The Talent Show

Hello again friends! I wanted to take a few minutes to introduce you to my new podcast, Your Podcast Coach. Very much like The Talent Show, my new podcast is here to give you tips and actionable items so that you can create a compelling podcast.  Many times, The Talent Show was about things like radio, or start ups that I had formed. My new podcast is laser focused to give you the insights and encouragement you need to get your podcast started right. Please subscribe to 'Your Podcast Coach' where ever you listen to your favorite podcasts and please give a 5-star rating and review. Thanks so much for you continued support and all the best to you and your podcast!

Welcome to Episode 98 of The Talent Show...and this one is HUGE. I am announcing the fate of this podcast today, and I share with you TWO things I have never done in the history of my podcast and I acknowledge and do BOTH in this episode.  As always...thanks so much for listening!

How do you end your podcast? Every episode you create should have your signature outro. This gives you your final destination with every episode and thus allows you to always know where you are going.  When you know where you are going, you don't talk in circles, which might be one of the most painful things to hear in a podcast.  A host talking in circles because they don't know how to end is...bad.  In this episode I give you three actionable ways to end your podcast that will always keep you going in the right direction. Thanks for listening!

Are you doing a podcast with other people? Regardless if you're the host or the co-host or even the producer, this episode is all about helping you sound cohesive and smooth together. It's called Chemistry, and all the great shows have it. Enjoy!

Hey everyone, I am taking a month off. This episode reveals a lot of my other projects and my thoughts on love of podcasting and how best to continue helping the most people. Thanks so much for listening!!!  

One of the best ways to make money with your podcast is to sell stuff.  Sell online courses, webinars, e-books...it's a great way to monetize. But...if you sell too hard, you lose listeners. Striking a balance of selling stuff and giving content is the sweet spot. I discuss in this episode of The Talent Show!

It happens...you get writer's block when it comes to coming up with ideas for your podcast. In this episode I go through a couple of things to think about when you hit a wall when coming up with new ideas and topics. Thanks!  

Use your universal knowledge to your advantage and create "Pillar Episodes" for your podcast. These are episodes you create that you can point back to over and over that allows new listeners to get great content. When someone discovers you for the first time, these are episodes that you can easily point to that gives your new listeners a good piece of your content. Enjoy!!!

Two reminders for all podcasters to keep at all times. One - don't forget to write down in your outline the "basics" that you need to hit every week. I am so bad at remembering to ask for reviews or follows on social media, and it's because I used to forget to write it down and put it in my outline...i'm better at it now. two - This reminder is a bit more esoteric, but it's important to think about as you live your life and do your show.  That your life is preparation for your podcast. You are the expert of your material and you are doing a podcast, but in many ways thinking about your podcast isn't something you turn on and off...it's always on.  This is HUGE for radio, but it also applies to podcasting. Thanks for listening!!!

Have you ever considered going through, step-by-step on how to leave a review for your podcast? I've only heard one show do this and it's so smart! We all know the importance of asking for reviews and how that helps people find you in the iTunes universe, but leaving a review isn't very intuitive. I take you through the process for The Talent Show and suggest you should do it too. Also, in this episode, I dive into one of the steps of my 10 Steps program, Auditioning for your podcast. I call it "auditioning" but really it's practicing so that you get comfortable doing your podcast before you publish. Thanks so much for downloading!  

Look into the crystal ball of your podcast...you want to be doing this a year from now or longer. You want to be the best in your field and that takes time. Recording a podcast...IT'S A MARATHON...NOT A SPRINT. Taking feedback I received from my 10 Steps to 25 Episodes program, I discuss why it's important to remember this philosophy as you launch your podcast. Enjoy!

In fear of sounding like a broken record, this episode is info I have covered before many times. But after TWO sessions with new clients of the holidays started the exact same way, I felt this first episode of 2017 served as a good reminder to all new podcasters.   When figuring out your content, don't try and talk about everything...pick your lane and niche down your content. And to do that, you must KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE! Thanks and have a great 2017!!!  

Happy New Year! 2017 is here and while everyone else is making resolutions, this episode is all about setting meaningful goals.  A true goal, is something you build around your life's intentions and that is what I share with you today. The core of this episode is taken directly from my New Years episode from exactly one year ago.  But this information is timeless.  Something you can do now and all throughout the year. Thanks and Happy New Year!

