David Jackson - Podcast Consultant and Coach » Podcasting

Corey Deitz Has His Head Up His Ass When it Comes to Podcasting

David — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 03:43:41 +0000

I was at about.com and looking at their articles about podcasting. Their expert is radio veteran Corey Deitz. I have respect for radio guys who can be entertaining and creative while having their hands tied behind their backs by program directors who force them to hit time markers. Radio is not easy. However, “radio personality” does not equal podcast guru. Heck this guy graduated from Kent State which is in my back yard. Corey you are killing me dude. Corey with his Radio Partner Jay are a successful morning radio show in Arkansas (voted “Best Morning Show in Little Rock” in 2001 – 11 years ago). They have audio on their website where you can “listen to their podcast.” By that they mean you can click and listen, but THERE IS NO RSS feed. When I searched for them in iTunes, I see where all their segments have their own podcast in iTunes and NONE of them have album art (Corey watch my Skank video). You know why? Because this guy may know morning radio in Arkansas, but his advice about podcasting is just crap.

He doesn’t even understand what makes a podcast a podcast.

Here is what he put in an article (I added the boldness).

Podcasts are easy to do whether you DIY with an audio editor and your own website or use a third-party to create it and host it. A Podcast allows you to create a “chunk” of audio programming which can be accessed on-demand. The original idea of subscribing to Podcasts has become diluted. Sure, thousands of podcasts can still be “subscribed” to and the audio is automatically delivered to your computer.

But, now, just placing an audio file online at your website and informing users to “click to listen” to your “Podcast on-demand” is sufficient. Most browsers know how to handle and stream an audio file that is clicked on.

If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck – it’s a duck.

WTF? OK then if this “duck” rule is true: Because I drive on the expressway every day – I’m a Nascar Guru. I drive. I can turn left. I drink Mountain Dew. Therefore I am a nascar driver.

You can buy a B.B. King Guitar, and dress up in a suit to play it. It doesn’t make you B.B. King.

Let us consult the book of Knowledge (Wikipedia).

“A podcast is a type of digital media consisting of an episodic series of files (either audio or video) subscribed to and downloaded through web syndication. ”

When you put audio on a website for people to click and listen to, you have AUDIO ON A WEBSITE. To tell someone, “audio on a website is a podcast” is just wrong. You say, “the original idea of subscribing to Podcasts has become diluted.” If this is true it’s because douche bags like you are telling people lies. I have players on my site that you can click and stream like a radio station. Do you know why I can create those? Because I have a syndication feed that makes it easy! If you want to make a streaming radio station with advertising, listen to my “More Podcast Money” Podcast. How about this: The original idea of one plus one equals two has been diluted, and I know say it’s four.

Some poor soul is going to put a link to an mp3 file on their website and then wonder why their “podcast” isn’t in iTunes.

He later goes on to recommend Blog Talk Radio, Podbean, and Podmatic. Three services that I’ve made a fair amount of money helping people leave.

Telling someone, “Placing audio on a website is the same as a podcast” is like giving them the Amazing Chef basket and having them only use it as a pasta strainer when it can be used as a deep fryer, and vegetable steamer and more!

I followed the website link that is listed in iTunes for them, and it took me to a page that DIDN’T HAVE A LINK TO ITUNES. BUt wait there is more! He is paying myrsscreator.com a monthly fee to create an RSS feed when he could be using WordPress for free. Talk about Head Up Your Ass. myrsscreator.com seems like a fine site. When I clicked on their affiliate link it brought up a bunch of SQL errors. Classy.

All of his episodes have the same name. I understand that its a bit, but why not give me a clue as to which episode has what topic. After all I’m sure tons of people are searching Google for “Head Up Your Ass Headlines Tuesday 5/16.”

When you get done following Corey’s advice please contact me for some coaching sessions and I will help undo all the crap that has been poured into your ears.

If it looks like a douche and quacks like a douche – it’s a douche.

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PODCAST CONSULTING: I wold love to work with you via one on one podcast consulting and coaching. I can do as little or as much as you'd like. I can demonstrate and walk you through the podcasting process. Email me at , or schedule an appointment.

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Wizzard’s Record Setting December

David — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:30:24 +0000

Here’s the latest from a recent Wizard Media Press Release

In the fourth quarter of 2011, the Wizzard Media network averaged over 20 million unique audience members per month. Wizzard Media reached another milestone with an all time high for unique audience count in December 2011. Additionally, substantial growth in download requests continued with the fourth quarter numbers topping October’s all time high. And while Wizzard stopped publishing download request numbers in 2010 due to a change in algorithmic reporting metrics, download requests for 2011 would have clearly exceeded 2010′s total of 1.64 billion.

Wizzard reported ongoing increases in new podcast client account sign-ups and corresponding revenues throughout 2011 with a focus on higher margined monthly accounts. The fourth quarter brought additional all-time highs for average weekly account sign-ups and incremental revenue. That trend continues in 2012 with the first week of the new-year beating out even the best week of 2011 for new account growth and incremental revenue.

“We are thrilled by the upward trends we continue to see and are confident that the hard work of our team and our podcast producers in 2011 will continue to expand the entire podcast ecosystem,” said Laurie Sims, President of Wizzard Media. “Our Q4 results are encouraging with all time highs in our network statistics and greater distribution for our producers with broad support across various app marketplaces and mobile devices. With the popularity of the Kindle Fire and loyalty of iOS users, we are excited about prospects for 2012 expansion.”

The company has been focused on its stated plan of increasing reoccurring revenues by attracting new podcast hosting and App customers. Additionally, marketing and social media efforts to support hosting and audience growth have demonstrated success in 2011 and will be further leveraged in 2012. Wizzard’s full subscription service is expected to launch in the first part of 2012.

Keep in mind that the audience of 20 million in one month is a statistic only ONE podcasting network. The number is actually higher. So the next time someone says, “Podcasting is Dead,” or “It’s a fad,” point out how in 2010 and 2011 the trend is going upward.

Podcast Clicks Closing in on 300K Clicks to Podcasters in 2011

David — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:00:26 +0000

Podcastclicks.com is a free Podcasting Promotion Site where you place a banner for your podcast on the system, choose what categories of banners you are willing to display on your website, and when you show someone else’s banner, they are showing yours (a banner exchange program strictly for podcasters). I just went over to see how things are going and we are appraochign 300,00 clicks sent to podcaster’s websites this year. This is up from 142,000 in 2010.The service is free. Sign up at www.podcastclicks.com

What was you favorite podcast of 2011?

David — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:07:01 +0000

I have a segment on my podcast called “The Last 5 in 5″ where you list – not your favorite podcast – but the last 5 you listened to (along with a brief description, and their website) in less than 5 minutes. Today I’m looking for something different.

Thinking back to all the podcasts you listened to in 2011, which one was your favorite.

For me this was hard. I get great information from No Agenda. I listen to a lot of podcasts about podcasting (The Podcasters Studio is a good one), I love the stories from The Bitterest Pill. However, the one that made me laugh, while informing me about stuff going on in music, and turning me on to great music, and great interveiws was Micahel Butler’s Rock and Roll Geek Show. It’s the longest running podcast (started in 2004) and the original music podcast.

