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Candace Rondeaux, Senior Director of New America's Future Frontlines program, Director of its Planetary Politics initiative, and professor of practice at Arizona State University joins Lawfare's Justin Sherman to discuss her recently published book, "Putin's Sledgehammer: The Wagner Group and Russia's Collapse into Mercenary Chaos." They discuss Yevgeny Prigozhin and his founding of the Wagner Group, the Russian private military company (PMC); his rise, ranging from post-Soviet 1990s Russia to growing relationships with Putin and other power figures; and Wagner's role in Russia's 2014 illegal annexation of Crimea and other Russian objectives abroad. They also discuss Wagner and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Prigozhin's “march on Moscow” in 2023 and his subsequent death, the research techniques that go into studying a group like Wagner, and what role PMCs will play in the future of Russian power.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Did you know Baby Boomers are tuning in more than ever, and new Edison data shows a 19% jump in weekly podcast listening among adults 55 and up? It's news day, and this is one of the stories we are digging into. We also give you the scoop on YouTube's profanity rule change, RSS.com's monetization update for small shows, and Netflix's move into video podcasts. We reveal Time Magazine's podcast list and why it left off some of the biggest names. Later, we explore new research on reading books vs listening to audio and what it means for how people absorb content.Episode Highlights:[02:26] Hiccup Remedies [07:56] Podcast Rankings and Statistics[14:26] Upcoming Events and Conferences[17:05] YouTube's New Profanity Rules[21:06] Netflix's Video Podcast Ambitions[23:14] Monetization for Small Podcasters[28:42] ChatGPT Agent: New Features and User Experiences[35:29] Social Media Updates for Podcasters[41:02] Boomers Embrace Podcasting[44:41] Controversy Over Time's Top 100 Podcasts List[51:26] Reading vs. Listening: Neuroscience Insights[54:29] Joe Budden's Podcast EmpireLinks & Resources: Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingGet Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:www.empoweredpodcasting.comVote For Podcasting Morning Chat for People's Choice Award: www.podcastawards.comPodnews: www.Podnews.netAustin, Texas Meetup for Business Owners Who Podcast: https://podnews.net/event/austin-tx-meetup-for-business-owners-who-podcastYouTube Profanity Policy Updates: https://bit.ly/40L0NdwNetflix Hunts Executive Video Producer:https://bit.ly/4lWbwdFRSS.com Launches PAID:https://podnews.net/update/rss-paid-monetisationNetflix Breaks Into Top 3 Media Distributors:https://bit.ly/45dasuCDo You Really Need To Read To Learn?:https://bit.ly/4oeFPhaJoe Budden Podcast Empire: https://bit.ly/4l3IXJMRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wOr Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481dLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronickBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
What tools are you using to get the job done in your podcasting workflows? Today, we answer a listener's question about the best tools for recording podcasts and producing both long and short-form video clips. We share our honest opinions on tools we use, ones we regret buying, and offer practical tips and workarounds to improve your process. If you're looking for ideas to add or possibly avoid in your podcast toolbox, you'll find plenty of real-world recommendations, and we hope our insights will help you make informed choices for your podcasting setup.Episode Highlights: [02:24] Community Updates[08:27] Tool Regrets and Experiences[19:45] Mailbag Question: Podcasting Tools[29:15] Using Canva for Short Form Content[31:44] Captioning with Wave Video[32:27] Exploring Da Vinci Resolve Studio[33:54] Riverside for Streamlined Processes[35:51] Recording Tools for Podcasts[51:26] Zoom for Podcast RecordingLinks & Resources: Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingGet Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:www.empoweredpodcasting.comVote For Podcasting Morning Chat for People's Choice Award: www.podcastawards.comRodecaster Pro 2: https://amzn.to/41h9yuNMinvo: https://studio.momento.fm/?via=1021c8Riverside: https://www.riverside.fm/?via=0676daDescript: https://web.descript.comOBS: https://obsproject.comResound: https://www.resound.fmScarlett 2i2: https://us.focusrite.com/products/scarlett-2i2Ecamm: https://www.ecamm.comCanva: www.canva.com App Sumo: https://appsumo.com/?clickId=xW40Hq3eUxycUg1xI20Ay2iPUkp07q2fIzurwE0&gad_source=1Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wOr Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481dLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronickBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Send us a textIn this powerful episode, we feature a sermon Jesse preached from Acts 17, where the Apostle Paul engages the sophisticated, idol-worshipping Athenians with the transformative message of the Gospel. Titled "Troubled in Spirit: Moved by the Gospel," the sermon explores four key responses to a lost world: being troubled by lostness, being moved to act, practicing faithful contextualization, and trusting God for the results. Drawing from Paul's bold yet winsome approach, the message challenges listeners to care deeply about the spiritually lost, engage them with wisdom, and share the hope of Christ in today's diverse contexts. Perfect for anyone seeking to live out the Great Commission with purpose and compassion.Appreciate this content? Buy Jesse a coffee at BMC or support the PMc Mission directly.Links:PMc Short-term CohortsMission FacilityVision TripPMc Missions BlogPartnerLong-Term MissionsMissionary InternshipPMc AcademiaThe Italian Cohort - join PMc's online Discord communityServe - PMc has numerous avenues of involvementPodcast Producer - Available PositionLike Jesus driven to His cross, so we drive ourselves to the singular task of the edification (planting) of Biblical churches in Italy.Freely join the online Discord group of PMc! The Italian CohortSupport the showDo you love God, Italians, Italy, and the church of Jesus Christ? Do you want to play a more personal role in missions work abroad? Do you want to get all our content and updates (plus bonus material no one else sees) before anyone else? We invite you to join The Italian Cohort - our online community group on Discord - and gain inside access to the work going on in Italy.
Send us a textIn Episode 334 of Missions Incorporated, host Jesse Schreck reflects on the transformative experience of the recent PMc Cohort in Italy. This episode dives into key lessons from a short-term missionary evangelism group that distributed over 10,000 gospel tracts, reached families, and formed lasting bonds in Italy's spiritually needy villages. Jesse shares powerful testimonies, like that of Burt and Dominga, who served tirelessly in their mid-70s, and discusses adapting to challenges like extreme heat. Anchored by Luke 9:23-27 and Romans 12:1-2, the episode explores the cost and joy of following Christ as a living sacrifice. With inspiring stories, practical takeaways, and plans for future cohorts, this episode encourages listeners to engage in missions and support the gospel's spread in Italy. Appreciate this content? Buy Jesse a coffee at BMC or support the PMc Mission directly.Links Mentioned:Support Cornelius' SummerPMc Short-term CohortsMission FacilityVision TripPMc Missions BlogMore Links:PartnerLong-Term MissionsMissionary InternshipPMc AcademiaThe Italian Cohort - join PMc's online Discord communityServe - PMc has numerous avenues of involvementPodcast Producer - Available PositionLike Jesus driven to His cross, so we drive ourselves to the singular task of the edification (planting) of Biblical churches in Italy.Freely join the online Discord group of PMc! The Italian CohortSupport the showDo you love God, Italians, Italy, and the church of Jesus Christ? Do you want to play a more personal role in missions work abroad? Do you want to get all our content and updates (plus bonus material no one else sees) before anyone else? We invite you to join The Italian Cohort - our online community group on Discord - and gain inside access to the work going on in Italy.
On Arno Mayer's "The Lower Middle Class as Historical Problem". We kick off the third block of the 2024/25 Reading Club, which is dedicated to the question of the middle class: The abatement of class struggle between workers and owners has shone a light on the role of the middle classes. Beyond the resurgence of the debate around the much-maligned professional-managerial class (PMC), what is the true role of the middle class in politics and society? Who rules today – and how would we go about answering that question? In this episode we discuss: Is the lower middle class still the main recipient/consumer of popular culture? Is the condition of the lower middle class in fact universalised across society today? Is the lower middle class a "classless class"? Is this class united or in fact divided? Is is the main site of political contestation today? Of culture wars? For access, subscribe at patreon.com/bungacast Links: The Lower Middle Class as Historical Problem, Arno Mayer Regime Crisis: The Persistence of Arno J. Mayer, Verso Books blog
Earlier this week, we swapped stories about “guests from hell,” so today we're flipping the script. What makes someone the ideal podcast guest? We break down the traits that set great guests apart, like being prepared, respecting the host's time, promoting the episode, and knowing how to tell compelling stories. We also talk about why podcast interviews aren't always just casual chats. Even the most relaxed shows still need to keep the listener front and center. Later in the episode, we shift gears to reflect on our weekly wins, and we take time to celebrate our personal and community progress.Episode Highlights: [02:51] Reflecting on Yesterday's Discussion[07:53] Update on the Dopey Podcast Ban[10:41] Podcast Awards Nomination[13:58] What Makes a Great Podcast Guest?[19:47] Managing Podcast Guest Contributions[20:14] Promoting Podcast Episodes Effectively[25:58] Identifying Great Podcast Guests[30:29] Sharing Weekly Wins and AchievementsLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingGet Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:www.empoweredpodcasting.comVote For Podcasting Morning Chat for People's Choice Award: www.podcastawards.comRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wOr Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481dLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronickBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
What would you do if your podcast's Instagram account were banned for no good reason? That's what happened to the host of Dopey, a podcast about addiction and recovery. Today, we discuss what led to the ban, how he's responding, and what creators can do when platforms get it wrong. Later, community member Paula shares the emotional toll and what it feels like to be recognized for your work but still feel like a fraud. We explore imposter syndrome, accepting success, and figuring out what paths actually feel right. If you've ever felt pulled between outside pressure and your own direction, this conversation will hit home.Episode Highlights: [04:01] The Instagram Ban Incident[08:58] Strategies to Recover Social Media Accounts[14:42] Preventative Measures for Social Media Issues[25:24] Dealing with Imposter Syndrome[28:34] Advice on Managing Opportunities[34:47] The Importance of Mindset[38:01] Respecting Personal Boundaries[46:44] Owning Success, and Saying NoLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingGet Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:www.empoweredpodcasting.comVote For Podcasting Morning Chat for People's Choice Award: www.podcastawards.comDopey Podcast: https://dopeypodcast.comRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wOr join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481dLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronickBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Is listening to podcasts at double speed harming your cognitive function? A new study says it might be. Today, one of our news stories highlights recent research on cognitive overload and its implications for the way we consume content. We also take a moment to honor the life and legacy of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who recently passed away in a tragic accident. His final podcast episodes and a heartfelt video message remind us of the power of showing up for others. Later in the show, we explore how Substack is positioning itself as more than just a platform for writers, following a $100 million funding boost that's fueling new podcast features. We also spotlight a Shark Tank-style pitch idea for indie podcasters, talk about the latest events and award wins, and share updates on podcast charts and social media tools. The podcast industry is buzzing, and we're here to keep you well informed.Episode Highlights: [02:43] Podcast Data and Statistics[04:29] Top Podcasts and Charts[09:48] Upcoming Podcast Events[17:10] Remembering Malcolm-Jamal Warner [31:48] Substack's Big Move into Podcasting[37:58] Speed Listening: Pros and Cons[48:42] Shark Tank for Podcasts[53:12] Instagram Trial ReelsLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingGet Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:www.empoweredpodcasting.comVote For Podcasting Morning Chat for People's Choice Award: www.podcastawards.comPodcast Movement: https://2025.podcastmovement.comRadio Days Asia: https://radiodaysasia.comMedia Starter Networking Call: https://blissedoutbusiness.thrivecart.com/media-firestarter-networking-callPodcast index:https://podcastindex.orgSubstack Secures $100 Million Investment: https://bit.ly/3H2d46zThe Effect of Lecture Speed on Immediate and Delayed Comprehension: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/acp.3899'Instagram Trial Reels: https://creators.instagram.com/blog/instagram-trial-reels?locale=en_USNot All Hood: www.NotAllHood.com Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wJoin Us On Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481dLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronickBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
You're at the start of recording a podcast episode. You ask your guest a question, and they go on a 10-minute tangent; you can't get a word in! What do you do? Today's question is inspired by our virtual mailbag, and we're giving our takes on how to manage conversations with guests and also know when to make edits to clean up the message for our audience. We cover how to redirect a rambling guest and what we've done in our personal experience when this happens. We also touch on the crutch words we sometimes lean on and even call each other out in a friendly way. Listen in for tips on reducing your crutch words and how you can communicate in a more impactful and concise way. Episode Highlights: [02:32] Verbal Crutches: What Are They?[04:50] Personal Experiences with Verbal Crutches[07:00] Strategies to Overcome Verbal Crutches[15:54] The Importance of Editing and Awareness[21:19] Listener Interaction and Microphone Talk[23:56] Dealing with Difficult Podcast Guests[24:30] Handling Rambling Guests[25:03] Techniques to Regain Control[26:09] Interrupting with Tact[34:26] Pre-Interview Strategies[37:47] Knowing When to Reset The Conversation [50:16] Preparing Rescue Questions[50:44] Double Editing and Salvaging ContentLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingGet Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:www.empoweredpodcasting.comVote For Podcasting Morning Chat for People's Choice Award: www.podcastawards.comJoin Us On Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481dRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick”Brought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Send us a textIn this episode, we share a sermon Jesse preached from 2 Timothy 2, exploring the Apostle Paul's final words to his spiritual son, Timothy. Written from a Roman prison, Paul's letter urges Timothy to stand firm in faith despite overwhelming challenges. We'll unpack key themes like finding strength in God's grace, enduring suffering as a soldier of Christ, and the unstoppable power of God's Word. Discover seven practical keys to maintaining a strong heart in the face of life's trials, and be inspired to faithfully pursue the purpose God has for you. Perfect for anyone seeking encouragement to persevere in their Christian walk, and also insightful into the work of frontline missionary church planting.Appreciate this content? Buy Jesse a coffee at BMC or support the PMc Mission directly.Links:Support Cornelius' SummerPMc Short-term CohortsMission FacilityPartnerLong-Term MissionsVision TripMissionary InternshipPMc AcademiaThe Italian Cohort - join PMc's online Discord communityServe - PMc has numerous avenues of involvementPodcast Producer - Available PositionPMc Missions BlogLike Jesus driven to His cross, so we drive ourselves to the singular task of the edification (planting) of Biblical churches in Italy.Freely join the online Discord group of PMc! The Italian CohortSupport the showDo you love God, Italians, Italy, and the church of Jesus Christ? Do you want to play a more personal role in missions work abroad? Do you want to get all our content and updates (plus bonus material no one else sees) before anyone else? We invite you to join The Italian Cohort - our online community group on Discord - and gain inside access to the work going on in Italy.