My most listened-to episode of 2016 was my Christmas bonus episode from one year ago.  Not sure why, but it's cool.  I shared some wisdom and reflections in that episode, as I do in this episode.  My biggest lesson of 2016 that goes beyond just how to do a successful podcast. Thanks and Merry Christmas! (Or whatever you choose to celebrate!)

If you're doing a show with more than one person, it's vitally important to figure out what role each person plays? Who's the host? Who's the co-host? Who comes in less frequently but with purpose? I have worked with multiple morning shows, talk shows and podcasts that have issues with determining roles. It's important that everyone be on the same page with who does what and understanding everyone's strength. If you're doing a regular show with multiple people, this is a very important podcast to listen to. Enjoy!

One of the things that kills momentum for podcasts is small talk.  Or "banter" between hosts and co-hosts.  If not done right. Let me be clear...small talk is a GREAT way to show your most authentic and human side. And you should show some personality.  Laugh...smile...share something that is uniquely you.  It's just when you banter without purpose you can kill an episode.  Or even your whole podcast. In this episode I share a recent story where a marketing podcast spent too much time talking about gardening (yes, gardening) and how that could have been a great touch, but now I will never go back and listen to that show again. ever. Enjoy!  

Welcome to 10 steps to 25 episodes. This program is designed to help you launch your podcast and publish your first 25 episodes. THIS IS STEP #10 - EPISODES 16-25 & BECOMING A PODCASTER! You're almost home! In this final step, we take a look at the routine you've created to make getting through these episodes easy work. This episode is all about how you are now a "Podcaster" or HOST, and not just another person who started a podcast.  In order to be successful as a podcaster, you have to be consistent and making it to this step shows you have the will, passion and desire to be a true host.  Plus, we discuss the three "R's" that you're ready to embrace! While there are many "podcast launch" programs available, this series is focused on your content and helping you tell your story.  I also want to help you develop disciplines and habits to help you overcome the initial fear of talking into a microphone. Finally, this series is NOT focused on social media, marketing or monetization...there are plenty of podcast guides that focus on those elements. Thanks and I hope my 10 steps program helps you launch the podcast of your dreams!

Welcome to 10 steps to 25 episodes. This program is designed to help you launch your podcast and publish your first 25 episodes. THIS IS STEP #9 - GETTING HONEST FEEDBACK. This very important step in this 10 steps program is all about getting honest feedback to help make your show better. Up to this point, you've focused on executing your show...making your show is right from start to finish. You've been able to prepare and publish your first 15 episodes. In this episode, I take you through two different ways to seek truthful and honest feedback and ultimately what to implement. The difference between good and great podcasters are the ones that seek feedback and implement. While there are many "podcast launch" programs available, this series is focused on your content and helping you tell your story.  I also want to help you develop disciplines and habits to help you overcome the initial fear of talking into a microphone. Finally, this series is NOT focused on social media, marketing or monetization...there are plenty of podcast guides that focus on those elements. Thanks and I hope my 10 steps program helps you launch the podcast of your dreams!

Welcome to 10 steps to 25 episodes. This program is designed to help you launch your podcast and publish your first 25 episodes. THIS IS STEP #8 - TIME TO PUBLISH YOUR FIRST EPISODE. This episode is all about you getting ready to publish your first episode. You are beginning your podcasting journey! Here's a couple of ways to launch your podcast to set yourself up for success. Creating discipline for consistent publish and execution as well as ideas for releasing your first episodes. While there are many "podcast launch" programs available, this series is focused on your content and helping you tell your story.  I also want to help you develop disciplines and habits to help you overcome the initial fear of talking into a microphone. Finally, this series is NOT focused on social media, marketing or monetization...there are plenty of podcast guides that focus on those elements. Thanks and I hope my 10 steps program helps you launch the podcast of your dreams!

Welcome to 10 steps to 25 episodes. This program is designed to help you launch your podcast and publish your first 25 episodes. THIS IS STEP #7 - RECORDING EPISODES SIX THROUGH FIFTEEN. Now we have really began recording your podcast! As you get into the "habit" of recording your show, pay close attention to the things that work for you. You haven't published yet, but this is when you start to become a true host. While there are many "podcast launch" programs available, this series is focused on your content and helping you tell your story.  I also want to help you develop disciplines and habits to help you overcome the initial fear of talking into a microphone. Finally, this series is NOT focused on social media, marketing or monetization...there are plenty of podcast guides that focus on those elements. Thanks and I hope my 10 steps program helps you launch the podcast of your dreams!