Its tough (I am subscribed to 43 podcasts at the moment). So what was your favorite podcast of 2011 (THAT’s NOT YOURS), that you were so happy to see come into your podcatcher? Leave a creative and interesting comment below.

End of Year Production Music Blowout.

David — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:13:20 +0000

Footage Firm is a website that lots of video footage for video podcasters. They also have a lot of great “free” music on CDs. This “Free” music collections have an $8 shipping fee. Well now this week only they have lowered the shipping feed to $5 if you use the footage firm coupon code ENDOFYEAR2011

Spreaker Comes to Android

David — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:01:14 +0000

I’ve been playing with Spreaker to see how it works, etc. It’s a pretty cool service that makes it easy to do a “live” podcast. Now you can use an android phone to record your podcast. This is nothing new (anyone remember the now dead Gcast?). There is a version for iOS as well.

I went over and downloaded the app, and did a quick test. It works. I could see musicians, or any kind of entertainers who want to update things from the road using the feature. It does sound like it was recorded on a phone. In terms of ease of use, it doesn’t get much easier. You can listen to it by clicking on the player below.

The service is free as the place ads on their player when you listen online (and if you download the episode there are ads added to the beginning of the show). If you are looking for a way to ad advertising for those who listen online only (not downloads) check out my latest version of More Podcast Money.

Mom Said To Not Play in Traffic – It’s Working for Jeff Roney

David — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:50:32 +0000

Jeff Roney just put out a blog post stating how he started a podcast with this wife about a television show called “Once upon a time.” I know nothing about the show (I don’t watch TV), but I know when you start a podcast you’re nt sure if there will be an audience for your topic.

One way to eliminate the “Is there an audience for this” is to start a podcast about a television show. This provides the audience of that show a place to gather while waiting for the next episode. I have done this with the Jillian Michaels Fan Cast.

The “Happy Ending” of this show is that Jeff has landed as a “New and Noteworthy” podcast in iTunes. Actually it’s not the ending, it’s just the beginning. What it does show is that you don’t have to be on NPR or a high-profile comedian to be “New and Noteworthy” in iTunes.

Congrats Jeff! Find out more about this podcast at http://onceuponatimepodcast.com

(sorry I got the URL wrong originally Jeff)

Average Weekly Podcast Sign Ups Show 30% Increase of 2010

David — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 03:52:28 +0000

Wizzard Media, the world’s leading podcasting network, today announced it is seeing a 30% increase in average weekly signups in 2011 vs. average weekly signups for 2010. In addition, Wizzard’s premier podcast distribution and monetization platform Libsyn.com has seen average weekly client account revenues increase 29% for 2011 vs. 2010.

The company has been focused on its stated plan of increasing reoccupying revenues by attracting new hosting and App customers. Additionally, marketing and social media efforts to support hosting and audience growth have demonstrated success this year.

Full story

Behind the Scenes Always Makes for a Good Podcast

David — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:28:56 +0000

I recently got a notice in my RSS feed, that a podcast that features a reporter following a pizza driver for a day. I’ve always thought about what its like to deliver pizza. Now this podcast let’s me know. My favorite is that the guy has to start his car with a pair of scissors.

If I had some pointers for this “podcast” (this looks more like a “audio” on a website), and there is no way to download this podcast, or play it in a new window (so when I first listened to it, and clicked on another, I lost my website).

Meta Mark – Cool New Feature Coming to PowerPress

David — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:25:26 +0000

Todd Cochrane and the boys at blubrry.com are coming out with a new feature for their powerpress plugin. I love the PowerPress plugin. I realize that PowerPress has a fair amount of features that not everyone uses, but in their latest newsletter they announced a new feature coming called ,”Meta Mark” which to me sounds like a character on a Saturday Night Live Sketch. What this feature will do is allow you to specify certain actions to happen in your media when played on your website. Here are some examples:

Example 1: At 2:33 you Meta Mark the media, so that it pops up a window within the media player asking the listener to comment on that segment of content. When acted on, the comment will get pushed back to you, increasing engagement.

Example 2: At 4:44 seconds you Meta Mark the media so that it pops up a survey window for your listener to respond to. This allows you to embed survey links or simple surveys within your media.

Example 3: At 10:29 seconds you Meta Mark the media at that precise location to insert an advertisement by a third-party partner.

Example 4: At 11:55 you Meta Mark the media to pop up a URL associated with the topic you are discussing. When clicked on, it will launch a new window to that content.

They’e also released the Cuetoo product for selling digital products (which I will be checking out right after I post this ). Special thumbs up to Angelo Mandato who is the main man behind PowerPress.

Making Sure Blog Talk Radio Still Sucks

David — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 03:47:44 +0000

Back in the day when podcasting was still just a gleam in the eyes of geeks two companies launched to give people the ability to do live radio shows. One was TalkShoe and the other was Blog Talk Radio. I have NOT been a fan of either one for a very simple reason. Their audio blows. I mean it sucks out loud, and by that I mean it’s bad.

If you look at the graphic to the right you will see the details of a file I downloaded from the Blog talk University (so an “official” BTR file) and you will see that the sample rate is 11. The typical CD quality sample rate is 44. Think of it this way, how many times a second do they take a picture of your sound wave. Another great way of thinking of this is by using the analogy of paint. How much paint do they put on their brush? 1/4 of what most people use.

Then you get to the Audio Bit Rate. Back in the day when people were worried about bandwidth (a worry that is almost obsolete) people would publish at

64 Kbps = Am Radio Quality
96 = FM Radio Quality (I still publish at his rate for some of my podcasts)
128 =CD Quality

You can see that after barely putting any “paint” on their paint brush they then publish the audio with HALF of the quality of an AM Radio station.

As I was listening to this show, I thought, “I’m going to write a blog post about it.” I didn’t want to lose my place so I clicked the “Play in a new window” option and well. I’m still waiting. I get this a lot when I go to help people who want to move away from Blog Talk Radio. I finally had to click on pause and start to get the player to work.

With this in mind, as it is my job to know and understand all podcasting tools, I will be using BTR in the future to make sure I know what I’m talking about. If you want to be notified you can follow me on twitter at @learntopodcast and I’ll let you know. Right now I’m set for this Wednesday at 10 AM.

Maybe the thrill of having a live audience will offset the lack of audio quality. I’m also going to pay CLOSE attention as to how and if they submit a feed to iTunes as a “favor” for me.

There may be hope for BTR in the future as I saw this on one of their forums.

And another one’s gone, and another one’s gone…

David — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:22:52 +0000

Another One Bites the Dust. Remember Podango? Well we can add another free podcast hosting company to the list.

That’s right. Another completely free podcast hosting company is closing its doors. In this case its mypodcast.com. This website offered recording software online (kind of like spreaker.com).

