The Independent Podcast Report for 2025

The 2025 Indiepod Survey collected insights from 558 independent creators. The goal was to understand the real state of indie podcasting and what it takes to build and sustain a show today.

We asked creators about the core challenges they face, how they make money, and how they are using video and AI. We also examined how long it takes to produce an episode, and what podcasters spend each month to keep their shows running.

Beyond the practical process, we explored how podcasters define success, what they worry about for the future, where they seek support, and what drives them forward. We also asked a tough but important question about the moments when they have considered quitting.

We wanted to get this data out and into your hands as soon as possible, so you can explore the results, spot the trends that catch your eye, and share your own perspectives on what they mean. Read More

Article originally written by Matthew McLean and Katie Paterson published on Alitu.

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

Nick and Lisa from The Ready Life grew their YouTube channel from under 3,500 to over 50,000 subscribers in a year by ditching a low-performing talking-head podcast and rebuilding everything around strategic, hands-on content. Guided by Think Media coaching, they treated YouTube as the core of their business instead of a side channel, focusing first on the “big idea,” then crafting strong titles, thumbnails, and opening lines before ever hitting record.

A 21-day action-based video series became their turning point, showing that “viral for you” results matter more than chasing millions of views. By demonstrating what they teach on camera, clarifying their niche, and consistently iterating based on analytics, they built videos that attract the right viewers, not just more viewers. Watch Now

A VERY Special Guest Joining Us at Podfest (See Below)

Every year, Podfest brings something new and special and this year is no different!

Over the next several weeks, we'll be sharing news about some of the brands and personalities joining us this year, so be on the lookout for future emails, and make sure you get your tickets!

Today, we're excited to announce that Dave Ramsey has confirmed that he will be appearing at the Hall of Fame ceremony to induct one of his dear friends, who will be entering the Hall of Fame this year.

As you know, Podfest hosts the Podcasting Hall of Fame ceremony to honor some of the most impactful and accomplished contributors to podcasting.

This year, the Hall of Fame has been working tirelessly to appoint and vote for the 2026 inductees.

And while they are not yet ready to announce the 2026 Hall of Fame class, we can reveal that Dave Ramsey will be part of the ceremony!

If you don't know Dave Ramsey, he's the founder and CEO of Ramsey Solutions and a prolific radio host and podcaster with millions of listeners around the world. He's also a New York Times bestselling author of several books, including The Total Money Makeover and Financial Peace.

He has also helped millions of people get out of debt and build wealth, including many members of the Podfam.

So if you don't already have your ticket and want a chance to be in the room with Dave Ramsey and other notable personalities, get your Podfest and Hall of Fame tickets right away!

Hall of Fame Tickets are VERY limited, so if you want to be in the room make sure you get your Podfest and Hall of Fame tickets ASAP.

Get Podfest Tickets Here.

Get Your Hall of Fame Ceremony Ticket Here. (Must have a Podfest ticket and a Hall of Fame ticket to attend the Hall of Fame ceremony.)

Podcast platforms are expanding their automation capabilities to further enhance the listening experience.

Under Apple Podcasts’ latest update (part of iOS 26.2) and Spotify for Creators’ September rollout, both platforms are set to now offer Automatic Chapters, Automatic Linking, and Automatic Transcription. These automation updates are designed to make podcasts more navigable, searchable, and engaging for listeners.

For listeners, this means more structure and an enhanced listening experience. For creators, it means more visibility and an added emphasis on the importance of your podcast’s metadata. Read More

Article originally published on Headliner.

Podcast Career Opportunities

🎤 🎧 Welcome to "Eat Your Content" with host Rich Herrera! Dive into the delectable world of food and pop culture as we explore the delicious connections between what we consume on our plates and screens. Join us for mouthwatering conversations and explore the intersection of culinary experiences and pop culture phenomena.

🎤🎧 The Corcoran Entertainment Show features a series of guests who discuss what’s new in the entertainment industry from movies, TV, theatre and more. Plus, find out where you can catch local entertainment right here in Miramichi New Brunswick.

 🎤🎧 Our desire with Listen Then Speak is to sit and chop it up with anyone from best selling authors to successful entrepreneurs and get a sense of the highs and lows of their journey. We want to delve past the surface to see how their culture, faith, career choices, and mental health have brought them to their current destination and broach topics that will provoke both thought and action in listeners.

 🎤🎧 The Power Transformation Podcast is where resilience meets real results. Hosted by Transformational Specialist and Motivational Speaker Alethea Felton (who was born with chronic illness, overcame severe stuttering, and more), this Top 5% ranked show features inspiring, personal stories from entrepreneurs, leaders, and everyday people who turned adversity into unstoppable success.

This Issue Brought to You By

Morgan James Publishing has revolutionized book publishing—from the author’s standpoint.

Morgan James teaches authors strategies to leverage their books and grow their businesses—adding value while staying out of the way.

Ranked by Publishers Weekly as one of the fastest-growing publishers in the nation ten times in our short history.  Morgan James is reported to be “the future of publishing.”