I say with a smile...You just never know who is listening to YOUR podcast :) In this episode of The Talent Show, I share a story with you about the band, The Police, and how they played a very small show that lead to big dividends. Recently, I was a guest co-host on Dave Jackson's (School of Podcasting) Saturday morning live show and we discussed this idea. In this episode, I give you three very simple things to think about every show to make sure you are ready when that one, very special person, hears your show for the first time. Thanks!            

Welcome to 10 steps to 25 episodes. This program is designed to help you launch your podcast and publish your first 25 episodes. THIS IS STEP #6 - RECORDING EPISODES TWO THROUGH FIVE. In this step, we look at recording these first episodes.  In this step, I take you through making the right content decisions for these early episodes.  It is common that new hosts will put their superstar interview early on. I recommend that you save your superstar for a later episode. I give you suggestions of how to maximize these early episodes to lay the foundation of your overall podcast. While there are many "podcast launch" programs available, this series is focused on your content and helping you tell your story.  I also want to help you develop disciplines and habits to help you overcome the initial fear of talking into a microphone. Finally, this series is NOT focused on social media, marketing or monetization...there are plenty of podcast guides that focus on those elements. Thanks and I hope my 10 steps program helps you launch the podcast of your dreams!

Welcome to 10 steps to 25 episodes. This program is designed to help you launch your podcast and publish your first 25 episodes. THIS IS STEP #5 - CREATE & RECORD YOUR FIRST EPISODE. It's time to put together your very first episode! I put emphasis on this episode because this will ultimately be one of your most listened-to episodes. People will discover you years from now and they will come back and listen to this episode. I recommend that you use this episode as an introduction of who you are to your new audience.  In essence, you are using this first episode to say, "hello!" to the world. While there are many "podcast launch" programs available, this series is focused on your content and helping you tell your story.  I also want to help you develop disciplines and habits to help you overcome the initial fear of talking into a microphone. Finally, this series is NOT focused on social media, marketing or monetization...there are plenty of podcast guides that focus on those elements. Thanks and I hope my 10 steps program helps you launch the podcast of your dreams!

Welcome to 10 steps to 25 episodes. This program is designed to help you launch your podcast and publish your first 25 episodes. THIS IS STEP #4 - AUDITIONING FOR YOUR PODCAST. "Auditioning" for your podcast is a interesting statement...why would you audition for your own podcast? No one else is going to do it...right? When I say "auditioning", I want you to get comfortable talking into a microphone. This step takes you through the crucial time when you first start talking into a microphone. It's important to take a day (or two) and just record yourself and get used to hearing your own voice. While there are many "podcast launch" programs available, this series is focused on your content and helping you tell your story.  I also want to help you develop disciplines and habits to help you overcome the initial fear of talking into a microphone. Finally, this series is NOT focused on social media, marketing or monetization...there are plenty of podcast guides that focus on those elements. Thanks and I hope my 10 steps program helps you launch the podcast of your dreams!

Welcome to 10 steps to 25 episodes. This program is designed to help you launch your podcast and publish your first 25 episodes. THIS IS STEP #3 - YOUR SHOW OUTLINE AND YOUR FIRST 25 EPISODES. In this step, I go over how to build your show outline.  This is the document that you will use every time you record your episodes. Also, in this step, I take you through laying out your first 25 episodes. This exercise is important because it forces you to examine your overall content and story.  Because most podcasts fade after 10-12 episodes, laying out these first 25 episodes will guarantee that you have enough material to get your show going. While there are many "podcast launch" programs available, this series is focused on your content and helping you tell your story.  I also want to help you develop disciplines and habits to help you overcome the initial fear of talking into a microphone. Finally, this series is NOT focused on social media, marketing or monetization...there are plenty of podcast guides that focus on those elements. Thanks and I hope my 10 steps program helps you launch the podcast of your dreams!