Here is their memo:

Hello MyPodcast.com Broadcasters -

We must regretfully inform you that effective December 1, 2011, MyPodcast.com will cease all operations. Due to the current business climate, our current revenues can no longer cover the operational costs associated with hosting and serving the large amount of podcasts available on the site. We would like to thank all our podcasters and listeners for their years of support in making MyPodcast one of the most popular podcast hosting sites on the web.

Effective December 1, 2011, all podcasts currently hosted on the site will become permanently deleted and unavailable for download. For this reason, we strongly encourage all of our podcasters who do not have locally stored copies of their recordings to please take the time to download and save them from the site. Unfortunately, we will not be able to provide ANY recordings on or after December 1, 2011, as they will have been permanently deleted from our storage servers.

Once again, we would like to thank everyone for using the site over the years, and wish you all the best of luck with your podcasts in the future!

–
Regards, MyPodcast Team

If you are not familiar with mypodcast.com they had a platform where you could record your podcast right online. When I went to their site, here are some of the nuggets that I found:

When describing their service, they explained their benefits with this:

The next problem is hosting. You need server to upload your podcasts on. You have to learn about RSS feeds, webpage updates, FTP, backups. And good software does not come cheap.

MyPodcast.com does EVERYTHING for you at absolutely NO COST. That’s right, everything is FREE. Besides, you can earn some money, even if your podcast is not yet popular.

You will start earning when a first Listener will hear your podcast. As your podcast increases its popularity, each podcast will bring you more and more income. Eventually you will receive advertisements offers from individuals interested in your podcast and you will be able to make some exclusive deals.

Apparently, eventually they didn’t. In my travels you have to go after the advertisers (they don’t come to you).

My favorite is from the FAQ:

Can I turn off the advertisements? I can pay for my podcast bandwidth.

There are plenty of services, which offer podcast hosting for money. The easiest to use is: Mac service from Apple. At the moment we do not provide this kind of subscription.

Maybe they will figure out how to accept money next time.

The company is owned by First Beat Media which (apparently from their website) creates niche dating sites.

Congratulations on showing us that once again a “Free” business plan supported only by advertisements doesn’t work (apparently). I just wonder who is going to be next?

Did Your Free Podcast Hosting Save You Any Money Really?

I tried to find out when mypodcast.com started. The earliest report of it was in 2007. With that, let’s say it was 1/1/2007. That’s 48 months (4 years). If you had a Libsyn.com account for $15 (the one I use) that would be $720 for four years. As they are going out of business you now decide to do what you should’ve done in the first place, and get a paid podcast hosting solution (libsyn.com or blubrry.com). If you had produced a show every week over the last four years you would have 208 episodes. That’s going to take probably an hour to upload all those megabytes of files. Then you are going to have to go to each of those 208 posts and replace the link to your mypodcast.com file to your Libsyn.com if it takes you 5 minutes to do this for each episode you will spend 17.8 hours (remember, you’ll have to go through all the pages of posts, then edit, then go to your media, copy, paste, save, rather, rinse, repeat). If we combine that with the hour of uploading and we will round things up and say that it’s going to take 19 hours to update your website. This means you are making $37 an hour ($720/19 hours). This is not a “want to” thing, you have to update your website or your podcast will have no media attached to it (at least any live media). The question is, you just lost an entire Saturday with your family. How much is that worth to you?

Quit Saying Podcasters Don’t Make Money

David — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 18:36:20 +0000

Before I start this post, let me say that there is no rule that you have to earn money with your podcast. If you’re doing it as a hobby because you love to talk about your subject that is perfectly fine by me. What makes me upset is when I see people like Pat Cook post things in a ayahoo group like this:

Besides, no offense BUT let’s face facts - NO ONE will make huge amounts of $$$ off a podcast (Be it audio OR video). Those who think this NEED THEIR HEADS EXAMINED !!!!! Those who DO make huge wads of $$$ are both EXTREMELY lucky & eventually become media stars (The Young Turks come to mind here)

JMO…..

Cheers
Pat Cook
HOST – The Political Rewrite Podcast – http://politicalrewritepodcast.blogspot.com/
BLOG – The Political Rewrite – http://politicalrewrite.blogspot.com/

SIDE NOTE: Um…..I can’t help but notice that Pat is using a free hosting service and he has a whole TWO episodes.

My first reply told Pat that my friend Cliff Ravenscraft got a $12,000 donation from a listener. Can you stop a second and think about how you would feel if you opened a piece of mail and found a $12,000 check addressed to YOU?

To this Pat brought more of his opinion:

Yeah……Keyword is DONATION !!!!! That means someone GAVE him that money. He didn’t EARN it

Receiving money by donation IS NOT the same as EARNING it.

Not earning it? In the immortal words of Cee Lo Green, “Ain’t that some Sh*t.”

This seems like an uneducated response so I’m taking this blog post to educate the world on something. I think we can all agree on something. When you go to your job, you provide a service of some sort. The company you work for then GIVES you money in return. This is how most people EARN a living.

Podcasters Sweat For Their Art

I just downloaded Spotify and put it on my computer. WOW. It’s WAAAAY Cool. That’s the good news. The bad news is this is SERIOUS competition in the “attention span” market. There are only so many hours in the day to listen and watch a podcast, and we need to provide quality content or we don’t keep our audience. In the same way that you get to keep your job by providing quality service, only we get to keep our audience. When we provide exceptional content we are rewarded by having the audience tell a friend, write a review, or even – donate, buy, hire, money or services.

I recently did an episode of Weekly Web Tools where I spent time reviewing different scheduling packages for solopreneurs. It took about 90 minutes to create a podcast that was probably about 15 minutes long. If it was Summer out, I’d have to turn off the air conditioning. I’m sure many podcasters follow this practice of turning off the cooling/heating system to provide the quietest environment possible. Finding great content is work. You can use tools like Google alerts (See mine below), and RSS searches but in the end, you still have to READ this stuff and determine if it interests you. It takes about four minutes for every minute of podcast produced (so a 15 minute podcast takes an hour – that’s work).

Marc Maron podcasts out of his garage. He is sweating. He is creating GREAT content.

Value For Value

In my book More Podcast Money I talk about how the No Agenda Show received $2993.49 from 14 different contributors on their 200th show. Why did the audience GIVE the money? Because they receive a valuable service. The No Agenda Show covers stories American should be caring about instead of Chaz Bono’s beard length. You can’t get this information organized and delivered from a main stream source, so this is why people give a valuable token (money, donations) for the valuable content they receive.

It’s All About Luck – Wrong

In regards to Pat’s comment on all big podcasters are lucky I want to make this point. It’s probably true at first. For example, Cliff Ravenscraft launched a podcast about the TV show Lost right before the television launched the “official” lost podcast. When people looked for the “official” Lost podcast, they found Cliffs. Lucky? Sure. However, Cliff now had to KEEP that audience by delivering great content. Content that moves people. There are just too many options and choices to listen to something that sucks. Why would you listen to mediocre content when there are so many options available? Another example from Cliff is that he was lucky enough to have someone who knew someone who knew someone who knew Dan Miller (famous Author). That’s lucky. Cliff’s TALENT, and work secured Dan as a client and friend.

