What is a Podcast?

byrcharinhp99

3.6K followers

Updated 12 months ago

Disclaimer:

This post is not geared towards newbies. It is more fitting for intermediate or advanced affiliate marketers. However, you are welcome to join in the fun. For starters, podcasts can be done on a smart phone, You can upgrade to a more professional touch later on down the road. Let's dive in!

This is How We Roll

A podcast is an audio or video program that is released episodically and downloaded digitally. Podcasts cover a huge range of topics from news, entertainment, comedy, sports, politics, religion, health, and more. Podcasts have become extremely popular in recent years as technology has made them easy and convenient to access at any time.

How Does Podcasting Work?

Creating a Podcast

While creating a quality podcast requires work, the barriers to entry are fairly low. With some basic equipment like a computer, microphone, and recording software, anyone can record a podcast. Many podcasts are recorded with co-hosts over the internet using programs like Zoom or Skype. Editing the audio to polish it is also important before releasing episodes.

Hosting and Distribution

Once a podcast episode is recorded and edited, the podcaster needs to host and distribute their show. Podcast hosting platforms allow users to easily upload audio files and create RSS feeds. This RSS feed links all the podcast episodes together so listeners can subscribe. Popular hosting sites include Anchor, Buzzsprout, Libsyn, and Blubrry.

The RSS feed is then submitted to major podcast directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and more. Listeners search for and subscribe to podcasts on these platforms. New episodes will then automatically download to their devices when released.

Pros:

• Talk about topics you're passionate about
• Earn income through ads, sponsorships, etc.
• Relatively low effort for potential rewards

Cons:

• Significant time and money invested upfront before seeing any returns
• Very crowded marketplace, hard to stand out
• Issues around protecting your content/intellectual property

In terms of downsides to listening to podcasts, the main one is accessibility and reach. Podcasts can be difficult to access for some groups, like visually impaired individuals or those without consistent internet access. They also lack the broadmainstream reach of other mediums like TV or radio.

Listening and Subscribing

The most common way listeners access podcasts is by searching or browsing podcast apps and platforms. Every iPhone comes preinstalled with the Apple Podcasts app. Android users typically use Google Podcasts or Spotify. With a podcast app, users can browse, search, subscribe, stream, and download episodes.

Subscribing allows listeners to automatically receive new episodes when released so they don't miss out. Podcast apps will download new episodes when connected to wi-fi so they are ready to play when offline. Popular shows release weekly or a few times per month.

Why Podcasts are Popular

There are a few key reasons why podcasts have exploded in popularity:

🎯 On-Demand Content - Listeners appreciate being able to access content on their own time. This flexibility and portability gives podcasts an advantage over traditional radio.

🎯Niche Topics and Formats - With millions of podcasts available on every imaginable topic, listeners can find shows perfectly tailored to their interests. Podcasts also present content in many formats like solo shows, ensemble casts, interviews, reporting, comedy, storytelling and more.

🎯 Episode Length - Unlike music playlists which provide short 3-5 minute songs, most podcast episodes run from 30 minutes to over an hour. This allows for more in-depth storytelling and useful information.

🎯 Intimacy and Connection - With podcasts, listeners feel an intimate personal connection as hosts share ideas, stories and conversations. This builds loyalty to shows where listeners come to know and trust the hosts.

🎯 Sense of Discovery - With new podcasts constantly emerging, listeners enjoy discovering new voices and perspectives. The variety gives podcasts a vibrant, unpredictable feel.

🎯 Advertising Potential - Podcasts present a unique advertising opportunity because of the personal connection listeners have with hosts and shows. As podcasts become more popular, more brands have taken advantage.

Basic Podcast Equipment You'll Need

To record, edit, publish and promote a podcast, you'll need a few basic equipment and tools:

· A Computer - The central hub for recording, editing, publishing and managing your podcast.

· Microphone - To clearly record your voice and any guests. USB or XLR microphones give the best sound quality.

· Headphones - Quality headphones help you properly monitor audio levels while recording and editing.

· Recording Software - Multi-track editing software like Audacity, or Riverside to record and polish episodes.

· Editing Software - While recording software can edit, advanced options like Adobe Audition may be needed to take sound quality to the next level.

· Podcast Host - A hosting platform to publish your podcast and create an RSS feed like Buzzsprout, Libsyn or Podbean.

· Podcast Artwork - Album artwork featuring your logo and branding displayed alongside your podcast on directories.

· Distribution - Getting your podcast feed submitted to all major podcast platforms to maximize subscribers and audience.

Types of Podcasts

✔️ Solo Podcaster

The host shares their thoughts, stories, and commentary without any guests or co-hosts. Some examples are hardcore history, the rambling's of Dan Carlin and The Daily Zeitgeist with Jack O'Brien.

✔️ Co-Host Podcast

Two or more hosts get together to discuss various topics usually centered around a specific theme. Popular versions are Stuff You Should Know, The Joe Rogan Experience and Crime Junkie.

✔️ Interview Podcast

The host interviews various guests, often experts in a particular subject. Listeners tune in to gain insights from the different guests. Examples include Tim Ferriss's podcast and The School of Greatness with Lewis Howes.

✔️ Storytelling and Narrative Podcast

As the name implies, storytelling podcasts feature dramatic retellings of events often revolving around some type of mystery, drama or adventure. Top shows in this genre include Serial, This American Life, and Dr. Death.

✔️ Instructional or Educational Podcast

"How-to" podcasts share guides, lessons and tips to educate listeners on a topic. From personal finance, to health, to starting a business, instructional podcasts are extremely practical. Notable examples are Entrepreneurs on Fire, Afford Anything with Paula Pant and The Free Money Guy Show.

