School of Podcasting with Dave Jackson

Episode 1016: What's Your Favorite Podcast (AND WHY) 2025 Edition
Date: December 29, 2025
Host: Dave Jackson
Theme: Discovering listeners’ favorite podcasts and the reasons behind their choices, with a focus on learning what makes shows stand out and the elements that turn a good podcast into a favorite.

Episode Overview

In this annual tradition, Dave Jackson invites listeners to share the one podcast they'd pick as their favorite for 2025, and—most importantly—explain why. The episode features a series of listener contributions that reveal what makes podcasts resonate: standout content, podcast chemistry, emotional impact, and solving a listener need. Dave weaves together their responses with reflections and takeaways, offering podcasters valuable insights on what audiences truly value.

Key Topics & Insights

Why Favorite Podcasts Matter

• Purpose of the Episode:

  • Dave seeks not just the “what” but the “why”—encouraging listeners to analyze what elevates a podcast to “favorite” status.
  • “We don't just want to be good. We want to be someone's favorite.” — Dave Jackson [00:20]

• Learning from Listener Picks:

  • The episode is structured into learning and discovery: listeners submit favorites, and Dave unpacks what makes those shows work.

Listener Favorites & Takeaways

[02:08] Scott Johnson (“What Was That Like”) — Favorite: Nudge

• Podcast: Nudge (nudgepodcast.com)
• Why:
  • Unique content on behavioral science and marketing psychology.
  • Offers rare, expert insights with real-world, actionable examples.
• Memorable Segment:
  • Discusses how Coca Cola’s switch to a white can led people to think the flavor changed, despite it being identical—a powerful illustration of perception.
  • “I've always been fascinated by the human mind and this show... it's given me some great insights that I've actually implemented.”—Scott Johnson [03:44]
• Takeaway:
  • Distinctive, experiential knowledge makes content stick.

[04:58] York (“Welcome to Earth Stories”) — Favorite: No Agenda

• Podcast: No Agenda
• Why:
  • Initial confusion gave way to appreciation for the show’s in-jokes and evolving community dynamic.
  • The chemistry and honest interplay between co-hosts Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak stands out.
  • The show retains strong community engagement, humor, and unique content; even their donation model is instructive.
• Quotes:
  • “Does [the show] have staying power?” — York [05:26]
  • “If two people consistently give the exact same answers, one of you is redundant.”—Dave Jackson [07:21]
• Takeaway:
  • Chemistry, inside jokes, humor, and a sense of community help shows endure and become beloved.

[10:43] Kim Newlove (“The Pharmacist’s Voice”; “The Perrysburg Podcast”) — Favorite: Treat Addiction Podcast (WGTE.org)

• Why:
  • Experts hosts (two doctors) provide information and hope on addiction disorders, including conditions Kim had never considered.
  • The show left her feeling hopeful and informed.
  • Though podfaded due to lack of funding, its legacy of impact remains, underscoring the value of evergreen content.
• Quotes:
  • “They have talked about things that I didn’t even know, that I didn’t know. And that’s what I liked most about it. I learned.”—Kim Newlove [11:11]
  • “Recovery is not only possible, it's probable in a lot of cases.”—Kim Newlove [12:40]
• Takeaway:
  • Competent, confident hosting and delivering hope create lasting audience impact — even after a show ends.

[13:11] Ralph Estepp Jr. (“Content Creators Accountant”) — Favorite: Daily Devotions for Busy Lives

• Why:
  • Fulfills a need for a spiritual start to his day.
  • Practical and fits his daily routine, reinforcing positive habits.
• Quote:
  • “It helps me stay grounded, helps me get the right mentality for the day.”—Ralph [13:33]
• Takeaway:
  • Podcasts that solve a concrete problem and fit seamlessly into listeners’ lives become go-tos.

[13:52] Tim — Favorite: Le Show (Harry Shearer)

• Why:
  • Sharp, satirical takes on news and politics with musical parodies.
  • The host “gives it to both sides,” making it fun and balanced; excellent production quality.
• Quotes:
  • “Sometimes we need somebody poking some fun at it to put a giggle into our lives.” — Tim [15:28]
• Takeaway:
  • Humor and production value can transform news commentary, making even heavy topics more accessible.

[16:25] Ethan (“Daily Sports History”) — Favorite: Time Suck (Dan Cummins)

• Why:
  • A comedian-hosted true crime/narrative show, blending dark subject matter with comedic relief, unique voices, and characters.
• Quote:
  • “He throws in funny voices, unique characters… It makes it a unique podcast and someone doing something different with the genre.” — Ethan [16:56]
• Takeaway:
  • Unconventional delivery and comic relief in familiar genres keep listeners returning.

[17:42] Zoe (“Backlook Cinema”) — Favorite: Too Many Tabs

• Why:
  • Comedy history podcast hosted by Alex Perlman (Pearl Mania 500) and his wife, pairing researched historical stories with witty, loud, boisterous banter.
  • Infotainment approach—balancing education and entertainment.
• Memorable Moment:
  • Zoe explains the podcast’s name: “They do research and they're opening a bunch of tabs until it's just too many tabs on the computer.” [19:58]
• Takeaway:
  • Chemistry, unique format, and dual focus (fun + knowledge) set the show apart.