Back in the day the Mommycast secured one of the first (if not THE first) six figure podcasting advertiser deal. Where they lucky? Sure. But it was their hard work that KEPT that sponsorship for a few more years. If they were not providing a value, the sponsor would not have renewed their contract.

Spome might say I was lucky to have the first podcast about podcasting. It’s easy to be number one against a test pattern, just ask Milton Berle. However, the reason I have people who are listening six years later is because I deliver good content. They ay not all be golden episodes, but for the most part I provide value.

Big Money No Whammies

Quick Glimpse of Dave's Google Reader

The other area that will cause an issue is Pat’s phrase “huge $$$.’ Are we talking four, five, or six figures? I received a $100 donation to one of my podcasts. Right now, I count $100 as huge. If I had more money in the bank, maybe I wouldn’t. My Logical Weight Loss podcast inspired someone (a service) to lose weight. She values my content and wanted to say “thanks.” Do you have to make six figures to consider your podcast a success? I know of a podcaster who had done a music podcast for years. I explained Amazon.com and Linkshare (iTunes) affiliate linking and he now pays for his hosting and then some. What does he consider his true payment? By being able to interview his heroes. It’s not always about the money.

Are there LOTs of podcasters who have quit their day jobs to do this full-time? Lots? Probably not. Some? Sure. Are their people who could make up their hosting fees, and then some? Yep. That’s why I wrote the book.I’m not hear to tell you to quit your day job. I’m here to say quit losing money on your podcast (again – if you want to).

Creating good content is work. That’s why you have to be passionate about your topic. When your job is something you love, every day is a vacation. So when we are scouring through your topics in Google Reader, or watching our television shows with paper and pencil in hand (or iPad), we are “working” with a giant smile on our face.

So Pat I want to tweak your original statement.

let’s face facts

Like the facts I presented today?

- NO ONE will make huge amounts of $$$ off a podcast (Be it audio OR video).

Wrong.

Those who think this NEED THEIR HEADS EXAMINED !!!!! Those who DO make huge wads of $$$ are both EXTREMELY lucky & eventually become media stars (The Young Turks come to mind here)

Wait you just said NO ONE makes huge money…

My New Version

let’s face facts – people CAN make amounts of $$$ off a podcast (You get out of it what you put into it). Those who DO make huge wads of $$$ are both EXTREMELY dedicated, hard working, and talented and more than likely spend just as much time promting their podcast as they do recording it.

Alec Baldwin to Start a Podcast

David — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:02:47 +0000

The 53-year-old Emmy-winning actor, who has made no secret of his New York political aspirations, is working with New York public radio station WNYC on an interview show that will be available via podcast starting Oct. 24.

The first interview posted will be with actor Michael Douglas, who talks about watching “Glee” with his young daughter. Other interviews to follow will be with Republican campaign strategist Ed Rollins, reality-show celebrity Kris Kardashian Jenner, comic Chris Rock, actress Kathleen Turner, author Erica Jong and veteran talk-show host Dick Cavett, WNYC said Thursday.

Baldwin said that he’s been exploring other things to do, knowing that his small-screen life as crazed corporate executive Jack Donaghy on “30 Rock” is heading toward its end.

Baldwin has won Emmys for his comic portrayal of a TV network boss. He said he likes to use his spare time to satisfy the need to do other things.

His mixture of guests on the radio show will take in several fields, although he leans toward fellow entertainers. Baldwin said he’s particularly interested in talking with show-biz veterans about the directions their careers have taken and how they keep the juices flowing.

The Long Island native has long been involved in politics and said earlier this month he would not rule out a run for New York mayor once is TV show has ended.

He’s an admitted “public radio junkie” who has filled in on the air for New York’s WNYC and also helped with fund drives. After his on-air work as a substitute host for Kurt Andersen, both Baldwin and WNYC were interested in doing something more, said Dean Cappello, senior vice president for programming at New York public radio.

His contract on his television show 30 Rock ends next year after its 6th season. My guess is he will stay for one more year (don’t you have to go seven seasons to go into syndication?).

One Man, One Vision, with Determination

David — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 03:12:02 +0000

Steve, Steve, and More Steve. Twitter was just amazing tonight.

It’s a shame. My mother died at 58 and that was too soon. 56 is waaay too soon.

His life was very interesting. He had a vision, and persued it to the end. He was himself. He did not compromise.

Music is sold completely different.

The way music is heard is completely different.

The way products are launched is different.

The way movies are created is completely different.

The way movies are watched is compeltely different.

The way we communicate is completely different.

It’s amazing what one one person, with a vision, and determination, can do. He left the world a better place.

Watch this youtube clip.

Now go hug your kids, kiss you wife, and let the small stuff go.

Money doesn’t buy you life.

His autobiography comes out November 11th

Podbean is Alive – Still No Interview

David — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 19:23:08 +0000

I received a response today from Podbean:

Dave,

Currently, we don’t have staff available for interview.

Podbean.com was founded in Montreal, Canada.

We are a group of tech geekers who love to use the tech solutions to give best low cost service to users.

Regards

David
Podbean Team
www.podbean.com

So they are from Canada, and people who manage podcasting, don’t have 15 minutes to talk to someone who has an audience filledwith people who are interested in podcast hosting.

It’s not an ego thing. Really it’s not. Does anybody else find this weird?

Podbean Experiment I

Podbean Experiment II – Who Are You?

Unlimited Bandwidth Yes – Unlimited CPU No – Blue Host Clears Things Up

David — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 17:36:08 +0000

I have said for years, the best way to start a podcast is to use a service to host your websites (like Bluehost or Host Gator) and then get a dedicated Media Host (Like Blubrry.com or Libsyn.com). Blue host will cost you about $7 a month. You have to buy a year in advance (so $84 out of your pocket to get started). I have never personally used them (I’m a Host Gator guy), I have used Blue Host’s control panel when clients use them. I have chatted with their tech support folks, and I have no problem recommending them.

I had a potential client tell me he was going to use them host his audio files. The idea is you are going to save the $15 for a media host. Before I went “That’s not good,” I wanted to triple (quadruple ) check for the thousandth time that this was a potentially bad idea. With this in mind, I went over to Blue Host to have a chat.This was about noon on Tuesday 9/27/2011

Here it is:

Daniel H.: [9:47:26 AM] Thank you for contacting sales today. My name is Daniel. Let’s discuss how we can make your website a success!
David Jacks..: [9:47:52 AM] Hi Daniel. What is your shared hosting plan price if I go month by month instead of a year at a time?
Daniel H.: [9:49:24 AM] The shortest plan we offer is the 12 month plan. It is prepaid up front but we do not have any contracts
David Jacks..: [9:49:46 AM] and how much is that a month?
Daniel H.: [9:50:51 AM] Our most current promotion:
1 year for $83.40 (6.95 a month)
2 years for $142.80 (5.95 a month)
3 years for $214.20 (5.95 a month)
Our hosting service is paid in advance. We offer 1, 2 and 3 years but you can cancel within 30 days and get a full refund and it’s prorated any time after that. So you’re not bound in a contract.