What if you could build deeper connections with your audience by starting a real two-way conversation? Today, we explore how to move past downloads and begin creating a real community around your podcast. We discuss using Clubhouse, Facebook groups, Discord, YouTube Community, Substack, and others to create spaces where listeners can connect with you and with each other. We also give you an overview of ChatGPT's new AI agents and how podcasters might use them to handle online tasks and free up time. Since it's Friday, we close the week by sharing wins and celebrating each other's achievements. Episode Highlights: [03:43] Podcasting on Multiple Platforms[06:13] Exploring AI Agents[15:36] Engaging with Your Audience[30:39] Exploring YouTube Community Features[31:49] Discord: A Platform for Gamers and Podcasters[33:00] Building Communities on Various Platforms[38:41] Exploring Other Community Platforms[45:29] Wins from the WeekLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingGet Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:www.empoweredpodcasting.comVote For Podcasting Morning Chat for People's Choice Award: www.podcastawards.comJoin us next week for the live simulcast on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481dReddit Question:https://www.reddit.com/r/podcast/comments/1lxmlaz/feeling_like_im_totally_wasting_my_podcast_conten/Build Your Own Community App:https://passion.ioChatGPT Agent: https://openai.com/index/introducing-chatgpt-agentRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick”Brought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
When it comes to promoting your podcast, do you post and pray? In other words, after you've edited, uploaded, and published your episode, do you just drop a link on social media and hope for the best? This morning's conversation was sparked by a Reddit post from a podcaster stuck in that exact situation, and we're sharing wiser, more realistic ways to grow your show without burning out. We also cover a real use case where AI voice cloning helped a podcaster update her intro after life got in the way. Additionally, we want to give you a heads-up about a scam targeting podcasters with fake invitations and test calls designed to take over your accounts. Listen in for steps you can take to protect your precious content and accounts. Episode Highlights: [01:57] Podcast Award Nominations[06:54] AI Voice Cloning Demonstration[11:00] Scam Alert: Paid Podcast Invitations[14:42] Personal Scam Experiences and Advice[19:25] Managing Social Media Accounts Safely[26:33] Discussing a Reddit Post on Podcasting Challenges[28:24] Steps to Improve Podcast Engagement[35:36] Effective Podcast Promotion Strategies[49:18] Engaging with Your Audience[50:20] Instagram and Facebook IntegrationLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingGet Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:www.empoweredpodcasting.comVote For Podcasting Morning Chat for People's Choice Award: www.podcastawards.comAm I Wasting My Podcast Content?:https://bit.ly/4eQZPC8Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick”Brought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Did you know nearly half of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential Creators are podcasters? In this morning's News Edition, we cover who made the list and what it says about podcasting's growing cultural power. We also spotlight new tools for podcasters, including Buzzsprout's AI-powered audio enhancement features and MowPod's expanded chart tracking for Spotify and Apple. We wrap with a look at Age of Audio, a new documentary capturing the ups and downs of indie podcasting. Podcasting isn't merely growing; it's changing the future and how we tell stories.Episode Highlights: [02:40] Reflecting on Yesterday's Episode[11:50] Podcast Data and Rankings[17:05] Upcoming Events and Conferences[22:07] Buzzsprout's New AI Features[24:56] Road's New Wireless Microphone Receiver[26:56] Pocket Casts Partner Newsletter[27:33] Age of Audio Movie Premiere[33:13] Time Magazine's Influential Creators List[37:40] Microsoft Co-pilot and Claude MCP[50:20] Instagram and Google IntegrationLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingGet Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:www.empoweredpodcasting.comVote For Podcasting Morning Chat for People's Choice Award: www.podcastawards.comPodNews:www.PodNews.netLondon Podcast Festival: https://podnews.net/press-release/london-podcast-festival-25Age of Audio Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW06TjJbWEcStorylab Podcast: https://thestorylabpodcast.buzzsprout.comAnthropic MCP: https://www.anthropic.com/news/model-context-protocolRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick”Brought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
How do you run a daily podcast and newsletter every single day without burning out? Today we're joined by James Cridland, founder of Podnews, to find out how he keeps up with the fast-paced podcast industry while staying committed to an open ecosystem. We ask him about his daily workflow, why he chooses to self-host, and how he builds custom tools to simplify his process. James also elaborates on Podcasting 2.0, explaining new features like funding tags, Podroll recommendations, and cross-app comments that make podcasting more dynamic for creators and listeners alike. Episode Highlights: [02:59]James Cridland's Journey and Pod News[05:13] The Evolution of Podcasting[07:28] Understanding Podcasting 2.0[10:45] Podcasting 2.0 Features and Benefits[19:18] Monetization in Podcasting 2.0[24:09] Engagement and Future of Podcasting[26:03] Podcast Recommendations and Pod-Roll[32:47] Universal Directory of Creators[36:53] Creating Custom Tools for Podcasting[41:21] Self-Hosting Podcasts: Pros and Cons[48:13] Simplifying Podcast ProductionLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingGet Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:www.empoweredpodcasting.comVote For Podcasting Morning Chat for People's Choice Award: www.podcastawards.comPodNews:www.PodNews.netJames Cridland's Homemade Tools: https://podnews.net/article/tools-usedPodcast Analytics: https://op3.devPodcasting 2.0:https://podcasting2.orgRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick”Brought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Is God good? Is God worth trusting when you lose everything?In this teaching, Pastor Mark Cummins unpacks truth from God's Word through the book of Job and equips us to trust God at His Word, knowing life will be at its best with Jesus even when we face suffering and hardships! "You can live in a world of uncertainty, when you lean into the wisdom of God @His Word.” ~ PMC
What would you do if you accidentally left your verbal consent disclaimer in a published episode? Would you take it down, replace it with the corrected episode file or let it slide? And what do you do about it if it's on YouTube where they don't let you replace episode files?? That's the question we're tackling today from the listener mailbag. We weigh the pros and cons of verbal versus written consent, and share tips on editing videos after the fact. We touch on playlist fixes and how much order matters in your uploads. As always, we wrap up the week with our wins from the week and celebrate every bit of momentum that moved us forward.Episode Highlights: [01:52] Superman Movie Review[04:09] Reddit Question: What If Apple Podcasts Disappeared?[14:31] Mailbag Question: Guest Consent in Podcasting[27:38] Addressing Legal Concerns in Podcasts[34:26] Sharing Wins and Celebrations[42:09] Amanda's Petunia story and Community Involvement Links & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingGet Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:www.empoweredpodcasting.comMailbag Question:https://bit.ly/4eIZlOtBilly's Mastermind Success: https://www.instagram.com/p/DL3I9muqaQLAmanda's Petunia: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaannsharp/video/7525251463665192205Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick”Brought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Will AI Take Over Podcasting by 2030? Is your favorite podcast safe from automation? Today, we're fast-forwarding to 2030 and analyzing an interesting article that lays out where podcasting might be headed in the not-so-distant future. We also share a clip from a recent Joe Rogan interview with an AI expert who claims that advanced models may already be smarter than they let on, and could be pretending to be less capable just to gain our trust. We talk about how these shifts could impact creators, audiences, and the meaning of authenticity in a world where machines are learning how to sound human. So if you're excited, nervous, or somewhere in between, we're giving you a front-row seat to the conversations shaping podcasting's future. Episode Highlights: [2:22] Podcast Awards and Voting Request[5:47] Clip from 'Tales from the Cloud Sea'[7:55] Discussion on Improv and Podcasting[14:54] Predictions and Trends[25:48] Debating the Nature of News and Entertainment[35:20] AI Ethical Dilemmas[40:07] AI and Human Connection[47:48] Using AI in Content CreationLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingGet Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:www.empoweredpodcasting.comVote For Podcasting Morning Chat for People's Choice Award: www.podcastawards.comWhat Podcasting Might Look and Sound Like in 2030:www.thedrum.com/open-mic/what-podcasting-might-sound-look-like-in-2030Tales From The Cloud Sea: https://www.talesfromthecloudsea.comJoe Rogan's Conversation with Dr. Roman Yampolskiy:www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2i9D24KQ5kRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick”Brought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Did you know most people only stick around for 7–8 minutes on a single YouTube video? It's News and Comment Day, and we're breaking down new data from PodMatch, and we're raising questions about what “top platform” honestly means. We lightly debate whether podcast retention stats sincerely tell the full story, or are there other factors to consider based on consumption. We also cover Spotify's return of PodLink, a new ad marketplace for indie creators. Lastly, we give you an inside look at some of the best podcast equipment deals for Amazon Prime DayEpisode Highlights: [02:17] News & Comment Kick-Off[06:16] Simulcasting on Multiple Platforms[07:01] Podcast Data and Trends[08:49] Top Podcasts Charts[11:06] Pod Match Industry Report[24:55] Podcasting Events and Announcements[28:06] Introduction to Colin Gray's Survey[28:48] Encouraging Survey Participation[30:39] Spotify and Pod Link[32:54] YouTube's Dominance[36:43] Debating Retention Rates and Engagement[51:31] Amazon Prime Day Deals for Content CreatorsLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingGet Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:www.empoweredpodcasting.comVote For Podcasting Morning Chat for People's Choice Award: www.podcastawards.comPodcasting Industry Report for Independent Podcasters: https://podmatch.com/reportColin Gray's 2025 Indie Podcasters' Survey:https://colingray663784.typeform.com/to/soRc44vRPodRamp: https://www.podramp.io/Triton Report:https://bit.ly/3Ii1Z1CPrime Deal: Elgato Teleprompter: https://bit.ly/4nET36oElgato Wave Mic Arm: https://bit.ly/3Gqm9WDDaniel J Lewis' Best “Prime Day” Deals: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/best-prime-day-podcasting-deals-2025/Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick”Brought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Every podcaster has a task that zaps their energy. It can be editing, writing show notes, wrangling guests, or managing social media. Today, we share the parts of podcasting that wear us down and how to handle them before burnout hits us like a ton of bricks. We cover outsourcing, beneficial tools, and what to do when your go-to tools fail. If something in your workflow has you grinding your teeth, you're not alone…There are ways to make it enjoyable again.Episode Highlights: [03:06] Podcast Awards Announcement[04:36] Icebreaker: Canva Outage[07:05] AI and ChatGPT in Podcasting[11:50] Backup Tools and Transcription[16:10] Outsourcing and Editing Challenges[27:56] Trust and Business Strategies[29:25] Building and Managing a Team[38:46] Favorite and Least Favorite Tasks[43:20] The Joy of PodcastingLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingGet Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:www.empoweredpodcasting.comVote For Podcasting Morning Chat for People's Choice Award: www.podcastawards.comCanva:www.Canva.comChatGPT:www.Chatgpt.com Riverside: https://www.riverside.fm/?via=0676daRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick”Brought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
What was one thing you said yes to that brought you where you are today? That's the question of the day. Today, we share about the moments that move us forward and how one yes can lead to new paths and creative growth, and we reflect on how decisions shape our journeys. So this is your sign if you're thinking about a new project or looking back on what got you to where you are currently, this conversation will inspire you. Thank you for your support. In observation of Independence Day in the US, we will not be airing a live show, and in following our summer schedule, there will be no show on Monday. See you Tuesday!Episode Highlights: [02:34] Brainstorm vs. Green Needle[10:37] The Power of Saying Yes[13:13] Personal Stories of Saying Yes[27:22] Facing Fears and Building Credibility[36:05] Dominic's Leap into Radio and Narrative Podcasting[46:25] My Career decision that changed everything[52:47] Embracing Opportunities and Saying YesLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingEmpowered Podcasting Conference:https://www.empoweredpodcasting.comAudio Illusion (Green Needle / Brainstorm): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhA0X3H-K4ERemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick”Brought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Spotify wants YouTubers. Apple's celebrating 20 years of podcasting. And Gen Z? They're tuning in! It's news day, and we're breaking down Apple's “20 Podcasts We Love” list, surprising Gen Z listening habits, and YouTube's AI-powered upgrades that could shift how audiences search and watch. We also give you the scoop on a leaked Spotify strategy that includes $5K ad credits for video creators. Is this enough to tempt video creators to make the move? We also talk about Jeremy Enns' 2025 Podcast Marketing Trends Report: who's growing, what's working, and why personal connection might be your secret weapon. Bonus: our show is nominated for a People's Choice Podcast Award (go vote under “T” for The Podcasting Morning Chat!).Episode Highlights: [02:24] Podcast Data and Trends[03:35] Random Charts[05:40] People's Choice Award Nomination[08:51] Upcoming Events and Conferences[11:01] Job Opportunities [23:21] AI News and Developments[28:21] The Signing Bonus Situation[29:58] Apple's AI Ambitions[31:05] Gemini's Educational Tools[32:12] Are AI Subscriptions Worth It?[34:51] AI in Daily Life[41:35] Spotify's Big Push into VideoLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingEmpowered Podcasting Conference:https://www.empoweredpodcasting.comPodnews: www.Podnews.netMeta's AI Talent War: https://apple.news/AjhkHQqo0SsOpELJev4AKGgAre AI Subscriptions Worth It? https://bit.ly/44JPYKXNew YouTube AI Features: https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/new-youtube-ai-tools-summer-2025/Leaked Spotify Deck Reveals Big Video Push:https://theankler.com/p/scoop-leaked-spotify-deck-revealsCareers in Podcasting: https://bit.ly/3I2MmLoJeremy Enns Marketing Trend Report: https://podcastmarketingacademy.com/author/jeremypodcastmarketingacademy-comRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick”Brought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