[22:34] Dave Jackson — Dave’s Favorites: No Agenda & Podnews Weekly Review

• Why No Agenda:
  • Same reasons as York; standout chemistry, exclusive content, humor.
• Why Podnews Weekly Review:
  • Hosts’ expertise and their banter; structured, well-prepared, with news and insights he can’t get elsewhere.
  • “I press fast forward less” than other shows—sign of valued content.
  • “It’s educational. It’s insights I can’t get from anyplace else.”—Dave Jackson [25:12]
• Takeaway:
  • Well-prepared, personable hosts, valued news focus, and unique perspectives.

[26:29] Dave (“Walking is Fitness”) — Favorite: Grow the Show (Kevin Schmidlin)

• Why:
  • Fascinated by the host’s journey as the podcast rebrands, shifts focus, and changes directions—even his name (to “Kev Michael”).
  • Interest in the evolving narrative, not just content or educational value.
• Quote:
  • “I'm fascinated by the journey. And if I can only listen to one podcast, that would be the one for that reason.” — Dave (Walking is Fitness) [28:45]
• Takeaway:
  • Sometimes, the host’s journey and transformation draw listeners as much as the core topic.

Synthesis: What Makes a Podcast a Favorite?

At [32:50], Dave summarizes (with AI help!) the show’s emerging lesson:

“Distinctive shows with hard to find content delivered by engaging hosts with real chemistry in a well thought out format that solves a listener problem and leaves them feeling something, whether it’s hopeful, grounded, entertained, or relieved.”

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “We all want to be good. But we want to be someone’s favorite.” —Dave Jackson [00:24]
• “Does that show have staying power?” —York [05:26]
• “If two people consistently give the exact same answers, one of you is redundant.” —Dave Jackson [07:21]
• “They have talked about things that I didn’t even know, that I didn’t know.” —Kim Newlove [11:11]
• “He does lean left, but he really gives it to both sides...” —Tim [14:30]
• “At the end of the show... you get to get a little glimpse of what's going on in their life at the end of the show where the super listeners are still listening.” —Dave Jackson [23:52]
• “I'm fascinated by the journey...” — Dave (Walking is Fitness) [28:45]

[33:09] Podcast Pitches: How the Panelists Describe Their Shows

Short, instructive samples of how regular contributors pitched their own shows, emphasizing (by example) how to make clear, concise, curiosity-provoking podcast pitches:

• Scott Johnson: "What Was That Like" — Guests share truly unusual, firsthand stories (e.g., surviving a plane crash, bear attack, etc.).
• Ethan: "Daily Sports History" — Relive unique moments from sports history, 10 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
• Dave (Walking is Fitness): — Daily 10-min walks, helping listeners create the habit of walking while “walking together.”
• York: "Welcome to Earth Stories" — Sci-fi storytelling podcast.
• Kim Newlove: "The Pharmacist’s Voice" & "The Perrysburg Podcast" —Exploring pharmacy, careers, and local community life.
• Ralph Estepp Jr.: "Content Creators Accountant" — Helping creators keep more of their podcast income.
• Zoe: "Backlook Cinema" — Nostalgic, fun exploration of late 20th-century movies.

[37:39] Bonus Content

• Ralph Estepp Jr. doubles down, naming the School of Podcasting itself as a second favorite—a vital “cornucopia” of practical tips: "All of us helping to improve our trade in what we're doing."
• Dave includes a short mailbag [37:58]—an appreciation for listener support and a story about debates over what “counts” as a podcast (YouTube, newsletters, PDFs), using the “Blind Men and the Elephant” parable to capture different perspectives.

Key Lessons for Podcasters

• Unique Content Wins: Content you “can’t get anywhere else” is a recurrent theme.
• Chemistry & Authenticity: The relationship between hosts, their honesty, and their chemistry make listeners “feel at home.”
• Emotion is Powerful: Shows that leave listeners feeling more hopeful, informed, grounded, or entertained become favorites.
• Problem Solving: If your show meets a particular need or fits a habit, it can become a daily must-listen.
• Journey & Personality: Sometimes the podcast’s evolution—or the host’s personal journey—makes the show magical.
• Pitches Matter: Clear, intriguing pitches grab curiosity (demonstrated by the contributors’ own show descriptions).

Timestamps: Highlighted Segments

• [00:00–01:41]: Introduction, episode structure, and philosophy
• [02:08–04:54]: Scott Johnson on “Nudge”
• [04:58–10:21]: York on “No Agenda”
• [10:43–12:50]: Kim Newlove on “Treat Addiction Podcast”
• [13:11–13:46]: Ralph Estepp Jr. on “Daily Devotions for Busy Lives”
• [13:52–15:21]: Tim on “Le Show”
• [16:25–17:35]: Ethan on “Time Suck”
• [17:42–20:46]: Zoe on “Too Many Tabs”
• [22:34–25:24]: Dave’s personal favorites and why
• [26:29–29:46]: Dave (“Walking is Fitness”) on “Grow the Show”
• [33:09–37:21]: Contributors pitch their own shows (example pitches)
• [37:58]: Mailbag & discussion on podcast definitions

Closing Thought

Dave ties it all together:

"If we were to summarize, it would be that these were distinctive shows with hard to find content delivered by engaging hosts with real chemistry in a well thought out format that solves a listener problem and leaves them feeling something, whether it's hopeful, grounded, entertained or relieved." [32:50]

If you want your podcast to be someone’s favorite, focus on offering what they can’t get anywhere else, presented by people they care about, and solve real needs or create strong feelings.

All listener submissions and links are available at schoolofpodcasting.com/1016.