David Jacks..: [9:51:19 AM] Also, I have a client who is looking to order hosting for a website that features a podcast. He is wanting to use your service as it has unlimited bandwidth. Does that mean he can host his mp3 files on your hosting? Are there any stipulations for or against podcast files?
Daniel H.: [9:53:31 AM] Yes that is fine as long as it is not copyrighted

David Jacks..: [9:55:27 AM] Just to make sure we are crystal clear. If he puts out an episode once a week, and 25M and it gets downloaded 1000 times in a week, that’s OK? There are people who are stating that others from your company say it’s not allowed.
Daniel H.: [9:56:15 AM] Yes that is fine. There is no reason for that to be a problem.
David Jacks..: [9:56:30 AM] I have a podcast that has been dead for 2 years and it was downloaded 2500 times this month.
[9:57:24 AM] Apparently Jordan (based on another blog post I read).
[9:59:34 AM] I guess what I’m looking for is what would get you “kicked off” (maybe not the right word) for using too much bandwidth.
Daniel H.: [9:59:37 AM] Yes that is talking about 60,000 downloads of a 50MB file every week
[9:59:53 AM] that would use a lot of cpu and likely cause the account to get throttled
David Jacks..: [10:00:04 AM] So there are exceptions…
[10:00:52 AM] I’m just trying to make sure I understand exactly what to expect for my podcasting clients.
Daniel H.: [10:01:10 AM] no, no exceptions, as it grows bigger it will use more cpu, it is not bandwidth related
David Jacks..: [10:02:07 AM] So it’s not the bandwidth it’s that the server is trying to hand out all these mp3 files (as they now have a back catalog) and (for lack of a better phrase) it runs out of hands. Correct?
Daniel H.: [10:03:16 AM] No, in order to maintain stable servers, we limit the amount of cpu available to each account. CPU is used as processes run on your site.
David Jacks..: [10:04:19 AM] So what taxes the CPU in regards to serving an mp3? Is it the management of the request?
Daniel H.: [10:06:16 AM] yes, and the connection of the user to the site and file etc.
David Jacks..: [10:07:02 AM] Awesome. Well that clears it up. Thanks. Any ideas on how many requests are “OK” and when it would become a problem?
Daniel H.: [10:10:11 AM] No, that is very relative, it depends on the frequency of the access and the length of the recording etc.

David Jacks..: [10:11:18 AM] So there is no definitive answer on “You’ll be fine unless..” answer?
Daniel H.: [10:12:06 AM] nope, no way to know that
David Jacks..: [10:12:25 AM] Got it. Case by case basis.
Daniel H.: [10:12:28 AM] a couple thousand a week is fine, tens of thousands are too much
[10:12:40 AM] somewhere in between there
David Jacks..: [10:15:55 AM] Tha’ts where it gets tough. You may only get 700 downloads of a new episode, but the back catalog still sees traffic. Like I said, I have a podcast with 14 episodes and I had 2500 downloads this month. I haven’t had a new episode in two years. That’s basically 180 downloads per episode. If I had 300 episodes it would be 54,000 downloads.
Daniel H.: [10:17:30 AM] yeah, well you can gather an idea though. To have less limits you would need vps hosting
David Jacks..: [10:17:57 AM] Got it. Do you care if I put this chat on a blog?
Daniel H.: [10:20:32 AM] That is fine.
David Jacks..: [10:20:57 AM] Thanks Daniel. have a great day.

You will get the same answer (pretty much) with any Web Hosting provider. One of the reasons I live host Gator is you can pay month by month (you save more if you buy a bunch up front) for around $7 a month. For this “just starting” podcasters, a month by month may be a more sensible way to go until you’re sure this is something you want to do.

Can you host your files to start out? Absolutely. However, if (when) you have a problem it’s because your too popular and now you get to fix your problem if front of a lot more people instead of just doing it right in the first place.

If you go with a web host ($7 a month and media hosting $15) you end up spending $22ish. I went to Buffalo Wild Wings with my step-son the other night. We played trivia. We spent $24. Now I’m not saying give up quality time with your family. If you look at how much you spend on fast food, coffee, vending machine snacks there are ways you could afford to do podcasting correctly. People say they don’t want to spend that kind of money on a hobby have no problem spending $40 for a video game. I’ve never won any money playing a video game, but I’ve made money creating a podcast. I’ve made friends with a podcast. I’ve been seen as an expert because of my podcast. Isn’t it time you start a podcast?

2521 Reasons Why Podcasting is Better Than Radio

David — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 21:33:38 +0000

I was approached by a company about starting a podcast where the target audience is college students. I explained how I use to do a podcast for students called “Quiet Study Area” that had soft non distracting music to study by, and study tips. The site (ugly and simple) is still there, and I went and check my stats at Mevio and was surprised that even though the Podcast “podfaded” in October 2009, I am still getting 2000+ downloads (and this month isn’t over).

This is why creating “evergreen” content (when possible) is important.

The Podbean Experiment Part I

David — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 20:57:03 +0000

I was talking to some people who were starting podcasts and the “B” word came up again. By that I mean podBean. This is a “Free” podcast hosting company. I had heard that “they hijack your feed.” I have helped people move away from them (and podomatic another free service), but when I looked at their non-free plans it caught my attention. Before we get to that, let me tell you why you will shoot yourself in the foot if you use their free version.

Free is Bad

If you use their free version, and look at your “Podcast Page” all the feeds on that page are uneditable. They are all Podbean specific. You get what you pay for.

You start podcasting and you want to “test” it out, so you go free. Your podcast is good and people start subscribing to your podcast. This is great. You decide to get your own hosting, and you want more control over the look and style of your website, and maybe you want better stats. Everyone who has subscribed to your feed (tied into Podbean) now has to subscribe to a new feed. This is a lot like when you move. Anyone who doesn’t update their address book will miss out. You want to avoid moving. I once had an email list with a few thousand subscribers. When I switched to aweber, everyone had to re-subscribe. It was painful as not everyone did. You can argue that anyone who didn’t re-subscribe wasnt an avid reader, but if I could’ve avoided it, I would’ve. I would avoid free. If you have no budget, choose the lesser of two evils and post the files on your website hosting account. If things go bad (like you get popular) at least you have more control.

They Seem to Be A Lot Cheaper

If we want to combine apples to Apples we see that for an account that allows you to upload 250 megabytes per month:

Libsyn charges $15 a month

Blubrry charges $20 a month

Podbean doesn’t have a 250 that have a 350 Meg account and it’s $4.95 – More storage, less money. Hmmmm…

Their stats at this level are described as, “whenever an episode is played in Podbean site, embed player, or iTunes the play action will be counted in the “hits” number. Moreover, Podbean statistics system will automatically filter duplicated hits from the same IP address or identified spam hits. So the hits number can reliably reflect how popular your podcast is.” I need it to be more specific. If it plays on my website does it count? When I went to my podbean page and clicked on my iTunes link, it opens iTunes and automatically subscribes to your podcast. That’s the good news. The bad news is they are using the itpc method of linking which means you get no credit in iTunes for the subscription.

