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Taylor Swifts Podcast Guesting Strategy
When Swift announced she’d appear on New Heights, co-hosted by her now fiancé, the internet lost it. Within 14 hours of announcing Swift’s appearance, New Heights gained +90,000 new subscribers (primarily female). At the time of the show’s release, 1.3 million people tuned in live on YouTube—nearly double the first-hour views for Donald Trump’s Joe Rogan Experience interview. By the next day, the episode had garnered almost 9.5 million views.
The impact was also felt on social media. A ‘New Heights’ Instagram Reel announcing the episode generated 5.8 million likes with an engagement rate of 145%. (For context, the average post receives less than 1% engagement.)
Sadly, for the rest of us, we can’t just ask our fiancée, Taylor Swift, to come on our show. However, the bigger point is this: having guests can grow your podcast.
And no, you don’t need a superstar (or to be one for that matter) to see results. A thoughtful podcast guest strategy can help you grow your show, attract new listeners, and create content with impact. Read More
Article originally written by Elissa Craig and published on Headliner.
Todd Cochrane: A Life of Service, Passion, and Connection
Todd Cochrane’s life was one of service, resilience, and curiosity. From his roots in Quincy, Michigan, to serving 21 years in the Navy, Todd carried a work ethic and determination that shaped everything he did. He was the kind of man who didn’t just adapt to change, he leaned into it. Even after a life-changing injury cut short his time as a pilot, Todd found new purpose in technology and communication. He had a gift for seeing the future before most people could, launching Geek News Central and becoming one of the earliest voices in podcasting. What started with a cheap mic in a hotel room became a cornerstone of the industry, and Todd’s impact grew even further when he went on to found Blubrry Podcast Hosting, a company that helped countless creators share their voices with the world. On September 8, while traveling, Todd passed away suddenly, leaving behind both shock and sorrow among those who loved and respected him.
But beyond the accomplishments, Todd’s story is one of heart. He showed what it means to build something meaningful out of passion, turning obstacles into opportunities. His love for tech, storytelling, and people was evident in every episode he created and every community he touched. He reminded us that the most powerful innovations don’t just come from big companies or headlines, but from individuals brave enough to share what’s on their hearts. Todd gave his audience more than news. He gave them connection, encouragement, and a reason to keep listening. And in that, his legacy lives on.
This is your shot to speak at one of the biggest stages in podcasting, where indie creators, experts, and innovators gather to learn, grow, and build real community.
If you’ve got a story to tell, a strategy to share, or a unique angle that helps podcasters stand out, this is the moment to throw your hat in the ring.
Podfest isn’t about big egos or polished pitches. It’s about people who show up with real value. So if you’ve been thinking, “Maybe next year…” stop. Make it this year. Apply Here
More than a catchy podcast name or show idea—you’ve got a whole new concept to bring to life in your artwork, audience strategy, and beyond.
Feeling out of sync and disconnected with the podcast you’ve built? It happens. That friction isn’t failure; it’s a sign that you’re ready to evolve. A successful podcast rebrand is a powerful, strategic move to realign your own podcast with your passion and serve your audience in a more intentional way. It’s more than just a new name; it’s a thoughtful plan that honors the legacy of your work while paving the way for what’s next.
This is your essential rebrand checklist, designed to give you an actionable game plan. We will walk through the entire process together, covering the four critical phases: foundational strategy (the ‘Why’), asset creation (the ‘What’), technical execution (the ‘How’), and the final launch (the ‘Go’). We’ll cover everything from clarifying your new vision and choosing a new name for your podcast to the technical steps of updating your feed and communicating the change to your audience. Read More
Article originally written by Elsie Escobar and published on Libsyn.
YouTube has recently blurred the line between regular videos and podcasts, leaving many creators confused. The main difference comes down to how content is uploaded and where it appears. A standard YouTube video can live in any playlist, but a YouTube podcast must be added to a designated podcast playlist on your channel. Once uploaded this way, your podcast will automatically appear under the “Podcasts” tab on your channel, and it will also show up in YouTube Music. This is a major shift because Google phased out the Google Podcasts app and pushing all podcast listening into YouTube Music. That means if you want your audience to easily find and listen to your show, uploading it as a podcast on YouTube is the best move.
However, creators need to be strategic. Simply marking every video as a podcast won’t increase reach and could lead to problems down the road if YouTube cracks down. True podcasts uploaded through YouTube can also sync between audio and video seamlessly on YouTube Music, offering a smooth listener experience. But it’s important to remember that YouTube does not distribute your show to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or other platforms. For full coverage, you still need an audio hosting provider like Buzzsprout to push your show to all major podcast directories. The smart workflow is to upload your podcast video to YouTube for YouTube Music, then use your host to distribute audio everywhere else, avoiding duplicate uploads that can hurt your channel. Watch Now
The Podcasting Industry Report targets independent, interview-based podcasters by filtering out celebrity, network, and non-interview shows to focus on meaningful, sustainable efforts. It underscores that podcast listenership is growing rapidly even though the number of active podcasts remains flat, suggesting an opportunity for focused creators.
Success in this space typically takes time: most podcasters need about two years and 100 episodes before seeing results, yet nearly 94% quit before reaching this milestone. Podcasters who do stay the course, labeled “Actively Established” comprise only around 6% of independent hosts but account for about 95% of total listenership. Read More
Article originally published on Podmatch.
🎤 🎧 Join Nicholas Kuhne in Norway on From Startup to Wunderbrand, as he delves deep into the realms of digital marketing, branding, and entrepreneurship. Explore the global perspectives of industry titans. In the ever-evolving landscape of marketing, this podcast is your reliable compass. A journey into the heart of digital marketing and branding.
🎤🎧 Walk In Victory Podcast hosted by NaRon Tillman is a dynamic space where entrepreneurship, mindfulness, and spiritual growth intersect.With over 25 years of entrepreneurial leadership, 20+ years as a spiritual guide, and a decade as a mindfulness and yoga coach, host NaRon Tillman brings deep wisdom and real-world insight to each episode.
🎤🎧 Is your business truly optimized for today's challenges, or are crucial elements out of sync? Harmonious at Lunch, hosted by Brandon Gano, brings you essential conversations with proven entrepreneurs and industry leaders. Each episode delivers actionable strategies and fresh perspectives to achieve clarity, drive sustainable growth, and build a company that's not only successful but deeply aligned. Don't miss the vital knowledge you need to elevate your business and leadership in a demanding world.
🎤🎧 Are you tired of entrepreneurial advice that promises the world but falls short? The Play Big Faster Podcast is your solution. Host Scherrie L. Prince, an attorney and asset protection coach, shares battle-tested strategies that deliver real results. This isn't just another podcast-it's a resource for ambitious entrepreneurs who want actionable frameworks, not empty promises. Every Thursday, join conversations with founders who've navigated the path from startup struggle to sustainable success.
If you’re looking for a podcasting event to hold you over until January, that has a personal and collaborative feel, check out the Empowered Podcasting Conference in Charlotte this September!
It’s a smaller, hands-on weekend built for independent podcasters packed with lots of real conversation and helpful sessions. EPC attendees genuinely want to connect and grow both their network and community.
Some of our Podfest community members will be speaking there and/or attending (including Chris Krimitsos!), and we think it’s worth a look!!