Welcome to 10 steps to 25 episodes. This program is designed to help you launch your podcast and publish your first 25 episodes. THIS IS STEP #2 - WHAT'S YOUR STORY? AND KNOWING YOUR AUDIENCE - This very important step is all about taking a deep-dive into YOUR STORY.  Why are you doing a podcast? What's the story you want to share with the world? What is inspiring you to start your podcast? This is you niche-ing down your content to most effectively tell your story.  Also in this step, I take you through the importance of laying out your first 25 episodes. While there are many "podcast launch" programs available, this series is focused on your content and helping you tell your story.  I also want to help you develop disciplines and habits to help you overcome the initial fear of talking into a microphone. Finally, this series is NOT focused on social media, marketing or monetization...there are plenty of podcast guides that focus on those elements. Thanks and I hope my 10 steps program helps you launch the podcast of your dreams!

Welcome to 10 steps to 25 episodes. This program is designed to help you launch your podcast. While there are many "podcast launch" programs available, this series is focused on your content and helping you tell your story.  I also want to help you develop disciplines and habits to help you overcome the initial fear of talking into a microphone. Finally, this series is NOT focused on social media, marketing or monetization...there are plenty of podcast guides that focus on those elements. Thanks and I hope my 10 steps program helps you launch the podcast of your dreams!

Welcome to 10 steps to 25 episodes. This program is designed to help you launch your podcast. While there are many "podcast launch" programs available, this series is focused on your content and helping you tell your story.  I also want to help you develop disciplines and habits to help you overcome the initial fear of talking into a microphone. Finally, this series is NOT focused on social media, marketing or monetization...there are plenty of podcast guides that focus on those elements. Thanks and I hope my 10 steps program helps you launch the podcast of your dreams!

Timelessness.  A quality of some of the greatest podcasts.  In this episode of The Talent Show, I share with you a few timeless podcasts, that range from NPR, to business, to interview shows that definitely fall into the "timeless" category.  Thanks for listening!

Last week's episode (#82) I discussed five big mistakes I observed all new podcasters make.  This week, I turn the mirror on myself to share with you lessons learned over the first year or so in the podcast space.  While this week, and last week's show mention the word "mistakes", it's really all about lessons you learn as you launch your podcast or your business.  Thanks for listening!

Mistakes.  Such a judgmental word. But these are 5 "truths" or 5 lessons learned that I share with you to think about as you prepare to launch your podcast. Even if you are already publishing episodes, these 5 common mistakes can help you focus more on what matters - you bringing your passion to life with your podcast.  Enjoy!

As Anna Sale from Death, Sex and Money stated at Podcast Movement, "It all starts with an urge!" and that statement resonated with me. This episode of The Talent Show is all about the ever-so-important URGE to podcast. This statement affected me to rethink the goals of my podcast and how I can better serve my listeners and my audience.  Thanks for listening!

The best tips and insight often come from learning about how others are doing their podcast.  In this episode of The Talent Show, I answer two emails from two very different hosts about their upcoming podcasts and how they are learning their audience. A woman starting a show for other divorced Moms and a Pastor wanting to talk to Millenials.   Questions for The Talent Show?  Email me at shark@zensharkmedia.com Thanks!

In an effort to talk to everyone...you talk to no one. This episode, continuing the audience conversation from last episode, dives even more into the importance of knowing your audience.  This will be one of the single most important things you figure out in doing your podcast.  In this episode of The Talent Show, I give three examples of three clients of mine, and look at their target and their audience.  It's important to know who your audience is...and a way to see that is to determine who your audience ISN'T.  

Too many podcasters don't know they're audience.  They say they do, they even pick out an "avatar", but if you are not constantly evaluating your audience, you will lose sight of it.  This is more than describing this ultimate person, this is understanding in an intimate way how your content impacts your core.  In this episode, I give two real examples of how this is so true. Even with a current, successful podcast, you have to focus in on your audience.

After completing over 100 episodes, Jason Michael, host of the WyzGuy Radio Show, has a lot to share about doing a successful podcast. Jason, a world renowned glass artist, shares how consistently putting out a podcast over the past year has had a huge impact on his life.  As his show has grown...so has he.   I share Jason's story, as Jason was my first official coaching client and he understands what it takes to be a successful podcaster. Enjoy!

Should you do more content?  Yes! (if you've got it!) In this episode of The Talent Show, I answer a question about doing another episode every week to give more content.  I go through why you should do it, but also what your expectations should be when doing additional weekly episodes.  I also share feedback from my Radio and Podcasters feedback episodes about Podcast Movement and a quick observation from another recent conference I attended.