PodBean Player

Here is what their player looks like. As I type this I am so curious if there will be advertising… (surprisingly not)

Bring it on Home to Podbean – Uglier than Mevio

They frequently suggest to put a podbean player on the site, and they want you to promote your page on their site (which I noticed seems to have a fair amount of comment spam). When you find a podcast, and click to listen the player (which has no volume control, maybe the premium version does) is sitting next to an advertisement. I would also say that they have done something I didn’t think could be done. They made a site that looks worse than Mevio.com They resizing of their graphics is obviously done by a robot, and it seems every post has an advertisement, ever page has an advertisement, and the players have advertisements. I see why they are cheaper. Libsyn and blubrry have no advertising on their site.

If they Don’t Make Money – You Don’t Make Money

I did find an interesting disclaimer in their terms of service:

Of official policy is as follows: Monetizing Your Content through a third-party is allowed for Business Plan member only. Any attempt by Personal Plan members to directly monetize Your Content via third-party ad networks or other outside business agreements at the expense of Podbean without written approval from Podbean is prohibited. If you choose to monetize, Your Content, you agree to utilize Podbean Services to enable monetization including but not limited to in-content advertising, iPhone applications or sale of Your Content which may include additional requirements for revenue sharing or fees for use depending on the Service. To request permission to monetize Your Content via third-party ad networks or other outside business agreements at the expense of Podbean, please email

This makes me want to go all Cee Lo Green on them. The change in my pocket wasn’t enough? Now aint that some sh*t. I’m paying you to host my files. You should have no say in what I put in my content. Blubrry can tell me when I can use their FREE stats because I paid nothing for them. If I want to have running advertising (of my own) I need a business account which starts at $69.95.

Support?

While I ordered some hosting for a client, I was able to start using the system immediately. Its a shame that the first day I used them, I was able to upload a few episodes but then I had an issue with uploading my third episode . I was able to use the FTP upload, but in their dashboard you click a button to move the files in the FTP area into their system and that didn’t work. Later when I tried the website again it worked. When I have contacted their support, I got an answer fairly quickly. When I asked them if they submitted podcasts to iTunes for people ( an accusation I had heard – they don’t), I got a fairly quick reply.

More to come.

Yes You Can Afford Podcast Consulting

David — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Unless all you have is time, this video shows how $20 can save you 24 hours.

WP SubscribersTwo, No Three, No Four Tools in One

David — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 00:00:59 +0000

I’ve been using Popup Domination on my sites. It’s cool, and flexible. I also have used the ultimate footer Ad. Again, nothing wrong with it. It works, and it does what its supposed to do. I have nothing bad to say about either of these products. Then I discovered WP Subscribers plugin. This premium plugin is so versatile that it does everything but my dishes (and I think that’s in beta). For example

1. Works with all Email providers (aweber, etc).

2. Create Opt in Forms in the footer or header

3. Create footer or headers that are just a click (not an opt in form).

4. Create pop up windows that dim the background forcing the visitor to read.

5. Create a count down timer to add a sense of urgency to have people sign up (haven’t investigated that).

6. Create exit pop ups (you know the “Click Cancel to stay here because we have a special gift for you” button).

7. Once you make all these forms, you can have complete control over where they show up (and even insert them into posts, widgets, etc). You can even have them show up for specific categories.

The best part? Pop Up Domination is $47, and Ultimate Footer Ad is $47, and so is WP Subscribers (except it does what both of those do, and then some).

I could see using this to boost your iTunes subscriptions (add a graphic and link it right to your iTunes page), or twitter, or email, etc.

Here is a quick video I made (loving the export to YouTube feature in Camtasia) that shows you the Interface.

For more information got wpsubscribers.com (affiliate link)

A Podcast Consultant Who Can’t Determine if Their Valuable

David — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 23:55:36 +0000

Ok, I apologize for the snarkiness (is that a word?). When I see someone come into my space, trying to take food out of my kids mouth I get a little defensive. One of the ways I fill up my consulting calendar is using sites like elance.

Well I was at a similar site when I saw this add from a podcast consultant that has an interesting part that states, “I need someone who can come up with a great strategy for explaining the value of my business on my website.”

I have a great strategy: start a podcast.

I understand that not everyone is a copy writer, and I am the king of publishing typos, but practically speaking isn’t the first part of starting a podcast picking a subject you are passionate about about? I sent them an email and said instead of putting on a podcast consultant hat, why not sign up as an affiliate for the School of Podcasting?

Isn’t it Ironic

David — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 06:10:45 +0000

OK, I am NOT the guy to talk about polish. My posts are often graced with a typo or three. With that said, I sit here in my glass house and throw a stone (as I just can’t help myself). I had a listener contact me and give me some great pointers. Then they RAVED about a marketing podcast. They insisted that I go to iTunes immediately and download all of their back catalog. The podcast is about branding and marketing.

I was impressed with their intro music. It seemed to get my attention (I was working on a website as I listened). I came over to check out their album art.That’s the picture in iTunes in the bottom left hand corner.

Hmmmm…..

Then I got to listen to their phone call.

I guess skype costs too much? (free).

I will do my best to focus on their content and not how it is delivered. I don’t think I’m an audio snob, but with tools such as a Blue Snowball and Skype, I truly don’t understand why someone would expect their music to be embraced if they released it on an 8-track tape in a world of CD quality. A Blue Snowball is not my top choice, but plug and play gentlemen.

Really? Yeah, really.

I went over to their website to leave a comment or contact them about helping them, but there was no contact information… I’m 20+ minutes into an episode and heard no way to contact them. Hmmm.

Where are my snarky pills. I’m a bit out of control lately.

Call me boys (please). You seem to have a loyal audience with poor audio quality. You could take over the world with a $200 Investment. You are a white paper waiting to happen.

Hindenburg Journalist – My New Favorite Software?

David — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 05:15:26 +0000

I switch software titles rarely. I used Acoustica Mixcraft 5for years until they added so many features that it got cluttered. I’ve used Sony Creative Music Studio. Then I got Adobe Audition 3.0 Windows (again more tools that I don’t use). A client of mine asked me about Hindenburg Journalist. This company makes software for MEDIA people (The Hindenburg thing goes with their tag “It’s all about the story”). It might possibly be the easiest software I’ve ever used.

If you do a lot of interviews, there is no other choice. It’s just that cool. You can highlight an “um” and then play just the um, or hear what it will sound like without it before you delete it. This could’ve saved me hours this week. Then you can highlight a question and answer and drag it to a “Clipboard” section. You can rename that and it automatically displays how long the clip is. As I am getting involved with doing some editing for radio stations who need to be able to hit certain spots in the hour this is huge. When I see I need a four minute question, I can grab question 7. I can easily monitor each question or segment, and then drag each piece in the order I want into the podcast.

I can create groups of sounds (jingles, background music), and save those as a project so they are there when I’m ready to podcast.

When I import files into the software it automatically adjust the volume level for me. This is again a HUGE time saver. There is also a built in compressor, graphic EQ (3 band, but useful), and a voice profile that analyzes your voice and sets the EQ for you. Just plain cool.

