Hello again!

Can you believe we're nearing the end of another year? I'm at that stage of December where I'm looking back over 2023 to take stock of what I've done to see what worked in my business (and life, in general) and what didn't.

This was the year I tried incorporating these monthly newsletters into my workflow. And it's been one of the best decisions — thank you for allowing me into your inbox, for writing back, signing up for strategy sessions, buying me coffees, and letting others know about this newsletter!

This was certainly one of my highlights of the last year 🙂

Another highlight of my year was trying to write more blog posts over on the EPodcastProductions.com website, many of which were inspired by people replying to the newsletter or common questions that come up in Strategy Sessions.

I went through my posts from the year and shared some tips from them below. Maybe I'll turn some of them into a book (future plans, perhaps?)

Without further ado, let's get into our 2023 Podcasting Tip Round-Up!

Happy Halloween!

It’s been quite a few weeks since the last newsletter! I’ve been trying to send one out every month and usually, I get it out within the first few weeks.

But this month, I found out I’ll be having surgery mid-November and I’ve been scrambling behind the scenes to get ahead for my awesome clients so the newsletter and blog posts have taken a backseat for the time being. (More about my surgery on my Instagram)

It’s that time of year when podcasting is ramping up again now that summer’s on its way out and I don’t know about you, but I’m excited to get out my fall-scented candles and cozy up to the microphone. As it seems to happen every September, new shows are coming out, favorite shows are returning, and big announcements are coming out in the podcasting space!

One of the biggest news stories lately has been the collaboration between SquadCast and Descript! 

Welcome to the dog days of summer, which was named for the time in late July when the star Sirius would appear in the sky. The Romans referred to it as "days of the dog star."

Can you tell I'm in full research mode for my book, as I wrote about last month? I feel the need to write the story behind everything I can think of lately. You can also see what I've been up to with my monthly montages I've been doing over on Instagram.

I tried keeping it light and simple in this month’s newsletter. 

That’s been my intention with every previous newsletter, but there always seems to be a lot to talk about by the time four-ish weeks go by and I can’t wait to gush to you!

But in case I actually manage to keep it short (spoiler: I didn't) and you’re looking for additional tips for creative independent podcasters, check out last month’s newsletter.

I was recently chatting with a podcasting friend last month and she asked what I thought about the podcasting space. I don’t know for sure, but I wondered if I could hear a bit of uneasiness in her voice when she asked the question.

And it’s no wonder with articles like Spotify layoffs, NPR podcast staff cuts, Luminary staff cuts, (more) Spotify layoffs and Gimlet canceled shows coming out more frequently it seems.

I can understand why those headlines can make soon-to-be podcasters a little uneasy.

Hello again!

Thanks to those who read, shared and sent feedback about the 5 Types of Challenging Podcast Guests (and How to Handle Them) blog post from last month! I’ve really enjoyed hearing from those who’ve encountered a few (or all!) of these guests.

I wanted to share some feedback — an addition to the list from a podcaster who told me a story about how when they sent their guest a list of questions, the guest scripted their answers and read them verbatim. Some people can read from scripts and it sounds natural, but it takes practice, and also many people don’t write the way they speak so reading a script can sound awkward.

The podcaster went on to say that since that interview, the hosts began sending bullet points of talking points and topics to help make their guests feel more comfortable, but they no longer provide the exact questions. 🙂

Thanks again for the feedback and be sure to let me know any questions, comments, or suggestions for upcoming newsletter topics!