How long does it take you to edit your podcast? Do you spend hours cutting every filler word, placing transitions, or do you take a more relaxed approach? Editing isn't one-size-fits-all when it comes to podcasting, and today we're here to share how we each approach post-production. We compare notes on the tools in our arsenals, the techniques we've learned to be more efficient, and the different workflows for audio and video podcasts. Editing your podcast doesn't have to be a mind-numbing experience. With consistent practice, familiarity with your tools, and a sense of how to guide a conversation, you can build a process that adds polish to your show and enhances the listener's experience, leading to a deeper connection with your topics.Episode Highlights: [03:45] Teasing An Upcoming Topic[11:25] Mailbag Question: How Long Should Editing Take?[22:17] Jump Cuts vs. Cross Fades[27:17] Tools and Techniques[29:11] Challenges with Editing Software[30:24] Riverside and Other Editing Platforms[46:37] The Importance of SystemsLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingEmpowered Podcasting Conference:https://www.empoweredpodcasting.comMinvo: https://studio.momento.fm/?via=1021c8Riverside:https://www.riverside.fm/?via=0676daDescript: https://www.descript.com/download/other-deviceResound: https://www.resound.fm/Audacity: https://www.audacityteam.orgAdobe Audition: https://www.adobe.com/products/audition.htmlAdobe Premiere: https://bit.ly/3Gf6Zn1Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronickBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Today, we asked ourselves: what's a podcasting hill we're willing to die on? For some of us, it's editing out every “um” and “like.” For others, it's insisting you don't need video to succeed. We also touched on naming shows with intention, pushing past perfectionism, and whether you need to have a podcast to coach podcasters. After trading hot takes, we ended the week on a high note by sharing wins, big and small, from our podcasting journeys.*Quick Announcement! During the summer, we'll be taking Mondays off! Please tune in every Tuesday-Friday and let's talk all things podcasting!*Episode Highlights: [00:16] Podcasting Hills We'll Die On[02:16] Diving into Podcasting Opinions[07:07] Amanda's Advice: Just Start[12:39] Editing and Naming Your Podcast[21:09]Being a Podcast Consumer[22:03] Debate: Do You Need to Have a Podcast to Teach Podcasting?[33:16] Discussion on Authority and Experience[35:59] Various Perspectives on Expertise[39:37] Coaching and Training Insights[43:45] Sharing Weekly WinsLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingEmpowered Podcasting Conference:https://www.empoweredpodcasting.comRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick”Brought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
What if the host of Blue's Clues was about to launch the most emotionally supportive podcast of the year? Steve Burns just announced Alive, a new show for grown-ups coming this fall, and we're unpacking what it could be. Steve shares that his podcast will be “a podcast that listens back,” and we explore what that might look like, who it's for, and why it's likely to be a success. We also share some more news headlines, Apple now requires new hero art to be considered for features, and CapCut's new terms give the app broad rights to your content. We believe these stories are part of a broader conversation about how podcasting is evolving and what creators should consider.Episode Highlights: [01:37] Steve from Blues Clues Returns [03:09] Steve's TikTok Success and New Podcast [05:20] Analyzing Steve's Podcast Concept [15:28] Comparisons to Other Iconic Figures [20:10] Challenges and Potential of Steve's Podcast [28:39] Target Audience and Adulting [29:30] Debating the Success of Audio Podcasts [37:50] Apple's New Art Requirements [43:05] CapCut's Controversial UpdateLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingEmpowered Podcasting Conference:https://www.empoweredpodcasting.comPodNews:www.Podnews.netSteve Burns Podcast Announcement:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71bDllC5OyAApple Hero Artwork Requirements: https://podcasters.apple.com/artwork-guideCapcut Terms Of Service:https://www.capcut.com/clause/terms-of-serviceRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronickBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Did you know your Spotify binge could be leaving a bigger carbon footprint than you think? It's news day, and we're digging into the astounding environmental impact of streaming, especially as Spotify shifts to video. We also test out Auphonic's new “cut coughs” tool, share the latest on podcasting events you won't want to miss, and explore BlueSky's team-up with 'Chatter Social' to make social audio more connected (and profitable). Episode Highlights: [02:30] Listening Habits[13:17] Data and Trends[20:53] Spotify's Environmental Impact[29:22] Smart Decisions for Energy Conservation[31:00] Mindful Content Consumption[32:17] Water Usage and Technology[33:29] Auphonic's New Audio Enhancing Features[44:12] Call Her Alex: A Docuseries Review[53:41] Exploring Blue Sky and ChatterLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingEmpowered Podcasting Conference:https://www.empoweredpodcasting.comPodNews:www.Podnews.netSpotify's Rising Carbon Footprint:https://podnews.net/press-release/spotify-video-environmentAuphonic's Cough Cut Feature: https://auphonic.com/blog/2025/06/23/automatic-cough-cutting/Chatter Social:https://www.chattersocial.io/Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronickBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
To script or not to script…that is the question. Today, we answer a mailbag question about whether podcasters should write scripts, especially when moving from audio to video. Should you? It depends. We share ways to structure your content using the bullet point approach to writing full scripts. We include tips to help you feel more confident on camera. We also recommend tools that can make the process easier for you. Remember, appearing natural on video takes practice, but with time, you will deliver your message authentically and with ease.Episode Highlights: [02:39] Digital Creator Showdown Trivia[13:04] Mailbag Question: Script or No Script?[19:21] Solo Episode Script Tips[20:32] Rehearsing and Practicing[24:11] Using Bullet Points Effectively[25:11] Eye Contact and Teleprompters[36:29] Karaoke and ConfidenceLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingEmpowered Podcasting Conference:https://www.empoweredpodcasting.comRiverside Teleprompter: https://www.riverside.fm/?via=0676daElgato Teleprompterhttps://www.elgato.com/us/en/p/prompterRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronickBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com and NextGenPodcaster.comPlease note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
What makes for an outstanding intro? How do you kick off your podcast? Today, we're answering a listener's question from the virtual mailbag and sharing our visions of what an ideal podcast intro should sound like. We provide tips on the duration of your intro, whether to include background music or not, and how much background information can be shared about a guest without losing your audience in the first few minutes. If you've been thinking of ways to keep your audience hooked from the get-go, we've got you covered. To wrap up another fantastic week, we each take a turn sharing our wins and celebrating each other's accomplishments. *Quick Announcement! During the summer, we'll be taking Mondays off! Please tune in every Tuesday-Friday and let's talk all things podcasting!*Episode Highlights: [03:35] Podcast Intro Tips: Length and Music[05:58] Choosing the Right Music for Your Podcast[08:46] Effective Podcast Intros: Dos and Don'ts[22:59] Storytelling in Podcast Intros[30:53] Onboarding Your Listeners[32:49] Consistency in Podcast Intros[33:57] Sharing Wins[47:51] Upcoming Events and AnnouncementsLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingEmpowered Podcasting Conference:https://www.empoweredpodcasting.comRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com and NextGenPodcaster.comPlease note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Send us a textIn episode 332 of Missions Incorporated, host Jesse Schreck, a full-time missionary in Italy since 2007, tackles a common question: "Why do missions in Italy when it already has the gospel?" With thoughtful insights, Jesse addresses misconceptions about Italy's spiritual landscape, explaining how secularism, a dominant Roman Catholic system, and biblical illiteracy create an urgent need for the true gospel. Drawing from scripture and personal experience, he challenges the idea of abandoning "reached" nations and highlights Italy's potential as an influential hub for gospel advancement. Stay tuned for ministry updates, including a short-term mission trip, a new outreach platform, and ways to support a missionary kid's summer adventures. Visit practicalmissions.org to learn how you can partner in discipling Italy.Appreciate this content? Buy Jesse a coffee at BMC or support the PMc Mission directly.Links:Support Cornelius' SummerPMc Short-term CohortsMission FacilityPartnerLong-Term MissionsVision TripMissionary InternshipPMc AcademiaThe Italian Cohort - join PMc's online Discord communityServe - PMc has numerous avenues of involvementPodcast Producer - Available PositionPMc Missions BlogLike Jesus driven to His cross, so we drive ourselves to the singular task of the edification (planting) of Biblical churches in Italy.Freely join the online Discord group of PMc! The Italian CohortSupport the showDo you love God, Italians, Italy, and the church of Jesus Christ? Do you want to play a more personal role in missions work abroad? Do you want to get all our content and updates (plus bonus material no one else sees) before anyone else? We invite you to join The Italian Cohort - our online community group on Discord - and gain inside access to the work going on in Italy.
YouTube just added a community tab for creators, and we think it's a real advancement! It's news day, and we're bringing you the latest podcast industry headlines! We share our takes on platform updates, shifting charts, upcoming events (including the Empowered Podcasting Conference), and what the latest Cumulus study reveals about listener behavior. We're also joined by friends Simona Costantini and Taly Melo to share their new podcast management system, North Flow. Designed for solo podcasters, agencies, and networks, it helps streamline everything from guest booking to episode planning and team collaboration. If your workflow feels clunky or chaotic, this might be what you've been looking for.In observance of Juneteenth, there will be no episode on June 19th. We'll be back Friday, June 20th.Episode Highlights: [02:09] Podcasting News and Trends[03:26] Top Podcast Charts[08:44] ASMR in Podcasting[10:12] Upcoming Events and Workshops[15:50] Introducing North Flow[24:23] Q&A: Inviting Team Members to North Flow[26:00] Managing Client Access and Privacy[30:08] Apple's New Podcast: Easy Money[36:18] Spotify's Podcast Transcripts[37:35] YouTube's New Features for Creators[42:39] Podcast Consumption Trends[51:27] Upcoming ScheduleLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingEmpowered Podcasting Conference 2: https://www.empoweredpodcasting.comPodnews:www.Podnews.net Vidcon:https://www.vidcon.com/anaheim/Build Your Podcast Media Kit Workshop: https://podnews.net/event/build-your-podcast-media-kit-workshop-2Protect your podcast legally with Gordon Firemark Workshop: https://podnews.net/event/protect-your-podcast-with-easy-affordable-legal-strategies-3Pod North Community Picnic: https://podnews.net/event/pod-the-north-community-picnic-hamilton-onNorth Flow Podcast Management System: https://northflow.io/blog/how-to-manage-multiple-podcasts-without-burnout-(or-chaos)Easy Money: The Charles Ponzi Story: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/easy-money-the-charles-ponzi-story/id1805962115Product Stickers, and Community Tab on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBNC8y47FpI&t=5sRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com and NextGenPodcaster.comPlease note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Quaranteam – Book 1: Part 11 The girls suggest to Andy who to bring in. Based on a post by CorruptingPower, in 25 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels. Eric's house now stood with seven women in it, and Andy had agreed that he would try to learn all of their names eventually, just as Eric did for Andy's household, although both of them agreed that the task would definitely take some time. The two men and Phil had all planned to meet up for dinner on Thursday, as they usually did. It was good to keep a routine. Also on that Sunday, Ash had commandeered the pool house, giving each girl the chance to pitch to her twice, once in the midday and then again in the evening, allowing them to improve and refine upon their pitch. That had kept the entire house occupied, and allowed Andy to spend all of his time writing, although he did make an exception for lunch, when he'd tended to Jenny and Katie's needs. In a move that had surprised him, Jenny had insisted Katie ride his cock until he came inside of her, then sucked her share out of her partner's cunt afterwards. It had proven an excellent test, and Katie had still gotten her fix out of the experience. She'd described it to Andy as "filthy in the best possible way." Other than that, Andy went two days without engaging in any sex, a sort of chance to recharge his batteries. He suspected he might have a bit on Monday, but also acknowledged to himself that he was going to be booked wall to wall with the meetings, hearing the girls pitches, so it might even be a third day off from sex. Monday morning he awoke in bed alone, an absence he definitely noted, but it let him get his morning workout in, followed by a shower. After he got out of the shower, when he went to get dressed, he found a printed schedule of his day on top of his dresser. 10 11: Asha, Emily, Hannah, Jenny 11 12: Katie, Lauren, Nicolette, Niko 12 1: Lunch 1 2: Piper, Sarah, Sheridan, Taylor 2 3: debrief with Aisling Ash had decided to just organize the girl's pitches in alphabetical order, so that Andy wouldn't see any prejudgment on her part. On the schedule, there was also a map of the house's lower level, a room marked with an X and a note from Ash that read simply "See you there!" The house was the quietest it had ever been, even his two cats seeming a little perplexed at the lack of people moving around. Andy wandered down to the marked room at about fifteen minutes to 10, finding Aisling already in the room, which had been set up as a little conference room, a large television on the wall doubling as a computer monitor. On the screen was a black screen with the words "Project Pair Up" in friendly white lettering. "Hey love," she said to him with a smile. She was dressed in professional looking attire, the most dressed up he'd ever seen her. With the quarantine, everyone had been completely casual, and Andy suddenly felt wildly underdressed, wearing just a pair of jeans and an old, faded Jesus Jones t shirt. She saw his look and immediately grabbed his arm. "Relax. You're the one everyone's pitching to, so you're allowed to dress however you like. It's good to be the king," she giggled. "You've heard all the pitches already, Ash," he said to her, as she led him to the head of the table, making him sit down. "Anything truly shocking?" "I told you I wasn't going to make decisions for you, babe, so you'll just have to wait and see." "I wasn't asking you to make a decision, Ash," Andy laughed, "simply whether or not you thought this was a good idea or not." "Oh, aye," she nodded. "There's some truly remarkable women up on offer for you today, and I'm certain there will be some hard decisions in your future, in more ways than one. A few dodgy ones too, by my reckoning, but I'm not the final say in the matter, am I?" She moved to sit down next to him, at his right hand spot, the television screen on the wall opposite him. "There are pros and cons to all of them. But all the girls have agreed nobody will be upset at you, no matter what you decide." "And you think they're all going to hold to that?" "I told them if they couldn't then they shouldn't bother pitching anyone at all. That sort of got them in line." Andy nodded sagely. "Where are they?" "Everyone's hanging out in the pool house right now, and they'll come up when we text them, one at a time, so if anyone runs short, or needs to run long, nobody will get interrupted." "Okay then, let's get to it, I suppose." Ash nodded, and then picked up her iPhone from the table, sending Asha a text to come to the room. A few minutes later, the half Indian half French girl strolled into the room in a powder blue power suit, her hair done up in a bun, wearing bright red 1950s librarian glasses. "Thanks for letting us pitch ta ye, Andy," she said, moving to sit down on the chair at the opposite end of the table from him. "Going first is a bit of a pisser, but I s'pose I'll set the bar high for the lot of'em." She picked up the little remote from the table and clicked it, as the monitor behind her sprung to life, an image of a bright, bubbly blonde girl appearing on it. "This is Olivia Shoemaker, my bestie from me London days. Now I know what you're thinkin', that she's young, and you're nervous or whateva about bringin' too many young birds into the house. But Livvy's a doll. She's a student down at UCSD, so she could just transfer up here and go ta UCSF or Berkeley or Stanford or whateva." Asha clicked the button and the screen advanced, showing Olivia in a colorful yellow sundress, standing on the Santa Monica pier. "She's also a right big social media influencer, with half a million followers on Insta and about as many on TikTok. They were tryin' to get her to appear on Love Island back home, but she said she wanted to wait until she was a bit older for that. She's 19, she's fit and she's a babe. We've been friends