Fading in and out is a piece of cake. You simply drag and drop the corner of the file. When you plug in a recording device (i.e. a USB Microphone) it detects it and lets you know.

Back when podcasting first started people contemplated creating a “enhanced”podcasts that used m4a files. Well you HAD to have a Mac to create one. Had this software been around, we might all be listening to m4a files as you can now create an enhanced podcast on a PC. This is the first software that I know of that lets you export to an m4a file and create chapters. It will also ftp your finished file (along with the ID3 tags) to your server. Again, another time saver.

I didn’t really see where I could overwrite some of the settings if I wanted to, but it seems to do every fine so why mess? The settings are based on RADIO standards and you can change the standards from US to UK, etc. In a nutshell your final outcome is going to peak around -9. Again, easy, acceptable, I’ll take it.

Last but not least, its cross platform. You can also use a special version for the iphone and then import it in (again the thought being journalist on the go).

Stumbling Blocks

I write this after spending maybe two hours with it. Here is where I am stumbling, but will be in contact with the company tomorrow.

The manual shows some pretty creative ways to do fading. I couldn’t get it to work. I could do basic fading, but nothing too crazy. They have some tutorials on their website, but none about fading. For the record, it’s a detailed manual. I think we lose something as some of the instructions are for Mac, when I’m on a PC.

Their instructions on adding VST plugins is horrid. They simply says the software uses VST plugins in the steinberger folder. Really? That’s all I get? When I visited their facebook page, they again answered the question without answering the question. Their FAQ was a little on the short side. A forum would be nice. I have no idea who long the company has been around. For the record, I barely know what a VST plugin is, but I found a great compressor that I love to use, and other software titles I’ve used just let you point to where your plugins are.

Update: Please note I’ve already been contacted by support to help me with this issue. Problem solved.

First Conclusion

If I was teaching my Mom how to podcast, and I wanted her to sound great – this would be the software I would recommend. It runs $95 (there is a pro version for $375). The basic version is a good deal. A bit more expensive than say a Sony Music Studio 8.0, but they have made this software for journalists and its nice not having software designed for musicians that podcasters can use. Their site is http://hindenburgsystems.com

Here is a tutorial that shows the clipboard

Too Much Audible? My Bank Account Disagrees

David — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 18:18:13 +0000

I listen to a lot of Podcasts, and many of them have Audible as a sponsor. I overheard two podcasters saying that Audible had “over saturated” the market with advertising. To this I ask you a question?

Who is the number 2 audio book provider?

My answer I have no idea as I have never looked elsewhere. Audible is in my face. I have an account and have listened to some great books.

Why does audible sponsor podcasts?

Really?

Why does Audible reward podcasters for talking about their service to people who like to listen to audio? We have their target market. The question is do podcast listeners like to listen to audio books? My answer?

Yes. No I take that back. Hell Yeah.

For me this is adding up to WAY more than gas money. How did I do that? My podcast on fitness, I mentioned the new Jillian Michaels book (and I mentioned it on my Jillian Michaels fan cast). On my podcast for musicians I mentioned the new Steven Tyler book, the following episode I talked about the new Sammy Hagar book. I explain to the audience that they could get these books for free.You will also see on this post that any time I type the word Audible, it inserts my affiliate link (a little trick from my More Podcast Money book).

When you sign up, you can specify a URL. Mine is www.audibletrial.com/dave which allows me to use it on all my podcasts.

When someone signs up for a 14 day trial using your link, you get $15. I know people who are selling advertising on their podcasts for $5 an episode. You have an audience that likes to listen to audio. If you take a second to find something your audience might enjoy (like The 11 Immutable Laws of Internet Branding), you will see that they will check it out.You will make more than $5 an episode (at least in my travels).

Explain to them that it an Audible subscription is just $15 a month once their 14 day free trial is over. Explain that if they cancel before the 14 days is over, they will not be charged, and they can keep the book. Explain they they can listen on their iPhone, Droid, iPod, and Kindle. Audible even provides banners and such to help you promote the service.

There is no long term contract, and I have my commissions direct deposited into my checking account.

Podcasters! If you’re interested in signing up for the referral program go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/audible

YouTube Killed My Baby, and Murdered my Grandmother

David — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 13:24:39 +0000

I recently ran across a post that discussed how podcasts are taking away jobs from copywriters, and how video (Youtube) is going to be THE Platform and all others will die.

Evil, evil youtube. Shame on you for killing innocent copywriters.

Seriously? What’s next a “Podcasting is Dead” blast?

Did TV kill radio? Did either of them kill newspapers (completely) ? Did TV kill movies? Did cable kill the box office? I did an email newsletter for years (still do) with about 1,200 people on it and got very little feedback. I turned that same information into an audio podcast and got feedback from Germany within a week (I’m in Ohio). Why, because it was more personal. It had tone of voice, and it was delivered in a more entertaining fashion.

Yes anybody with a usb microphone can create a podcast. This does NOT mean they should. Do not forget. CONTENT is king. Great content takes TIME (I tell my clients it takes four minutes to produce one minute of audio podcast). What the gold rush rush of Podcasting and Youtube has done has made it hard to find the GOOD stuff. You have to step over the junk (and about 4,000 videos of kittens) to get to it. The bright side is many horrible podcasters quit before their seventh episode because it takes TIME to create GREAT content, and they thought they would be famous overnight by listing their podcast in iTunes.

I hear this same question about audio podcasting (is video going to kill it?). It’s not. Audio podcasting allows you to multitask. I can’t watch a video and drive to work. Also, many videos are simply “talking heads” and if that talking head doesn’t have great content, it’s not going to work. Do you drive? Then I still have a potential audience.

You need to deliver content in the format people want it. I still deliver my podcast in a newsletter format for those that want it. You can listen to my podcast on my website, or you can subscribe via RSS.
In the same way, Gone With the Wind can be found on VHS,DVD, and Blu-Ray. Same content delivered in the format the audience wants.

If you have a newsletter, FOR PETE’S SAKE turn it into a podcast. People will blow $300 on a hobby known as Xbox with Kinect. But they stop dead in their tracks when it comes to putting out $200 for a microphone and mixer that will allow them to reach the world. That boggles my mind.

I wrote a book called “More Podcast Money” and explain all the ways people are benefiting from podcasting.You will be seen an expert, sell ads in your podcast, sell ads on your site, get free stuff to review (I will be reviewing a USB interface later today), and much more. I interviewed a podcaster last week who had a listener donate to him in the form of a $12,000 check. It was his way of saying “thank you” for the content.

In the same way that newspapers, radio, TV, and movies have all existed for years, so will blogs, podcasts, and YouTube.

