance in front of people and it takes practice." ([25:04])

Scheduling & Consistency

• Pick and Stick to a Schedule ([05:36–12:24])

  • Example: Dave’s “Ask the Podcast Coach” has been Saturdays at 10:30 AM Eastern for over ten years—consistency helps build an audience.
  • Audience for the live event is often small (“about a classroom of people, somewhere between 20 and maybe 35”), but the live show still provides unique value.
  • “If people have to think about when you’re live, you’ve already lost.” ([10:34])

• Coordinate with Family & Co-hosts

  • Make sure your live time doesn’t conflict with important personal or family commitments.
  • If you can’t make a session, let people know in advance.

Choosing a Live Streaming Platform ([12:24–21:48])

• Recommended Services:

  • Restream: $19/month, solid for beginners.
  • Ecamm Live (Mac-only): $20–$40/month, great for advanced features but with a learning curve.
  • Streamyard: $45/month, reliable but got pricier after being acquired.
  • EVMUX: Good PC option, “a little new” but promising.
  • Zoom/YouTube: Possible but not recommended for simplicity.

• Caution with Riverside.fm: Dave has had “horrible luck” with reliability (e.g., dropped webinars, audio issues). Reliable for recording, but inconsistent for streaming.

• Advice: "Many of these have a free trial, so kick the tires… Pick the one that doesn’t make you want to pull your hair out." ([21:33])

Audience Interaction & Moderation ([21:48–27:54])

• Live Chat vs. Call-ins

  • Most listeners prefer typing in chat over calling in live.
  • Allow live video guests only if you trust your audience—“you never know if people are going to show up with their clothes on.”

• Handling Callers

  • Sometimes guests have nothing more to say (“Dwayne from Poughkeepsie doesn’t really have anything else to say. And now it’s your job to politely go, all right, Dwayne, thanks…”). ([21:48])
  • Learn to kindly—but firmly—wrap things up.

Multitasking & Co-Hosting ([27:54–31:58])

• Watching Chat While Hosting

  • Managing chat and hosting solo is tough—consider a co-host or a producer role.
  • Having a co-host helps smooth over bumps, monitor the chat, and keep the show flowing.

• Two Monitors, Please!

  • Strongly recommended for managing notes and live interface simultaneously.

• Private Backstage Chat

  • Most software has a private/producers' chat for behind-the-scenes coordination.

Preparedness, Promotion, & Realistic Expectations ([35:10–38:33])

• Preparation is Key

  • Even if you save editing time, you’ll spend more time preparing your outline and backup topics.
  • “It’s really not, I know a lot of people…when you’re done, you’re done. Yeah. But don’t neglect that time you set to prepare…” ([35:10])

• Promotion

  • Build awareness with newsletters, event links (e.g., Luma), and aggregators like Podnews.
  • Don’t expect your download numbers to translate directly into many live viewers—3% turnout is normal, sometimes less.

Why Go Live At All? ([38:33–45:12])

• The Real Benefits:

  • Direct connection: Instant audience feedback and deeper sense of community.
  • Content ideation: Live questions spark future episode ideas.
  • Fun factor: Even with a small crowd, it’s energizing and interactive—“the chat room is doing their own show sometimes."
  • Monetization and support: Live connection helps promote communities, services, and crowdfunding.

• Is it Worth It? Weigh the Tradeoffs:

  • More work, more expense, and more technical headaches, but a richer audience connection and content pipeline.

• Memorable Quote: “You’re going to pay in two currencies, either time or money. Use the one you got the most of.” ([43:15])

Key Practical Tips ([45:17–end])

• Always use a consistent URL for your live show.
  • Use redirect links or “pretty links” so you can change platforms without losing your audience.
• Handle surprises with grace.
  • Technical issues, weird callers, or even trolls will happen—maintain composure and keep the show rolling. “Your audience is pulling for you…they’re not sitting there going ‘man, what an idiot.’”
• Dave’s Kitchen
  • Example of using a live format for community-driven idea generation. Remain open to criticism without getting defensive and keep evolving your content.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On perfection anxiety:
  "If your audience is paying more attention to what is going on in the background than what you’re actually saying, that’s a problem." — Dave Jackson ([03:15])

• On consistency:
  “If people have to think about when you’re live, you’ve already lost.” — Dave Jackson ([10:34])

• On managing live callers:
  “You have to be okay with saying, thank you so much for the call, and then move on... sometimes you kind of have to.” — Dave Jackson ([22:41])

• On preparation:
  “I prep a lot before doing a live show. So any time that I save from editing is now spent preparing.” — Dave Jackson ([35:10])

• On fun and connection:
  “Is it more work? Yep. Is it more expensive? Yep. But... I get to hang out with one of my favorite people, Jim Collison, and the coolest chat room on the internet.” — Dave Jackson ([40:33])

• On the currency of podcasting:
  “You’re going to pay in two currencies, either time or money. Use the one you got the most of.” — Dave Jackson ([43:15])

Important Timestamps

• 00:17: Opening thoughts—Is going live a game changer?
• 03:15: Video/live streaming—background worries, green screen woes
• 05:36: Consistency in scheduling live shows
• 12:24: Best live streaming tools and platforms
• 21:48: Managing call-ins and chat; on-air moderation
• 22:42: Camera and lighting gear suggestions
• 25:04: The importance of practicing your live setup
• 27:54: The multitasking challenge, co-hosts, and monitor setup
• 31:58: Expect technology snafus—roll with them
• 35:10: Preparation and audience size reality check
• 38:33: Core benefits of live podcasting; why Dave enjoys it
• 43:15: Lighting essentials; the “two currencies” quote
• 45:17: Tips for live URLs, audience surveys, and how to handle feedback

Final Thoughts & Actionable Takeaways

• Don’t start your podcasting journey live—work up to it after you’re comfortable with the basics.
• If you decide to go live:
  • Choose simple but reliable tech and practice before launching.
  • Be consistent with your scheduling; coordinate with co-hosts and family.
  • Start small with gear—basic webcams and lighting are all you need.
  • Promote relentlessly and don’t be discouraged by small live audiences.
  • Embrace interaction, feedback, and audience-driven evolution of your show.

Dave’s final wisdom:
Live podcasting is more work with a higher learning curve, but it builds genuine connection and fun. If you love direct engagement and community, and are willing to pay the price in time/money, it can be a uniquely rewarding experience.

For more guidance, resources, or to join Dave’s community:
Visit schoolofpodcasting.com — "Can't wait to see what we do together!"