since we was toddlers, an' I know she'd likely fall for you like I have." "What's she going to school for?" Andy asked. "She's undecided right now, but she's thinking she might get into international finance. Banking, stocks, that lot. She changes her mind about that all the time, though, so who knows where she'll end up. Girl's got a mind that goes a kilometer a minute, you ask me." "You think I'd be her type?" Andy asked, a touch of doubt in his voice. "I have trouble imagining someone like her being satisfied with someone older like me. I'm not particularly social media savvy, and she looks like the kind of girl who would take one look at me and think 'old man.' And that's no judgment on her, I'm just saying, you want to make sure this is someone who you think is going to be happy here, and with me. Simply because I can request anyone I want to doesn't mean that I necessarily should." "She and I have been friends since we were wee high, so if I tell her she'll like you, she'll trust me on tha', and once she gets to know you, she'll fall for you like e'eryone does, Daddy." He still wasn't entirely comfortable with her calling him that, but he'd learned that telling Asha no just made her do the thing twice as much, so he was hoping she'd get it out of her system eventually. "And part of the pitch process was also you identifying what the challenges might be if I were to extend her an invite to our family. So what do you think those would be?" "Um," Asha said, looking down at the table a moment. "I'm not gonna lie ta ye, Andy. She can be a mite tad possessive. Her last relationship imploded because her boyfriend gave another girl a ride home after a party, and she thought he'd cheated on her." Andy winced a little bit. That struck him as more than a challenge. "So you think that's not going to be a problem here, where she has to share me with all of these other women?" "She'll get over it!" Asha pouted. "She just needs to be shown that not all men are lads, and that she doesn't have to have someone's complete attention all the time to get by in the world." "Do you know what she likes and dislikes sexually?" Ash asked her, cutting straight to the point. "Are you sure she's compatible with Andy?" "She's a bit more reserved than I am," Asha sighed. "More reserved than she oughta be, you ask me, but I don' like the idea of her just fallin' in with some bloke who won't do right by her. She deserves better'n that. The prude walls hafta come down sooner or later." "But do you think she and I would make each other happy?" Andy asked. "I'd like to think so, Andy," Asha said, "but I'm no' sure one way or the other. I'm just tryin' to look out for her." "Okay, Asha. You're the first one we've talked to today, so obviously we have a lot more pitches to hear, so we'll keep your friend in mind." Asha nodded, standing up again. "An' if you decide she's not for you, Andy, I'd understand, but, y'know, maybe pass her on to one of your friends around the town as a thought? It'd just be nice to have one of me mates around here." Andy smiled. "I'll see what I can do." Asha walked over, leaned down and gave Andy a soft kiss. "Thanks, Da. I'll see you at dinner, yeah?" Before Andy could answer, Asha was already heading out the door, closing it behind her. Aisling pushed the button and the screen moved to a simple black background with "next: Emily" in white letters on it in a classy font. He turned to look at Aisling, not entirely sure what to say, which made Ash giggle. "They're all very different, Andy, so you'll just have to decide for yourself." She sent a text message on her phone to Emily, letting her know to start heading to the conference room. "An influencer, though?" Andy said, rolling his eyes. "I still don't get how anyone can think that's a real job." He sighed, seeing the smirk on Ash's face. "I think it's more likely that I'll recommend her over to Eric or Phil, but I'll try to keep an open mind." "That's all anyone's asking, love." "Emily's pitch isn't also for a social media influencer, is it?" he asked, caution plain on his face. "Olivia was the only one, silly, so you can relax." He nodded, hearing a knock at the door. "C'mon in, Emily!" Emily entered the room, and it seemed as though all the girls were going to be in their best professional wear today. She had a modest dress than hung nearly to her ankles and a bright red silk blouse that was almost entirely buttoned up. She looked like was planning to meet the head of some movie studio more than simply talking to Andy and Aisling. She gave a warm, impish little smile and wave, then pulled the door closed behind her. "Hey love. Ash. This is so exciting!" she giggled. "How did Asha do?" Andy was about to say something when Ash put her hand on his wrist to quiet him. "He's not going to talk about any of the pitches to anyone other than me until he's heard them all, Emily, so I don't know why you're asking." The blonde Brit giggled again, flashing a little wink. "I asked because I almost got him to spill the goss." Emily moved to sit down in the pitcher's chair, and picked up the remote. "But it's fine, it's fine. Andy darling, let me present to you Summer Steele." She clicked on the remote and the screen behind her flickered and turned into an image of a woman in her late 30s sitting behind a camera, clearly on a set somewhere. Summer was fit, although not overly muscular, with hair a deep dark brown, like a freshly cut walnut tree. Her nose was slightly crooked, like it had been broken and reset at least once. Her skin had a natural tan to it. Andy suspected her heritage was either Jewish or Palestinian. She looked focused on whatever she was working on. She was certainly lovely, but also had a tough, street fighter kind of vibe to her. She was dressed in leather pants and a leather jacket over some kind of t shirt, as she peered at the camera's monitor. "Her real first name is Maya, but professionally she's been Summer Steele for nearly a decade now. I think you can call her either." Click. The image turned to show the woman on set of one of the Daggerfall Academy movies with Emily, one of the later ones clearly, judging by Emily's age in the picture. It looked as though Maya was teaching Emily some moves for an upcoming scene. "We first met when she was the stunt coordinator and 2nd AD for 'Power Taken: Daggerfall Academy IV.' We've been friends since then, but she's gone on to direct episodes of all sorts of shows: 'The Last Garrison,' 'Everyone Dies At Midnight,' 'Uprising From Below,' and even a couple for Disney+, although she obviously can't tell me about any of those." Click. The image shifted and was replaced by an image of current Hollywood it guy Scotty Jansen with his arm around her, as she sipped from a beer, probably at some afterparty in the Hollywood hills. "She was with Scott Jansen up until January of this year when they split after Scotty got drunk and put his foot in his mouth one too many times. There were lots of reasons they were never going to work out, but this was the final straw." Click. A new image appeared, with Maya in between Sarah and Emily, the three women clearly out for a night on the town, although based on the buildings behind them, Andy would've guessed they were somewhere in central Europe. "So, she knows Sarah and I rather well, and we can both vouch that under her occasionally crass veneer, she's a sweetheart with a kind spirit. Many of the things some lesser men would find turnoffs, her tendency to drink and swear, her sometimes lacking sense of tact, her habit of acting first and thinking later, those are all things you like in a woman, so that's delightful." "Well, as long as she isn't sloshingly drunk all the time, Emily," Andy said. "I don't want to bring in a dangerous alcoholic we're going to need to check into rehab all the time." Emily flapped a hand dismissively in his direction. "Nothing so coarse, my love. While she can attack a bottle with a gusto I've yet to see rivaled, she does keep those benders to a manageable number, and never lets them affect the rest of her life." "Alright, carry on." "She likes the same kind of sex you do, Andy, she's a talker, and she enjoys both the softer and harder sides of it. She's very professional and you've made a point to tell all of us that if we want to continue working and chasing our dreams, we should do it, something she would very much appreciate, as she's certainly making headway. She directed her first film last year, 'The Secret In The Shadows,' and while it didn't win any awards, it came in under budget and over performed expectations by a sizable amount, so she's in talks to do another movie after the pandemic has passed." "Where's she from?" Ash asked her. Click. Andy suspected this was the most recent photo of the woman, and she'd undergone a drastic haircut. The left side of her head was shorn down to almost a buzz, while the front had a large flop of hair dyed bright green hanging over one eye, a look Andy had been told was called an undercut. She was wearing a white tanktop and he could see the woman had tattoos on each of her shoulders, epaulets of ink depicting fighting fish in a lake, done in a Japanese style. "Upstate New York. Her father was a rabbi and a jeweler, her mother ran a deli. Dad passed away last year from a heart attack, so her mom's running both businesses now. No brothers or sisters. Maya's got a few friends in the L A area, but for the most part, she's on the go so much that she really never settled anywhere. I'd like for her to settle with us." "What sort of challenges do you anticipate?" Andy questioned. He had a yellow legal pad of paper in front of him, and he'd been keeping small notes during the presentations, mostly so he could keep everything straight in his head at the end. "Two, but both I think aren't deal breakers. First, she's going to want to continue working so there may come a time when Andy might need to do a bit of travel to accommodate Maya's schedule, or Maya will simply need to ensure that most of her work as a director is done relatively local to here. I know that there have been some sound stages built in Oakland for the purpose of doing more film work here, so we will simply need to remind her of that." "And the other?" "The other is a little more of a challenge, but mostly just for you, love," Emily said to Andy, her coy smile widening a little. "Maya isn't at all bi curious. She is absolutely, positively, 100% heterosexual, meaning that you would need to tend to her needs without anyone else as company. I know this because both Sarah and I have made passes at her, only to be told that she's very much 'men only.' She would be completely aware of the rest of us, but simply wouldn't want to partake in any group activities. That also might mean you would need to share a bed with just her every once in a while, so she feels like she has as much a stake in you as everyone else, but you're clever, so I think you would do fine. Like you told me, constraints are simply gifts to creativity." "Do you think I would make her happy? Do you think she would make me happy?" Emily nodded. "It wouldn't be without minor complications, naturally, but I think you two would get along like a house on fire, and she would fit into the house much like Lauren does, present and eager with you when she's spending time with you, and self reliant and capable when she isn't. She started as a stuntwoman before she got into directing, so she has always had an uphill climb in her life. We aren't best mates, but she'd thrive here, she'd adore you and I think she'd make you happy as well." The tiny Brit clicked the button and the screen advanced to black once more, with white letters reading "next: Hannah" in the center of it. "No matter what you decide, love," Emily said, getting up from her chair, making her way over to Andy, "I just want to say that all of the girls are thrilled you're asking us for our opinions on this, and it means the world to the lot of us that you're letting us have a say in who we want to join the family. You didn't have to ask anyone for their opinion, so the fact that you are, well, it shows even further that you're quite the good man, Andy Rook." Emily leaned in and kissed him, soft and tender, but backed with a lot of love, before she finally pulled away and gave him and Ash a little wave goodbye, slipping out of the room, closing the door behind her. Ash smirked as he looked over in her direction. "They're all probably going to say something like that, just so you know, love," she told him. "They've all been getting stories from Niko about how things are on the base, or from the girls involved in the poker game, and so they know what a weird place the world is in right now, and everyone's delighted how you're handling this." "Hell, if I was handling it my way, I'd probably just have stopped here, Ash, and not added anyone else to the family, but based on what Phil's told me, I'm going to spend the next five years hearing that I need to help usher in a new generation to save this one." The Irish girl giggled and offered him a little shrug. "It's such a hard life, isn't it, having beautiful women constantly throwing themselves at you, begging for sex." Andy scowled, although the expression was done with amusement. "Agreed, Alcatraz it ain't, but it's still quite the change from my life six months ago." "Which reminds me, you have to be sure and call Xander tomorrow and fill him on all the changes that have happened here in the last week. He texted you yesterday offering his condolences about Matty, but hell, he doesn't know about how quickly your house has exploded. Maybe we should send him a picture of you in bed, surrounded by all your women, like a modern day Hugh Heffner." Andy started laughing at that, shaking his head. "Oh god, he's gonna fucking kill me. He had quite the crush on Emily a few years back, although I think he grew out of that. Lord, I'm never going to hear the end of it." "Well, it'll be something you two can use to keep your spirits up when you talk. Are you ready for Hannah to make her pitch?" He nodded. "Sure, she's the one who got this all started. Let's see who she thinks we should bring into the house." A few minutes later, Hannah strolled into the room confidently, although Andy was surprised to see her in her cheerleading outfit again, the first time she'd worn it again since she'd shown up to the house a few days ago. Andy found the outfit choice odd, but decided not to remark on it. "Two days enough time for you to think it over, Hannah?" he asked the Asian cheerleader, who smiled and nodded. "Totes, but I didn't know I was gonna have hella competition at the end of it!" Over the past few days, the one thing Andy had determined first and foremost about Hannah was that she was always operating at 110% energy. That's simply who she was. "It's all good, though. I think you'll vibe with my candidate, even if she's not immediately your type." Hannah picked up the remote from the table and clicked it, as a picture sprung to life behind her. The minute the image popped onto the screen, Andy was taken back a bit. "I'm fairly certain that taking on an entire cheerleading team would be well over the limit of you suggesting one person, Hannah," he laughed. The image behind her must have been from the spring of this year, as it was Hannah and her entire cheerleading team over at Woodside High, where she'd graduated from in May. There were fourteen girls in the photo, in addition to the coach, and they were completely varied in terms of size, shape and race, although he couldn't deny, they all seemed lovely. It took him half a second to find Hannah as her hair lacked the blonde highlights in the photo. "Not the team, sir," she said, clicking the button again, as the screen shifted, this time the only person on the screen being the cheerleading coach. "Just the woman running it. Tabitha Jefferson." Without all the other people on the screen, Andy could focus on the woman being suggested. She was an African American woman with milk chocolate colored skin around Andy's age, although she was in far better shape than he was. In the picture, she was in black gym shorts with an orange stripe and a large orange t shirt with the word "Wildcats" in highly stylized lettering across the front of it. She had straightened hair drawn back in a short ponytail that hung to the nape of her neck, and a friendly face, although her expression was one of shouting. "Coach Jefferson has been the cheerleading coach and P.E. Teacher for Woodside High for the last five years. She's whip smart, funny and really cares about us girls. When I was kinda a troublemaker, she'd pull me aside and give me a good talking to, tell me that she thought I was super smart, and that I was capable of anything if I'd stop fucking around and quit self sabotaging my own life. And she never gave up on me, and never let me focus just on cheerleading or the petty drama and shit a bunch of wound up girls get into with each other." Hannah pushed the button and the image changed again, showing a slightly younger Tabitha with her arm around a good looking African