Comedians Podcasting is Your Future

David — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:00:57 +0000

I have mentioned Marc Maron in the past. He is a great interviewer, and he makes me laugh while I slowly get to know more and more about him. In my book More Podcast Money, I mention how one of the ways you benefit from podcasting is speaking engagements. Marc was asked to deliver the Keynote Speech at the Montreal Comedy Festival. Here are some very interesting snippets:

I have been doing standup for 25 years. I’ve put more than half my life into building my clown. Three years ago my clown was broke, on many levels, and according to my manager at the time un-bookable and without options. That was a good talk:

My manager: Nobody wants to work with you. I can’t get you an agent. I cant you get you any road work. I can’t get you anything.
Me: Uh, okay, so, uh, what do we do…..
My manager: Are you looking at my hair? Why are you looking at my hair? Does it look bad?
Me: No, it’s fine. What should I do?
My manager: I don’t know what we’re going to do. Stop looking at my hair. Am I fat? Seriously, am I?

My first thought after that meeting was: I’m going to kill myself. My second thought was: I could get a regular job. My third thought was: I need a new manager. I think I had the order wrong. I drove home defeated. 25 years in and I had nothing. I was sitting alone in my garage in a house I was about to lose because of that bitch–lets not get into that now–and I realized. Fuck, you can build a clown, and they might not come. I was thinking, “It’s over. It’s fucking over.” Then I thought: “You have no kids, no wife, no career, certainly no plan B. Why not kill yourself?” I thought about suicide a lot—not because I really wanted to kill myself. I just found it relaxing to know that I could if I had to.

Then I thought maybe I could get a regular job. Even though the last regular job I had was in a restaurant like 25 years ago. I said to myself, I still got it! It’s like riding a bike. Just get me a spatula and watch me flip some eggs or some burgers. Then I thought, “What are you fucking crazy? You think they’re going to hire a 47 year old man who’s last restaurant job was part time short order cook in 1987?How are you going to explain those lost years? Are you going to show the bar manager your Conan reel. You’re an idiot.”

Broke, defeated and career-less, I started doing a podcast in that very garage where I was planning my own demise. I started talking about myself on the mic with no one telling me what I could or couldn’t say. I started to reach out to comics. I needed help. Personal help. Professional help. Help. I needed to talk. So, I reached out to my peers and talked to them. I started to feel better about life, comedy, creativity, community. I started to understand who I was by talking to other comics and sharing it with you. I started to laugh at things again. I was excited to be alive. Doing the podcast and listening to comics was saving my life. I realized that is what comedy can do for people.

You know what the industry had to do with that?

Absolutely nothing.

I do this podcast out of my garage that has had over 20 million downloads in less than two years. It is critically acclaimed. I have interviewed over 200 comics, created live shows, I am writing a book, I have a loyal borderline-obsessive fan base who bring me baked goods and artwork, I have evolved as a person and a performer, I am at the top of my game and no one can tell me what to do—I built it myself, I work for myself, I have full creative freedom.

I am the future of show business. Not your show business, my show business. They want me to do this speech because I am the future of our industry.

Get into Podcast Today

You can buy a usb microphone like a Blue Snowball for $70 (for the record for the long haul, I would go with a non USB microphone, but don’t get hung up on something like a microphone that can be swapped out later), and use free software like Audacity or Sony Acid lite to reach the world.

If your worried about putting out something that’s not good. EVERY PODCAST HATES THEIR FIRST EPISODE. Get over it. The first time a comedian gets up on amateur night, they probably didn’t have the audience rolling.

If you need help starting a podcast, please contact me (dave “at” schoolofpodcasting “dot” com).

Adam Carolla Turns Down Lucrative Radio Deals To Stay With Podcasting

David — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:45:53 +0000

One of the best things about podcasting is the producer has the power. Want to do an hour show? Do it. Want to do a 4 minute podcast? Do it. Weekly, monthly, daily? Do it. YOU are in control of YOUR show.

I was reading an article that was an interview with Adam Carolla, and he was asked if he missed radio. To this he said,

I’ve had a couple of chances to get back into radio. A couple of pretty good deals. One pretty lucrative, one very lucrative, and you know, I don’t miss it. I thought I would. I loved radio, and I always looked at it as a great alternative to TV, because it was very real time.

Later he was talking about how radio obsesses over ratings and when things take a turn for the worse, people come in with what they feel will “fix” the show. He mentioned that, “The good news is [on a podcast] you don’t have some buffoon coming in wanting you to do some stupid stuff because the ratings took a dip.” In the case of Corolla’s radio show it sounds like they forced him to change co-hosts from Dave Dameshek to Danny Bonaduce.

If you are “tired of working for the man” then start a podcast. You can reach the world for the price of a Nintendo Wii (without having to spend more money on games).

Cliff Ravenscraft Visits Today in Podcasting

David — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 04:32:05 +0000

Today in Podcasting is out with a new episode. Paul was unavailable so we called on the “Podcast Answer Man” Cliff Ravenscraft. Cliff left a successful business selling insurance to pursue a career in Podcasting. Gary was unfamiliar with Cliff’s story so we quizzed him about his beginings. It is a great story, and Cliff told us how he had a millionaire donate a five figure check.

Besides a healthy dose of Cliff, we talk about more minor celebrities starting podcasts, the hot/cold story about people not listening to podcast 9but they are), and Apple has a new patent application for RSS feeds, and using Kickstarter to fund your podcast.

Back From The Dead – TODAY IN PODCASTING

David — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 18:33:57 +0000

Many have pondered great reunions:

The Who
Welcome Back Kotter
The Beatles
Guns and Roses
Wham!

Today I’m here to tell you about one that I’ve been bugged about for years.

Any time I go to a Podcamp, or talk to someone about podcasting I was amazed when someone would go, “You know the one podcast I wish you would bring back?,” and I’d go “Best of the Worst?” and they’d go “NO! Today in Podcasting.” Some of us got married. Others had children. Others started more podcasts, while others entered into the YouTube pool. The good news is thanks to Rob, we are all back.

Today in Podcasting is a show started by Gary LeLand from Podcast Pickle (and numerous other podcasts). He got a group of friends together to kind of have a round table about Podcasting. If you’re new to the show, here is a run down of the players.

Gary LeLand- He represents the “every day guy,” and will admit he’s not those most technologically advanced (but he does great!). He built podcast pickle and has some great insights into Podcasting.

Paul Colligan: Paul has been an Internet Marketing Guru since before Google. He has connections with all sorts of people, and great insights into fun tools, as well as monetization. He is both Zune extremist, and Apple fan boy at the same time.

Rob Walch: Podcasting since 2004 with Podcast 411, Rob landed a job with Wizzard Media and has great insights into Podcasting. Rob (along with Gary and Paul) still podcasts today (Check out Today in iPhone). Rob is also our resident Apple fan boy.

Dave Jackson: That would be me. I’m not cool enough to own a Mac. I run the School of Podcasting and when I’m not eating or sleeping, I’m talking podcasting. On this show I’m often “the Quiet Beatle” but enjoy these guys and bring both a marketing, monetizing, and Microsoft slant to the discussion.

Listen to Episode 61 – Topics include:

Discussion About the UpComing Blog World Expo
Rob’s got great insight into Twitter and Podcast Downloads
Radio guys doing great in Podcasting
Comedy has taken over podcasting.

CHECK IT OUT