PODCASTERS! This episode of The Talent Show is my recap of Podcast Movement 2016. I review great moments from Kevin Smith, Anna Sale, Gretchen Rubin and Alex Blumberg as well as FIVE big takeaways you should know for YOUR podcast.  Enjoy!

Hello Radio! This episode of The Talent Show recaps the largest convention for podcasters, Podcast Movement.  If you are familiar with the normal radio convention, PM16 was at least FIVE times bigger.  Podcasting is huge and this episode is why you, your radio station and your radio company should be getting into podcasting NOW. Let's talk about your on-demand strategy - shark@zensharkmedia.com  

Bonus episodes are fun! You should do one now (if you've never done one)! In this "normal" episode, I go through reasons you should do a bonus episode and what it should sound like.  Bonus episodes show a real side of you when you do them right!

In this episode of The Talent Show, I follow up on the previous two episodes of The Talent Show, discussing what keeps listeners engaged.  I discuss three things you can do with every episode to help keep your listeners listening all the way through...and keep them coming back every week.  Thx for listening to the Talent Show!  

Why do you LOVE your favorite podcast? In this episode of The Talent Show I turn the table and ask you, the podcast host, why you love your favorite shows. I run through four elements that you can use as a filter as you listen to your favorite podcasts to see why these shows engage you.  And then...you can apply these same four techniques to your podcast! Enjoy! Email me and I will put your question on an episode of The Talent Show! shark@zensharkmedia.com.

The 2016 Podcasting Audit was just released by Bridge Ratings and podcasting is continuing to grow...if not, explode. I go over the details of this 3100 person study, plus share two big parts that should encourage you as a host. Thx!

In this episode of The Talent Show, I talk about why you should go to Podcast Movement 2016.  PM16 is in July (about a month away from this recording) and it's the biggest podcast convention. I attended this event last year and it was great, and if you are serious about growing your podcast, or growing YOU as a podcaster, this is event is a must. www.podcastmovement.com NOTE:  This episode of The Talent Show was NOT sponsored by Podcast Movement.

Hey everyone! So, I rolled down to my favorite coffee shop, Kahwa coffee in Downtown St. Petersburg, FL and got inspired to record this quick episode.  I work at this Kahwa almost every Saturday morning...it's my time to be inspired! I had my Zoom recorder with me and thought, "what the hell...let's record a quick episode!" In this BONUS episode, I give you a special timeless offer, as well some gratitude after the reaction from my first full year of podcasting episode (#69).  In addition, I mention some big episodes from my first year to check out if you are new to The Talent Show. NOTE:  With my bonus offer in this episode, it is for NEW CLIENTS and discount applies to your first one on one coaching session. Have a cool day!!! Thanks for listening to The Talent Show!

Yay! I made it through my first year as a podcast host and talent coach. As a host who spends his time working directly with other podcasters, media companies and coaching content and execution, here are my 5 big takeaways from my first full year of podcasting. As a listener and fellow host, I hope you find these takeaways insightful!

In this episode of The Talent Show, I start off with a suggestion from a listener about doing a longer podcast. Most of my episodes are in the 9-11 minute space. This episode clocks in at 25 minutes! I discuss this email and go through four ways to fix most of the back-end editing you do for your podcast.  And it all starts with what you do before you ever hit record.  Thanks for listening!!!

All podcasts evolve over time.  If you stay true to your audience and your content you will grow and evolve the right way!

No matter how far along you are with your podcast, your most listened to episode will be episode #1.  Make it count! I give you a couple of suggestions to think about before you do episode #1 that will make the most out of this moment in your podcast's existence.  

I don't do a lot of interviews on The Talent Show, but that might shift more for me in the future. After hearing Chris Hardwick talk at WWRS, I thought more about the marketing potential of interviewing podcasters (and being interviewed on other's shows). And because I see so much complaining about guests being poor on podcasts, I thought I'd dedicate this episode to some tips on being a good guest.  If word gets out that you are a good guest, you'll get on a lot of podcasts, thus growing your show. Enjoy!

The WorldWide Radio Summit just took place in Hollywood, CA and the conversation is definitely growing about podcasting in the radio community.  In this episode of The Talent Show, I share three big takeaways from the summit:  The percentage of podcasting currently being done by radio, the definition of podcasting (from one expert) and some great observations of podcasting from Chris Hardwick. Thanks and enjoy The Talent Show