American man with much darker skin in military fatigues. "Just before she moved to Woodside, she was an Army wife, until her husband, Nicky, was killed in action in the Middle East. They'd only been married for about two years, and only together about four, but it still broke her heart. She moved across the country to live out here, closer to her mother, only for her moms to die last year due to lung cancer." Hannah pushed the button again. The new image also had to have been taken in the spring, just before the pandemic had set in. Tabitha had her arm around Hannah, and both of them were smiling, both of them in formal wear, this time with the blonde highlight in Hannah's hair. "She was one of the chaperons for senior Prom, and when she found out I didn't have anyone to go with, she made me go on my own, and I still had a great time. She drove by my parents house to drop off my diploma and told me to call her Tabby from now on, since I wasn't a student of hers any more, and that she hoped school would start back up soon, because she was feeling a little lost." The Asian girl sighed a little, her face contracting in sadness. "She's had a really rough go of it, Andy, between losing Nicky then her mom and now her ability to teach and be around people. I don't know a thing about what she likes sexually, so I dunno what to say about any of that, but she's a good person, the best person I know, and if I can give her just one little bit of happiness, then I fucking owe that to her." Hannah looked like she was about to cry, so Aisling reached over and took the girl's hand in her own, giving it a little squeeze. "Thanks Ash, I'm okay," she said, smiling a bit as if it might help her make it more true. "The person you most reminded me of when we were first met, Andy, was Tabby. You could've just fucked my brains out and not given a fuck about my feelings, but you didn't. You talked to me first, made sure I knew what I was getting myself into, when you so didn't have to, hell, I wasn't even expecting you to. I wanted to get back at that little shit Benny so fuckin' badly, but you wouldn't let me just charge into it without us talking it out first. That's the kind of thing Tabby did for me all the time, not letting me just leap into the first idea that popped into my head, but really making me think it all out. So I want to give something back to her, and I think that something could be her hooking up with you." "This whole polyamory thing isn't for everyone, Hannah," Ash said. "You think she'll be up for sharing Andy with all of us?" Hannah laughed a little, rolling her eyes. "Her last relationship was part of a throuple, so I totally wouldn't worry about it, Ash, although this one would be a little different." "Oh yeah?" Andy asked. "How so?" "Well, she was in a relationship with two bi guys, so she was used to having cock on tap." The busty cheerleader giggled a little bit. "But I know she's into girls too, because she refused to come into the locker room when we were changing. Said it was only respectful, but I saw that glimmer in her eyes that said she desperately wanted to peek, but wasn't going to, because that's what us girls deserved." "What ended their relationship?" "The two guys decided to move to Portland, and Tabby's mother hadn't passed yet, so she refused to leave her. They were all kinda in different headspaces anyway, I think, since Tabby never said another word about them after they left, so maybe she was kinda okay with it? Maybe it was just an easier way to end it than ending it? I dunno. It was all spring of my junior year." "Challenges you foresee?" Aisling asked. "Well, I dunno how she likes to fuck, so I dunno if you two can make that work for you or not, but I think you'd be okay. And I don't know if you're her type, so I don't even know that she'll say yes. You're a little less,” Hannah trailed off, trying to find a way to phrase what she wanted to say. "Less what?" Andy asked. "Less butch, I guess," Hannah giggled. "Dom and Mike were ultra cut, and Nicky was pretty buff himself, so I guess her type is a bit more ripped than you are, but it's not like I know everything about what kinda dudes she likes to bone. But without her being able to teach until, like, at least a year from now, I wanted to make sure she's not getting stuck inside her own head too much." Hannah clicked the button and the screen behind her changed to say "next: Jenny" on it. "Anyway, if I was you, I'd totally wanna fuck Tabby. Hell, I kinda wanna fuck her myself, if she's down for that. And she's a good person, and good people deserve to have good things happen to them in the world, so that's why I think you should invite her here. Thanks for letting me tell you all this, Andy. I didn't know how much I needed to tell someone this whole story about this amazing woman who changed my life, and I'm glad it's to the man who did the same thing." She stood up, came over and gave Ash a hug, then one to Andy as well followed by a sloppy kiss, before pulling back and heading out of the room, almost skipping in her step, making the skirt flutter a little each time. "So I know I said I wasn't going to offer you any opinions on all of this, love," Aisling said, "but I do want to make two exceptions. First, I think you should invite Tabby here. It means a lot to Hannah, maybe more to her than to any of the other girls involved, and I think Tabby seems like a fine match for you, based on what Hannah's told me." Andy nodded. "She was speaking very strongly from the heart, so I don't blame you. I won't commit to 100% saying yes right now, but I'll mark her down as a very strong likely, if that's okay." "Natch love," she said, squeezing his arm. "The other exception I want to make is to set you up for Jenny's pitch, and to tell you to tread lightly. Her pitch is for a staff person, but I suspect the person being pitched might want something more than that from you, and I think you should probably give it to her, but at her own pace. Jenny's got quite the tale to tell, and her friend has had a very rough life. I think even Jenny knows that if you bring this girl on, she's going to grow from staff to family member eventually, but that's okay with me, and all the rest of the girls, so keep all that in mind when she's talking, that we all know it's unsteady waters, and we're all okay with it, awright love?" He wasn't entirely sure what to make of that, so he simply nodded, giving himself a second to get his words in order. "She's the first staff pitch I'm hearing, but if you're telling me in advance that it's going to be different than all the rest, then that's good to know, and I'll keep it in mind." Ash smiled, kissing him on the cheek. "I think you'll like who she's pitching anyway. Has a completely different tone than anyone else you're gonna hear about today, and if I'm honest, I'd love ta meet her myself." Just as she was saying that, Jenny opened the door and made her way into the conference room, moving to sit down opposite them, her warm comforting smile well set on her face. Jenny hadn't chosen to dress up more than her usual attire, looking like a plump Martha Stewart, as she folded her hands on the table, just over the remote. "Thanks for letting us do this, sir. None of us had even thought about this until you and Ash told us about it, and the fact that you're letting the staff pitch as well, gosh, that's just the sweetest thing. My story's gonna be a little bit of a rollercoaster, so I hope you don't mind, sir." Andy chuckled, leaning back in his chair a little bit. "Fire away, Jenny." Jenny picked up the remote and clicked on it, as the image behind her changed to a much younger one of her and another woman, really more of a girl at that point, what had to be at least a decade ago. Jenny was thinner then, wearing an oversize P!nk t shirt, with her arm around a Latin girl, a little less thin, with massively blown out hair, wearing a red tanktop with a sheer mesh black shirt over it. The two girls were laughing in the picture, each holding up a red Solo cup that Andy suspected held alcohol that neither was old enough to be drinking at the time of the photo. "This is me with my college roommate, Alexis Coleman, better known as Lexi. We were both freshman at UCLA when we were randomly paired together to share a dorm room together at Hendrick Hall." The image changed again, and showed the two girls playing beer pong at some Greek event. "I'd just moved out here from Cleveland, and she'd just moved here from D.C., and so we became best friends." "You didn't go to culinary school?" Andy asked. "You're such an excellent cook, I find that impossible to believe." Jenny blushed a little. "Thank you, sir, but I did, after I got my Bachelor's degree in art history. I had wanted to become an art custodian, but couldn't seem to make it work, so I went to culinary school in SF after giving up on the art world." "And Lexi?" Ash asked. "What was she majoring in?" "Criminal justice," Jenny said, clicking the button again to show an image of Lexi, a little older, in a bikini out on the Santa Monica boardwalk, on roller skates that she looked a little unsteady on. "I know she looks like a Victoria's Secret model, but she was determined to get into law enforcement during college. She also minored in political science and theory, as well as picking up several languages along the way. I know she speaks Spanish, French, German, Russian and Portuguese, and knowing her, she's probably picked up a few more since then." "All of this has to be a while ago, though, Jenny," Andy said. "What year did you two graduate?" Jenny pushed the button again to show a graduation of the two of them together, holding up their diplomas with big smiles. "2007 sir, and I realize I'm giving you a bunch of background, but I think it's very important that I do, so you understand who Lexi is, and how she's a sweet, adorable person, despite the rest of what I'm about to tell you." Andy leaned forward a little bit. "As a professional storyteller, Jenny, let me tell you that's a hell of a way to perk your audience's interest. Go on." "Yes sir," she said, clicking the button to advance the image again. This time, Lexi was a few years older, dressed in more of jungle wear, thick pants, a heavy shirt with a vest on, and her hair pulled back tightly. The background was thick trees and dirt, with sunlight peeking through. Of more note, however, was the AK 47 slung over her shoulder. "In her last year of college, Lexi was recruited to join the CIA. My details about this period of her life are very unreliable, but I think she was training with the agency for another year or two, and then served as a combination of analyst and field agent for most of the next decade, primarily in South and Central America, until 2017." The next image took Andy a little aback, although Ash had clearly seen it before. It was relatively recent, Jenny and Lexi together, in the kitchen of some restaurant or hotel. Both of the women were older than they were in the earlier photos, and most notably, Lexi had some significant scarring along part of her neck and the bottom left part of her chin line, although it looked as though the scarring was at least a few years old. "I don't know what happened to Lexi in 2017, but it must've been particularly gruesome. She couldn't tell me how she got the scars, only that she got them in the service of her country, and that she regretted how they were keeping her out of field work, because they were too identifiable. She'd been saddled with desk duty, and in 2018, she finally quit the CIA." The image jumped again, and this time Lexi was in a dark suit with sunglasses, opening a door for some Middle Eastern shiek. "She tried her hand at personal protection for a while, but eventually gave up on that and just became a mercenary, drifting through private security firms, independent contractors who go where the money and the work is. Just before the virus set in, she'd returned to her place in Los Angeles from a six month tour as part of a PMC in Afghanistan, and she was shaken. She said she felt like her life was a mess, she didn't know what she was doing with it, and felt like she was just a giant burden on her friends and family." With another click of the button, a new image of Lexi popped on the screen, her at a gun range, the whole image practically the still from an action movie. "What I'm suggesting is this, sir. I think you should bring Lexi into the house to be your driver and personal security." Andy was about to say something when Jenny raised her hand to silence him. "I know what you're about to say, sir, and frankly it's bullcrap, pardon my French. With the small population of men remaining left in the United States, every single one of you has suddenly become a V I P, and you need to think not just of your own health, but the health of all the women who are dependent on your health for their own health. If something happens to you, you have over a dozen women right now alone who suddenly run the very real risk of dying. Being that my health is fundamentally based on yours for the time being, I know I would feel safer having Lexi watch out for you." Andy scratched his goatee for a long moment, realizing that every single thing Jenny had said to him was true, making him a little ashamed of how cavalierly he'd been treating his own health, the ramifications of it not having fully sunken in until this very moment. "You are completely justified in that thought, Jenny, and you are right, I had not been giving it the diligence it deserved." "Lexi has some heavy scars from whatever accident sidelined her at the CIA. They cover just a bit of her face, but almost a third of her neck and down to her collarbone. In spite of that, I think she's still a stunning woman, and I still wish she was bisexual, because I would do her in a heartbeat, but she only likes men. I know, because we fooled around together freshmen year, and the next morning, we woke up with very different perspectives on it. It's never gotten in the way of our friendship, though, so you don't have to worry there." "Scars only add character, they never remove it," Andy said, quoting a line from one of his books. "They're a point in her favor, not against it." Jenny's smile widened a bit more at that, as if she was proud of Andy for saying it. "That's how I feel too. She was pretty adventurous sexually in college, so I don't think there would be any deal breakers between the two of you there. The two red flags I feel obligated to bring up are these. First, she has a bit of PTSD, so she can tend to be a little jumpy from time to time, and likes to keep as much of her life as she can to routine, because it helps her feel organized about all of it. I don't worry about her having a full breakdown, but she gets stressed by firecrackers on the fourth of July, so there's clearly some strain still going on there." "I think New Eden is about as far from a warzone as you can get, Jenny." "Sure, but we won't be locked in here forever, sir. And your family already includes two women who are actresses known to love doing action films, so if you go to visit them on sets, you'll need to be aware of Lexi's elevated stress levels when you do." "That's entirely manageable," Andy said. "What's the other red flag?" Jenny frowned a little bit, looked to Ash, who nodded, then looked back to Andy. "The other red flag is that I suspect she's going to want more than a staff relationship with you at some point. I don't know that for certain, but Lexi is a diehard romantic, and when she finds out that so many men have died, it's going to hit her very hard, because she's always dreamed of having her own prince charming, someone who will love her for her, through thick and thin. I think she'll be able to get past the idea of sharing you with lots of other women, I think she'll be okay with you dividing your time or having multiple people in your bed, but I think she's going to want to forge that emotional connection with you like your partners do, and that's more than what you asked us for in terms of suggesting staff. She will absolutely be the best bodyguard you could ask for, and I don't think there's a better driver I know. But the terms Ash laid down were pretty clear, staff should only recommend staff, not partners, and I think Lexi might well end up being both, so I'm hoping that's okay." "As I told ya when you pitched her t' me, Jenny," Ash said, "sometimes exceptions have to be made for exceptional people, and Lexi seems like a hell of an accomplished and talented woman. If Andy's okay with it, the rest of the house will be okay with it." Andy smirked a little bit. "No pressure or anything, but it's fine. And you're right, I hadn't been thinking about how much my health impacted so many people until right now, so it's important that I give that consideration. She seems like a lovely woman, and you speak of her very fondly, so while I'm not making any final decisions until I've heard from everyone, I think you wouldn't be wasting your time if you wanted to start crafting a video invite for Lexi." Jenny jumped up and ran around the table to hug Andy tightly, crying a little bit. "Thank you so much, sir. When I talked to her on the phone last week, she told me how much she wished she could meet a nice man just like you, so I just know she'll say yes. I already know she thinks you're cute." "Don't tell anyone else about this, though," Ash said. "All the staff decisions are being made independently from the family member ones, and while I know all the girls were rooting for Lexi to be brought here in some regard, not a word to anyone, not even Katie, until it's final, yeah?" Jenny pulled back and wiped the tears from her face, nodding so quickly Andy was afraid her head would roll off. "Yes. Got it. Very clear. Understood, ma'am. Sir. And thanks again." The portly girl made her way out of the room without even remembering to push the button to advance the screen to the next person, leaving Andy and Ash alone in the room. "Okay, Mr. Rook," Ash said to him, "five minute break. Stand up, walk around, stretch a bit. I'd ask if you wanted to squeeze in a quick shag, but I had me turn yesterday, so I'm good to wait a few more days. Wouldn't want to deprive some of the other girls of getting their itches scratched." Andy stood up, pulling one arm behind his head, then the other, stretching out. "Four presentations down, eight to go,” Chapter 25 After a handful of minutes stretching, Ash sent a text message for the next girl to make her way up. Andy had turned his notes over so that Aisling couldn't look at them, and he smirked a little, noticing her frowning at the back of the legal pad. "You said you didn't want to influence my decision, so I don't know why you should want to look at my notes, Ash." They had built a wonderfully natural teasing rapport with each other over the past few months, so Aisling knew he was joking with her, but was willing to roll with him. She grinned up as she reached across the table to push the button and advance the slide. "Next: Katie." The redhead moved to sit back in her chair, and shrugged in his direction. "I'm mostly just curious how you're reacting to what you've heard so far, and how your opinions differ from mine, which I'm sure they will, here and there. I've heard all these pitches a couple of times, so it'll be interesting to see how many predictions I get right." "Did you write them down?" "Well, no," Ash said. Andy grabbed his yellow legal pad and ripped out a single sheet from the bottom of it, sliding it and his pen across to her. "Alright, predictions then. Write them down now. Don't show them to me, but fold up the paper when you're done. We can have whoever's after Katie bring us an envelope to seal it up. Just around the time that Aisling was folding up the sheet of paper, Katie walked into the room, confident in her stride. Andy cocked his head to one side as she walked in the room. The Hispanic woman was, as it seemed she always was, wearing a button up shirt underneath jean overalls. "Do you own other clothes besides overalls, Katie?" he asked her. She stuck her tongue out at him, which made Ash giggle again. "I can be girly and shit, sir, but I mostly keep that for Jenny. How're the presentations going so far?" "You know the rules, Katie," Aisling politely scolded, "no talking about anyone else's pitch until the very end." Katie winked at her, shrugging a little. After Andy had settled her nerves about keeping a level of removal between him and her and her wife, Katie had relaxed massively and grown into a more comfortable relationship with the rest of the house. "Had to try. Anyway, let's get this fucking show on the road!" She grabbed the remote in her calloused hand and clicked the button as the screen behind her changed to an image of a slightly matronly looking woman in her early 40s, dark chocolate hair up in a bun, skin just slightly olive, some mix of European heritage that surely had to include either Italian or Spanish. The woman on screen wasn't overweight, but was certainly the most bulky woman that had been on the screen thus far, not fat, simply hefty. "This is Doctor Morgan Fitch. She's a general practitioner in Los Altos who also dabbles in pediatrics. In talking with everyone in the house, it's clear at some point, you are going to be in dire need of a nanny around this place, and having one who's also a damn doctor just seems like smart thinking to me. By this time in a couple of years, this house is practically gonna be a little city, so you need to make sure all the major staples are taken care of. Some of the girls will wanna be full time mommies, no doubt, but for the rest, you're going to want to have child care. If you need that anyway, why not have that person be a doctor?" "How do you know Dr. Fitch?" Andy asked. Katie blanched a little bit. "She's kinda an ex of mine." She raised her hand immediately, a sheepish smile on her face. "We didn't part on bad terms, promise! At the end of the day, she was into the whole polyamory thing, and I wasn't, so we split, but remained good friends. That was five years ago, just before I met Jenny, so it all worked out okay in the end. She's had relationships on and off since then, but nothing's stuck. She's mostly a lesbian, but doesn't mind the occasional bit of cock here and there, so I think she might be a good fit for a staff member. She once told me that she likes to fuck men, but never gets emotionally attached to them the way she does to women, and what with her being staff, she'd be okay to pursue a female partner to take care of her emotional needs." "What makes you think she'll want to join the household?" Ash queried. "Morgan loves constantly shifting problems, and this house is like nothing I've ever seen before. Even before you start spawning, you're gonna need a doctor to make sure your family is in the best condition possible. Until you're having kids, she can staff a clinic in town on a volunteer basis, so she's getting settled here in the mean time. She's bored with the people in Los Altos, and we've always been good friends, so I think knowing I'm here would make her more likely to come aboard." "Challenges you anticipate?" he said. "She'd be the oldest person in the house at 46, but I think it gives her wisdom. Also, you might find her a bit, blunt, until you get used to her." "How blunt?" Katie tried to hide a little smile, shrugging, as she pushed the button to advance the slide to a screen reading "Next: Lauren" in friendly white letters. "Subtle she ain't, sir. I have never met anyone more direct in my life. I've always been a little thankful that she wasn't my doctor, because her bedside manner is more than a bit lacking. But sometimes you need someone to just slap you upside the head. Sir. We all do. Morgan would fill that role. And if she ever gets too blunt for your liking, you can tell her, and maybe she'll dial it down a little bit, or realize that she might've once gone too far. She's direct, but she's never intentionally mean. And even if you don't think Morgan's a good fit for here, and I can completely respect that if that's what you decide, I still want to stress that you're going to be in dire need of a nanny here at some point soon, so to keep that in mind moving forward." "Point taken and noted, Katie. Anything else you wanna say?" Katie brought her finger to her lips, considering for a moment, then slowly stood up. "Just one thing. I know Jenny brought you her old roommate Lexi as a candidate, and I want to throw my weight behind that, even if it's at the cost of my own candidate. I would've not pitched someone else if I could've pitched Lexi twice, y'know what I mean? Lexi's had a shitty go of it and I desperately want her to be happy, and I really think she can be here." Andy chuckled a little. "Unorthodox, but sure, I'll keep it under advisement. Alexis did seem like an excellent candidate, so we'll see how it goes." "Thanks sir! Enjoy the rest of the cunt parade!" she laughed, heading out of the room. Ash shook her head at him with a smile. "I have no idea how you can be such a good poker player with a poker face like that." He grinned, giving her a saucy wink. "It's easier when you don't give a shit about your opponents. This is family, so I don't have to stay so stoic. Besides, I know Jenny and Katie are close, so it's okay to let them share a little secret on my behalf." "Oh we've all got our little secrets, Andy. If you're nice, maybe I'll even let you in on one eventually." He tsked her in jest, waggling a finger in her direction. "My girls are keeping secrets from me? Heaven forbid, what next?" "What's next is Lauren, and frankly, I will probably be spending this entire presentation with my hand over my mouth, desperately trying to stay quiet, and likely failing miserably." Aisling had a strange grin on her face that told Andy this next one might be a little unusual. He didn't have long to consider it, though, as the door opened and the statuesque Lauren strode into the room decked out in a workout track suit with the 49ers logo on it. "Hey Andy, Ash. Thanks for letting all of us do this. I can't tell ya if I'm presenting my candidate to you on a lark, because I think she's actually a good idea or because of the girl herself. Maybe some combination of all three. So let me just get right down to brass tacks," the Aussie said, as she moved to sit down across from them. She picked up the remote and clicked the button as the screen sprung to life. On the screen was an image of a 49ers cheerleader, a fit woman with a large blonde mane of hair like sun dried grass, bubblegum pink lipstick and a smile that was so wide Andy wondered if it hurt when she finally let her face relax. She was pretty in a sort of pageant kind of way, although he suspected she didn't look quite so forced in regular photos that weren't taken from the 49ers website. "This is Jade Dillon. She's been a cheerleader for the 49ers for about three years now, and is literally the most optimistic person I have ever met in my entire life. She is bubbly and chipper and all smiles even at the worst of times. When the pandemic set in, she sent the entire 49ers organization an email reminding them that adversity is simply opportunity in disguise. No lie, Andy, she is completely unflappable in every way possible. She's, she's like a golden retriever in a person! Peppy and enthusiastic and always full of confidence." Andy looked over and saw that Ash had, indeed, both of her hands over her mouth, trying to hold in her desire to laugh, but he could still hear tiny giggles threatening to escape. He looked back to Lauren, a slightly quizzical expression on his face. "I can't tell if you admire her for that or if it drives you crazy." "Both!" Lauren said, throwing up her hands, laughing at herself. "It's infuriating! Even when she was kneeling in protest alongside Colin Kaepernick, she was still smiling about it. I don't know what to do with her! I mean, I get it. She's a kindergarten teacher as her day job, so pennies on the dollar that's what helps her keep all that energy up, but strewth, I just don't know how she does it! I mean, she comes from money, so I imagine that's gotta help." "Oh yeah?" The tall blonde tanned Aussie nodded, pushing the button to show Jade in a more normal setting, in an evening dress standing next to an older gentleman who Andy knew he'd seen somewhere before. "Her daddy is Cormack Dillon, one of the cofounders of Bindr, that teleconferencing tool everyone's using these days, but she's sort of tried to distance herself from 'er daddy over the last few years. An', in a 'ain't it a small world' moment, Cormack Dillon was the guy Katie used to work for before she came here, so she and Jade know one another already." "I could've asked Katie about her then," Andy lamented. "Shame she was just here." Jade looked much more lovely without the pancake makeup, her blonde hair a waterfall of curls, although Andy was also taken aback for a moment, reflexively trying to estimate how much that necklace she was wearing must have cost. After a second, Andy recognized where the photo was taken “ at the prestigious Palace of Fine Arts, where every year the Silicon Valley elite held their own private high end gala. Lauren pushed the button again and the image changed to Jade in more casual clothes, sitting with a handful of other girls in some sidewalk cafe overlooking the Pacific ocean. She had to be under thirty. There was no denying she was fit and lovely, although Andy did wonder if growing up steeped in money had warped her in some way. "Well, you kin ask her before make your mind up. She might have some things to say to sway your mind one way or another, but I simply gotta tell you this one thing, because it is first and foremost the reason I want to bring her to you,” Aisling looked like she was ready to turn blue, trying to hold in her breath and her laughter, her face scrunched up, actual tears rolling down her cheeks, all to Andy's confusion. Lauren pushed the button again and the photo zoomed in, showing just Jade now, laughing and smiling. "Jade Dillion,” She pushed the button again and the image of Jade suddenly had a very large cartoon cherry resting on top of her head. "...is an honest to god twenty six year old virgin." At that, Aisling couldn't help herself, and started laughing furiously, which only made Lauren grin even wider as Andy kept looking between the two of them, wondering desperately if they were putting him on. "It's not for religious reasons, an' it's not something she goes out of her way ta advertise, hell, I doubt very many people even know that she's cherry. But I went out drinking with her and the rest of the Gold Rush girls one night after an away game, and Jade got pretty hammered so I had to help her back to her hotel room. And when I was holding her hair back while she chundered in the dunny, she told me that she'd never lost her virginity, and that boys suck, and sh
Your thumbs are hovering over the skip button. You hear the ad start. Do you skip or do you listen through? When it comes to your podcast…what makes you skip an ad and what makes you stay? Today, we're exploring how podcast ads actually land with listeners. Did you know that 46% of weekly listeners make purchases after hearing a podcast ad, and 88% take action! We also talk about how storytelling in ad reads builds trust with your audience, and why podcasters should consider promoting their own offers. Just remember, the right ad, delivered the right way, can be just as powerful as the podcast itself.Episode Highlights: [02:56] Ad Strategies and Podcast Advertising[04:31] Audience Engagement and Poll on Ads[07:57] Effectiveness of Podcast Ads[10:09] Host Red Ads vs. Recorded Ads[22:17] Programmatic Ads and Platforms[30:03] Challenges with Dynamic Ad Insertions[31:59] Building Relationships with Sponsors[34:01] Effective Ad Placement and Control[38:41] Knowing Your Audience[49:44] PMC Schedule UpdatesLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingEmpowered Podcasting Conference 2: www.empoweredpodcasting.comApply to Speak at Empowered Podcasting Conference 2: www.empoweredpodcasting.com/speakersPodcast Monetization Opportunities with Podcorn:https://app.creators.audacy.com/loginHost Read Ads with Gumball:https://gumball.fmRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com and NextGenPodcaster.comPlease note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Send us a textIn episode 332 of Missions Incorporated, host Jesse SChreck, a full-time missionary in Italy since 2007, tackles a common question: "Why do missions in Italy when it already has the gospel?" With thoughtful insights, Jesse addresses misconceptions about Italy's spiritual landscape, explaining how secularism, a dominant Roman Catholic system, and biblical illiteracy create an urgent need for the true gospel. Drawing from scripture and personal experience, he challenges the idea of abandoning "reached" nations and highlights Italy's potential as an influential hub for gospel advancement. Stay tuned for ministry updates, including a short-term mission trip, a new outreach platform, and ways to support a missionary kid's summer adventures. Visit practicalmissions.org to learn how you can partner in discipling Italy.Appreciate this content? Buy Jesse a coffee at BMC or support the PMc Mission directly.Links:Support Cornelius' SummerPMc Short-term CohortsMission FacilityPartnerLong-Term MissionsVision TripMissionary InternshipPMc AcademiaThe Italian Cohort - join PMc's online Discord communityServe - PMc has numerous avenues of involvementPodcast Producer - Available PositionPMc Missions BlogLike Jesus driven to His cross, so we drive ourselves to the singular task of the edification (planting) of Biblical churches in Italy.Freely join the online Discord group of PMc! The Italian CohortSupport the showDo you love God, Italians, Italy, and the church of Jesus Christ? Do you want to play a more personal role in missions work abroad? Do you want to get all our content and updates (plus bonus material no one else sees) before anyone else? We invite you to join The Italian Cohort - our online community group on Discord - and gain inside access to the work going on in Italy.
Have you been looking for ways to amplify the quality of your audio-video set-up on a budget? Well, you're in luck because today we're sharing our suggestions on how to maximize the potential of a single-camera setup, including the best audio interfaces to use, as well as what lighting is and is not essential for a successful production. We also discuss the social audio app Chatter, which offers many audio and video features, such as streaming to multiple platforms, 4 K video, and more. Lastly, we share our community wins and celebrate each other's accomplishments. Join us next week for more conversations surrounding podcasting and how you can grow! *Quick Announcement! During the summer, we'll be taking Mondays off! Please tune in every Tuesday-Friday and let's talk all things podcasting!*Episode Highlights: [02:04] Migraine Discussion and Remedies[05:12] Summer Schedule Announcement[10:17] Chatter App Overview and Features[20:36] Mailbag: Upgrading Podcast Setup[30:22] Explaining Mix Minus[32:33] Video Setup for Multi-Person Podcast[35:10] Using iPhones for Video Recording[41:18] Lighting Tips for Video Podcasts[42:59] Sharing Wins from the WeekLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingEmpowered Podcasting Conference 2: www.empoweredpodcasting.comApply to Speak at Empowered Podcasting Conference 2: www.empoweredpodcasting.com/speakersRodecaster Pro II: https://amzn.to/41h9yuNLED Lights: https://amzn.to/46Y95yGRiverside: https://www.riverside.fm/?via=0676daRode Wireless Go Mics: https://a.co/d/ening3yZoom P4: https://a.co/d/3WdwslKZoom P8: https://a.co/d/1QksYDUYamaha MG10Xu:https://a.co/d/6hihWHzRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com and NextGenPodcaster.comPlease note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Nossos sócios Luiz Eduardo Portella, Tomás Goulart, Sarah Campos e Victor Ary debatem, no episódio de hoje, os principais acontecimentos da semana no Brasil e no mundo. No cenário internacional, foram divulgados números de inflação nos EUA, abaixo da expectativa, tanto para bens, quanto para serviços; e de emprego - os pedidos de auxílio-desemprego novamente vieram acima do esperado. No contexto geopolítico, Israel realizou o que chamou de ataque preventivo a instalações nucleares e militares no Irã, que já respondeu ao ataque e ameaça retaliação adicional. No Brasil, o Galípolo reforçou que a mensagem principal do Copom está contida na ata. Em termos de dados econômicos, o IPCA de maio veio melhor que o esperado, inclusive nos núcleos; a PMC um pouco mais fraca, e a PMS em linha com a expectativa. O cenário político também esteve conturbado ao longo da semana: após publicação de MP pelo governo, propondo medidas compensatórias diferentes das anunciadas anteriormente, o presidente da Câmara pautou urgência para derrubada do decreto do IOF; e o STF pediu explicações sobre a existência de “emendas paralelas”, gerando atrito na relação com o Congresso. No mercado de crédito, a semana também foi marcada por maior demanda nos mercados primário e secundário, com volume de negociação elevado, e R$16 bi de emissões primárias – além de um pipeline robusto para a próxima semana, que também tende a ser influenciado, nas próximas semanas, por uma antecipação do mercado à possível aprovação da MP 1.303/2025 e taxação de diversos instrumentos hoje isentos. Nos EUA, os juros fecharam (vértice de 5 anos -12 bps), o dólar (DXY) enfraqueceu 1,06% e as bolsas tiveram desempenho negativo – S&P500 -0,39%, Nasdaq -0,60% e Russell 2000 -1,49%. No Brasil, os juros também fecharam (jan/29 -20 bps), o Ibovespa subiu 0,82% e o real +0,30%. O petróleo subiu 13%. Na próxima, será importante acompanhar os dados de varejo nos EUA, além das decisões do Fed e do Copom. Não deixe de conferir!
Ready for more podcast buzz? This episode kicks off with a can't-miss roundup of the latest stories shaking up the audio world. Heads up! Marc is a bit under the weather today, but don't worry - the co-hosts are back and stepping up to the plate, bringing their energy and fresh takes to keep you in the loop. We're digging into the newly released list of the world's richest podcasters. We break down Google Gemini's new AI video tools and scheduled automations, and talk about Congress's new Creators' Caucus that could change the game for digital creators. So grab your headphones, settle in, and join us for an insightful and always entertaining look at what's new in podcasting. Episode Highlights: [01:21] Dealing with Unexpected Absences[02:48] Backup Plans and Suggestions[05:19] Banking Episodes and Workflow Tips[06:53] Richest Podcasters in the World[12:19] AI News and Updates[27:38] Congressional Support for Digital Creators[29:48] IAB Tech Lab's New Containerization Project[36:27] Self-Hosting Podcasts: Pros and Cons[42:01] Podcast Attribution and Measurement InsightsLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingEmpowered Podcasting Conference 2: www.empoweredpodcasting.comApply to Speak at Empowered Podcasting Conference 2: www.empoweredpodcasting.com/speakersThe Podcast Lawyer Gordon Firemark:www.gordonfiremark.com/the-podcast-lawyerPodnews:www.Podnews.netPodcast Rebrands with Every Life Milestone:https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/jamie-laing-sophie-habboo-interview-new-power-couple-9znnx8mhn?Congress Moves To Treat Creators Like Entrepreneurs:https://bit.ly/43YidnwMeet The Wealthiest Voices in Podcasting: https://bit.ly/3FWfUJNRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com and NextGenPodcaster.comPlease note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Big congratulations to our very own community member, Dominic Lawson, whose podcast Mental Health Rewritten is now featured on Apple Podcasts! Dominic shares the strategy that made this come together, including the duration of the process, why timing is crucial, and what it was like working with Apple's editorial team. After celebrating that huge win, we cover this week's top podcasting headlines: Apple's new listening features, YouTube's push for more ads in their music app, Walmart's surprising move into in-store podcast studios, and Spotify's first podcast awards in Mexico. Episode Highlights: [03:19] Amanda's TikTok Chicken Update[07:34] Podcast News and Updates[12:53] Dominic's Podcast Feature on Apple[23:51] Upcoming Events and Workshops[24:43] Content Editing Insights[31:21] Podcast Awards and Events[34:42] YouTube and Walmart's Podcasting Moves[40:46] Apple's Podcast App Updates[49:46] Threads and Social Media UpdatesLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingEmpowered Podcasting Conference 2: www.empoweredpodcasting.comApply to Speak at Empowered Podcasting Conference 2: www.empoweredpodcasting.com/speakersAsk Me About My Podcast T-Shirt: https://ironickmedia.com/merchandiseThe Podcast Lawyer Gordon Firemark:www.gordonfiremark.com/the-podcast-lawyerFour Tips For Getting Featured on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasters.apple.com/support/1993-optimize-your-request-for-promotion?The Art Dialogue of Editing: https://radiobootcamp.org/classes/the-art-of-dialogue-editing-6/Spotify First Ever Podcast Awards: https://www.podcastnewsdaily.com/news/comedy-comes-out-on-top-as-spotify-holds-its-first-ever-podcast-awards/article_a6462b33-dbd2-401d-bbd5-d87272225503.htmlMarc Maron Blames Himself For the Rise of Joe Rogan: https://www.thedailybeast.com/marc-maron-blames-himself-for-the-rise-of-joe-rogan/?Create It Studios: https://www.create-it-studios.com/Create It Studios Walmart Tour: https://www.tiktok.com/@changingcourses11/video/7513647084411637023?_r=1&_t=ZP-8x6CDCzSWKNRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com and NextGenPodcaster.comPlease note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
The tables are turned today, and I opened up about something that's been weighing on me…securing sponsorships for the Empowered Podcasting Conference this September. We've been reaching out all year, but so far, no one's signed on. It's been stressful, and honestly, tough to stay optimistic. The team stepped in with ideas, encouragement, and ways to reframe how I'm looking at the situation. We talked strategy, timing, and how to plan ahead for future events. Toward the end of the show, we answered a mailbag question about explicit tags: if you drop an occasional F-bomb or mention adult topics, do you really need to mark your show as explicit? We broke down when it's needed, what platforms like Apple expect, and how it may or may not affect your reach. Episode Highlights: [03:28] Mental and Physical Health Struggles[07:04] Sponsorship Challenges and Strategies[14:41] Community Support and Ideas[26:04] Sponsorship Packages and Sales Strategy[27:11] Courting Future Sponsors[28:05] Handling Sponsorship Challenges[29:52] Exploring Sponsorship Opportunities[33:33] Mailbag Question: Explicit Content in PodcastsLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingEmpowered Podcasting Conference 2: www.empoweredpodcasting.comApply to Speak at Empowered Podcasting Conference 2: www.empoweredpodcasting.com/speakersRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com and NextGenPodcaster.comPlease note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Ever had a great podcast idea, only to find out someone beat you to the name? This morning, we jumped into a real-world dilemma when DR discovered her client's perfect podcast title was already taken. We outlined practical steps to handle naming conflicts, including checking trademarks, and we brainstormed some creative alternatives. We also shared personal stories about pivoting when plans change. While none of us at PMC are lawyers, and this isn't legal advice, this conversation is rich with insights to help you navigate these tricky naming challenges. To wrap up the week, we shared our wins and challenges and geared up for another week ahead with more tips, tricks, strategies, and insights.Episode Highlights: [02:00] Podcast Name Dilemma[02:57] Discoverability and Naming Strategies[04:29] The Search for Existing Podcasts[07:24] Exploring Alternative Names[10:42] Legal Considerations and Trademarking[29:30] Discussing Legal Fees and Trademarks[35:16] Empowered Podcasting Conference Updates[42:37] Sharing Wins From The WeekLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingEmpowered Podcasting Conference 2: www.empoweredpodcasting.comApply to Speak at Empowered Podcasting Conference 2: www.empoweredpodcasting.com/speakersThe Podcast Lawyer Gordon Firemark:www.gordonfiremark.com/the-podcast-lawyerRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com and NextGenPodcaster.comPlease note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Stanley Sharpey is a writer and a socialist living in London. His essay for Sublation Magazine, "The Discreet Charm of the PMC" explains the history of the term and ends up sympathizing with the Ehrenreichs given the political dilemma they faced in the 1970s.The Discreet Charm of the PMC at Sublation Magazinehttps://www.sublationmag.com/post/the-discreet-charm-of-the-pmcSupport Sublation Mediahttps://patreon.com/dietsoap
Do you rely on listener content for your podcast, and how did you get your listeners to contribute? Today, we give our thoughts on this mailbag question, share smart ways to connect with your audience, and cover a few news stories. Remember, your next big idea might come from your biggest fan! Plus, we cover more podcasting news including new features from Spotify for Creators and Acast to an expected outage you may want to prepare for...Episode Highlights: [04:09] Strategies for Listener Engagement[07:23] Grassroots Outreach and Conference Examples[10:55] Using AI and Online Communities for Content[13:49] Email and Direct Outreach Techniques[18:04] Incentives and Recognition for Listener Contributions[22:47] Acast's AI-Powered Smart Recommendations[26:31] Spotify's Scheduled Outage Announcement[40:13] Using Spotify Clips Effectively[49:20] Top Podcast Metrics to Measure SuccessLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingEmpowered Podcasting Conference 2: https://www.empoweredpodcasting.comApply to Speak at Empowered Podcasting Conference 2: www.empoweredpodcasting.com/speakersPodcasting Morning Chat on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@marcronickPodNews:www.podnews.netHow Shows Are Using Clips:http://bit.ly/4kkTPUaMetrics According to Ausha: https://www.ausha.co/blog/podcast-metricsRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com and NextGenPodcaster.comPlease note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Marc Maron says goodbye to WTF after 16 years. Is it burnout, or just a new chapter? Either way, it's worth discussing. We've also got chart updates, can't-miss events, job leads in the podcasting industry, and a look at AI reviving voices such as Orson Welles. Big changes are happening. You don't want to miss the inside scoop on these stories!Episode Highlights: [2:31] Podcast Data and Rankings[5:49] YouTube Charts and Updates[8:38] Upcoming Events and Opportunities[12:56] AI and Ethical Storytelling[28:03] RSS Feeds and Video Content[30:52] Kids' Summer Listening Challenge[32:26] People's Choice Podcast Awards[33:35] Podcasting Seriously Awards Fund[34:58] Marc Maron's Podcast Farewell[44:17] Podcast Launch Trends and Buzz Sprout StatsLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingEmpowered Podcasting Conference 2: https://www.empoweredpodcasting.comApply to Speak at Empowered Podcasting Conference 2: www.empoweredpodcasting.com/speakersPodcasting Morning Chat on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@marcronickPodNews:www.podnews.netBuzz Sprout Stats: https://www.buzzsprout.com/stats?date=2025-05-01Podglomerate: https://podglomerate.comHow to Get Your Podcast Reviewed By The Media:https://podnews.net/event/how-to-get-your-podcast-reviewed-by-the-mediaHacks & Hobbies with Junaid Ahmed: https://bit.ly/43JvfoLAdding Video Content to RSS Feeds: http://Podcaststandard.orgSummer Listening Challenge for Students: http://jonincharacter.com/summer-listeningPeople's Choice Awards:www.Podcastawards.com Podcasting Seriously Award Fund:http://podcastingseriously.com/fundPop Culture Brain: https://www.popculturebrain.comMarc Maron's Top 5 Interviews From The Guardian: https://bit.ly/3HrCKtdRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com and NextGenPodcaster.comPlease note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
What are your summer plans? Maybe you're packing up the car for a family road trip, or whisking your partner away on a romantic getaway to an exotic destination. It all sounds amazing…but what about your podcast?Summer is a season when routines are often put on hold, but should your podcast take a break too? Today, we open up the mailbag to answer a listener's question about summer podcasting: Should you pause, switch things up, or find new ways to stay connected with your audience? Pull up a chair with us and explore creative strategies to keep your show thriving all summer long!Episode Highlights: [02:14] Empowered Podcasting T-Shirts [06:20] Improv Class Insights [11:23] Amanda's TikTok Success Story [22:54] Mailbag: Summer Podcast Plans [25:36] New Approach to Podcast Breaks [26:29] Celebrating Milestones and Reflecting [28:21] Dynamic Ads and Podcast Intros [33:08] Listener Preferences on Podcast Breaks [41:52] Podcast Shoutouts and CollaborationsLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingEmpowered Podcasting Conference 2: https://www.empoweredpodcasting.comApply to Speak at Empowered Podcasting Conference 2: www.empoweredpodcasting.com/speakersPodcasting Morning Chat on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@marcronickAsk Me About My Podcast T-Shirts:https://ironickpodcasting.myshopify.com/products/ask-me-about-my-podcast-speech-bubbleAmanda's Viral Video about Mr. Spinale: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandaannsharp/video/7509918260905872686Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com and NextGenPodcaster.comPlease note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
What's the one thing you've always wanted to try on your podcast, but never dared to do? Today, we dusted off the mailbag and found some inspiration in a question from a fellow podcaster: “What's one thing every podcaster should try at least once?” This got us thinking about all the ways we can break out of our routines and breathe new life into our shows. Today we share the experiments and challenges that have made the biggest difference for us. For some, it's trying a new storytelling style, or getting out from behind the desk to record in the real world, or even letting someone else take the reins and interview you for a change. We discussed going live, the lessons you learn from editing your own episodes, and the value of connecting with your audience in new ways. Episode Highlights: [2:16] Improve Classes & Updates[7:59] Mailbag Question: Breaking Podcasting Routines[10:48] Narrative Style Podcasting Discussion[22:14] Live Podcasting and Editing Tips[26:53] Listener Reviews and Feedback[28:04] Understanding Audience Size[30:56] Round Table Discussions[38:20] Video in Podcasting[48:24] Summer Podcast PlansLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingEmpowered Podcasting Conference 2: https://www.empoweredpodcasting.comApply to Speak at Empowered Podcasting Conference 2: www.empoweredpodcasting.com/speakersRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com and NextGenPodcaster.comPlease note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Have you ever listened to a podcast that really inspired you and stayed with you so much that you just had to share it with someone? That's exactly what we're getting into today as we reveal the "new to us" podcasts that have captured our attention. We break down what makes these shows so impressive and discuss what keeps us coming back for more. Since it's Friday, we're wrapping up the week with a rapid-fire round of wins, celebrating our accomplishments and cheering each other on. Tune in for inspiration, recommendations, and a dose of positivity to close out your week. And don't forget to join us next week for more conversations on how you can take your podcast to the next level!Episode Highlights: [02:09] Sharing Podcast Recommendations[03:27] Unexpected Podcast Discoveries[17:31] Incorporating AI in Podcasting[23:46] Discussing a Challenging Episode on Sexual Assault[24:49] AI in Production and Post-Production[25:16] Seth Meyers Podcast and The Last of Us HBO Series[30:28] Introducing 'Go and Find Out' by Johnny Wright[37:34] Copyright Issues with Music in Podcasts[43:02] Celebrating Weekly WinsLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingEmpowered Podcasting Conference 2: https://www.empoweredpodcasting.comApply to Speak at Empowered Podcasting Conference 2: www.empoweredpodcasting.com/speakersMental Health Rewritten: https://www.mentalhealthrewrittenpodcast.com/Life After Corporate: https://lifeaftercorporate.com/podcast/Real Estate Investing with Coach Carson: https://www.coachcarson.com/coach-carson-podcast/Finding Mastery: https://findingmastery.com/podcast-start/Serial: https://open.spotify.com/show/5wMPFS9B5V7gg6hZ3UZ7hfHow Leaders Lead: https://bit.ly/4kApXmkHistory of Standup: https://open.spotify.com/show/59ODNiEdu7LNd3F7N8rpOhThe Lonely Island: https://bit.ly/43tbWQsHBO's The Last Of Us: https://open.spotify.com/show/63sqfQdGgHdkBlR7bxLeBkGo and Find Out: https://www.amazon.com/Go-and-Find-Out/dp/B0F4DX3RBVLickd:https://lickd.co/Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com and NextGenPodcaster.comPlease note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Did you know female podcast listeners remember ads better than any other media platform? Today, we dig into why podcast ads, especially those integrated naturally, stick with both men and women more than TV, YouTube, or social media. That surprising stat came from Sounds Profitable, and it sparked a deeper conversation about trust, routine, and connection in audio storytelling. We also cover Apple Podcasts' big debut at The Podcast Show in London, where they revealed it was their most successful year yet. Additionally, we discuss new features from Spotify and the increasing importance of transcripts, not just for legal accessibility, but also for genuine listener value. Whether you're curious about industry shifts, the impact of video podcasting, or how listener habits are changing, this episode brings a roundup of what's shaping the future of the medium. Tune in for insights, industry updates, and more.Episode Highlights: [02:00] Personal Experiences with Podcast Ads[14:23] Clubhouse Premium Features[20:05] Discussion on Pocket Casts and Recommendations[21:41] SiriusXM and Podcast Transcription Legal Issues[22:38] Importance of Transcripts for Accessibility[24:34] Transcription Tools and Practices[35:12] Open Video Podcasting and RSS Specification[36:49] Encouragement for New PodcastersLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingPodnews:www.Podnews.netEmpowered Podcasting Conference 2: https://www.empoweredpodcasting.comApple's Resources for Podcasters: https://podcasters.apple.com/support/?type=NewsThe Podcast Show: https://www.thepodcastshowlondon.com/Sirius Agrees to Mediate in Transcription Suite: https://bit.ly/3Z7lGP9Video Podcasts Distributed via RSS:https://bit.ly/4dG8TcrThe Podcasting Advertising Anomaly: New Research on Attention and Genderhttps://soundsprofitable.com/article/podcast-advertising-anomaly/Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com and NextGenPodcaster.comPlease note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Cosmo says your zodiac sign has a perfect podcast match, and we couldn't resist putting it to the test. Today's episode kicks off with a fun horoscope-inspired segment before digging into fresh industry headlines. Apple just teamed up with Canva to launch free, customizable templates for podcasters, making it easier to create sharp promo graphics. We also cover Anthropic's new Claude 4 upgrades and Google's Veo-3 Gemini integration, which allows creators to direct AI-generated video frame by frame. We also discuss how major events like VidCon and Podcast Movement compare, and why some podcasters are choosing to attend smaller and more intimate conferences in comparison to events with thousands of participants. This episode keeps you current and shows you new tools to boost creativity and workflow. Don't miss this one, listen all the way to the end.Episode Highlights: [03:59] Pat Flynn's Feedback on Social Media Strategies[08:27] Podcast Recommendations by Zodiac Sign[18:17] Podcast Charts and Trends[26:28] Mainstream Media vs. Independent Creators[27:17] The Ambiguity of Content Creation[31:52] AI Innovations in Content Creation[42:58] Upcoming Events for Content Creators[45:58] Apple's New Resources for Podcasters[48:40] The Podcast Show in London[50:11] Empowered Podcasting Conference 2Links & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingThe Perfect Podcast to Listen to Based on Your Zodiac Signhttps://bit.ly/4mBTPk7Podnews:www.Podnews.netIntroducing Claude 4: https://www.anthropic.com/news/claude-4Empowered Podcasting Conference 2: https://www.empoweredpodcasting.com/Vidcon: https://vidcon.comVirtual Social Media Strategies Summit: https://www.socialmediastrategiessummit.com/Podcast Movement: https://podcastmovement.com/Apple's Resources for Podcasters: https://podcasters.apple.com/support/?type=NewsThe Podcast Show: https://www.thepodcastshowlondon.com/Create With Veo 3: https://labs.google/fx/tools/flowRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com and NextGenPodcaster.comPlease note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Podcast charts might not mean what you think they do! Today, we break down how rankings work on various platforms. Five-star reviews might not matter as much as you've heard. You may be asking yourself What does matter? Today, in our conversation, we cover aspects such as completion rates and actual listening time. Remember, charts aren't everything. We also explore what real podcast growth looks like outside the rankings. That means listener loyalty, consistent engagement, and showing up for the right people, not just more people. If you've been feeling pressure to go viral or beat the algorithm, this episode offers a fresh perspective on growth and some realistic approaches worth trying. Episode Highlights: [02:41] Dealing with Haters[07:49] Podcast Discoverability[09:36] Strategies for Growing Your Audience[15:39] Challenges and Solutions in Discoverability[21:55] Importance of Ratings and Reviews[28:28] Marketing and SEO Insights[28:50] Finding and Ranking Podcasts[30:12] Impact Over Virality[31:59] Measuring Podcast Success[36:01] SEO and Social Proof[49:24] Platform-Specific Ranking AlgorithmsLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingMowPod Rankings: https://mowpod.com/Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com and NextGenPodcaster.comPlease note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
(Please forgive the first 8-10 minutes. We had to use part of our backup recording today) On today's show, we're diving into another round of your mailbag questions and since it's Friday, celebrating wins from the week! From practical tips on transitioning away from defunct podcasting softwarre to exploring powerful AI tools to streamline your production workflow, this episode has something valuable for every podcaster. We share insights on why investing in the right tools can significantly boost your podcast's quality and efficiency. Plus, discover creative ways to celebrate major milestones like your 100th episode, engage your audience, and amplify your podcasting journey.We wrap up the episode with inspiring wins from our community members…from personal and professional triumphs to exciting podcast developments and meaningful audience connections.Episode Highlights:[06:17] Tools for Recording and Streamlining Podcast Workflow[17:40] AI Tools to Boost Your Podcast Creativity and Productivity[22:28] Creative Ideas for Celebrating Your Podcast's Milestones[33:01] How to Make Your 100th Episode Special and Memorable[41:24] Community Wins: Celebrating Listener SuccessesLinks & Resources:The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingRiverside: https://www.riverside.fm/?via=0676daRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com and EmpoweredPodcasting.comPlease note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
On what is next for 'PMC theory' [For the full episode, subscribe at patreon.com/bungacast] The social media avatar known as Christopher Lasch's Angry Ghost joins us to unpick the conjuncture: as the Trump administration makes cuts and seeks to do away with progressives in bureaucracies, where does that leave the left-wing critique of the PMC? What would Lasch's ghost be telling us now? Is the PMC a class? Is it distinct people? Or is it more like procedures, and ways of thinking? Is woke over? Will the MANGOs (media, academia, NGOs) carry on? Can the PMC still advance oppositional politics or it hopeless compromised? What will be the effect on AI doing away with professional class jobs? Is vice-signalling replacing virtue-signalling? Links: Death of a Yuppie Dream, Barbara Ehrenreich, RosaLux (pdf) It's Our Fault, Dustin Guastella, Damage Trump's purge of the professionals, Ryan Zickgraf, UnHerd This obsession with a ‘new elite' hides the real roots of power, Kenan Malik, The Guardian The Techno-Populist Convergence, Alex Hochuli, Compact