✔️ Scripted Fiction Podcast

These scripted, fictional audio dramas create entire worlds for audiences to get lost in. The cinematic vivid scenes crafted distinguish them from other formats. Leading fictional podcasts include Welcome to Night Vale, Limetown, and The Left Right Game.

✔️ News Commentary Podcast

A host or group of hosts discuss the top news events of the day to provide perspective and analysis of current events. Popular news commentary pods are The Daily from The New York Times and NPR’s Up First.

✔️ Comedy Podcast

As you may expect, comedy podcasts aim to make audiences laugh with amusing stories and conversations. They often include celebrity guests or popular comedians. Leading comedy shows are Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, Smartless and Chris and Andy’s Quarantine Podcast.

✔️ Sports Podcast

These shows dive deep into what's happening across every major sports league. They debate athletes, teams and provide breakdowns of games and matches. Notable examples are The Bill Simmons Podcast, Pardon My Take, 30 for 30 and The Fantasy Footballers.

A Few Examples of Where People Listen to Podcasts

Thanks to smartphones, podcast listening happens in many places including:

· During commute drives or rides on the bus or train traveling to and from work. One study showed the average commute time is just over 55 minutes making this a perfect podcast occasion.

· At the gym or out on a walk/run getting exercise. The motivational and inspiring content can make workouts fly by faster!

· Chores and cleaning around the house like laundry, dishes, and more. Podcasts provide companionship and entertainment transforming mundane tasks.

· Right before bed as listeners relax and unwind, podcasts can take their mind off other stressors. Soothing voices can lull even anxious minds.

· At work, particularly if you have administrative tasks that don't require complete concentration. Podcasts boost energy and stave off boredom.

· Traveling long distances like flights or long car ride road trips are prime podcast time. They can turn what would be silent hours into entertaining adventures.

· While cooking lengthy recipes in the kitchen to add fun to following recipes step-by-step. Kitchen dance parties may spontaneously erupt!

Some Interesting Podcast Statistics

· It's estimated that there are 2 million active podcasts and over 48 million total episodes as of mid 2022.

· In 2022, 41% of the US 12+ population (116 million people) reported listening to a podcast in the past month. This is a 2% increase from 116 million in 2021 showing steady growth.

· As of 2022, the average listener subscribes to about 7 podcast shows. About 58% only subscribe to between 1-5 shows showing a lot of room to grow with new podcast development and discovery.

· 22% of monthly podcast listeners reported listening to 6 or more hours per week showing rising engagement. Heavy monthly listeners (6+ hours a week) make up around 65 million Americans.

· It's projected that by 2024 there will be over 150+ million monthly podcast listeners in the United States or 38% of Americans ages 12 and older.

· Globally the monthly podcast listeners will likely exceed 1 billion people by 2025 showing this media is still in its growth phase.

· In a 2021 survey, 42% of listeners said they discovered new podcasts through social media recommendations from friends or influencers showing word of mouth is still crucial.

Top Podcasts Worth Listening To

Jemele Hill is Unbothered

Jemele Hill is an Emmy-winning journalist who hosts the Spotify podcast “Jemele Hill is Unbothered.” The podcast covers a wide range of topics related to film, journalism, music, literature and more. Hill has interviewed guests like Lisa Ling, Dan Rather, Tiffany Haddish, Kamala Harris, Stephen Colbert, Michael B Jordan, Jill Scott, Chuck D and many other big names. She explores weighty cultural issues in-depth through conversations with some of the best interviewers out there.

Is Jemele Hill still on Spotify?

In November 2022, Jemele Hill and Spotify mutually agreed to end their partnership. Hill had launched her podcast “Jemele Hill is Unbothered” on Spotify back in April 2019. She later expanded her deal with them to create the Unbothered Network, which included other podcasts hosted by Black women such as “Sanctified” and “The Black Girl Bravado.”

The statement announcing the split noted that Spotify was incredibly proud of the work they produced together over the past four years. Hill owns the intellectual property rights to “Jemele Hill is Unbothered” and “Sanctified," so it is her decision whether those shows stay on Spotify. However, “The Black Girl Bravado” will remain available there as that is a licensed series.

What's the True Story Behind The Shrink Next Door?

The podcast “The Shrink Next Door” documents the shocking true story of a psychiatrist named Dr. Isaac “Ike” Herschkopf who manipulated and took advantage of his patients. One patient named Marty Markowitz had built a successful family business and became a millionaire.

Over the course of 30 years, Ike slowly took over Marty’s personal and professional life for his own benefit. He convinced Marty to let him move into his home in the Hamptons and manipulated him into cutting off contacts with his own friends and family members.

The story illustrates the immense damage that can be done when mental health professionals violate boundaries with vulnerable patients. It serves as a warning about the need for appropriate professional oversight and accountability.

What is the Point of The Shrink Next Door?

“The Shrink Next Door” podcast dramatizes the true story of Marty, a patient who originally just wanted help setting better personal boundaries from his therapist Dr. Ike. But over three decades, Dr. Ike massively violated those boundaries and took over Marty's entire life.

The story is a shocking example of how even well-meaning therapy can go horribly wrong when ethical standards are ignored. It highlights the absolute necessity of enforcing appropriate boundaries in mental health treatment relationships.

A Very British Cult

The April 2023 BBC Three podcast “A Very British Cult” investigates an organization called Lighthouse that offers life mentorship and advice. Through the story of one man recruited into Lighthouse, the podcast makes a compelling case that the group exhibits many attributes of a dangerous cult. It provides perspective from the indoctrinated man’s concerned girlfriend, who painfully watched his descent from the sidelines. Fortunately the story has a hopeful conclusion of escape and recovery, but it offers a cautionary tale about similar groups that exploit people under the guise of help and mentorship.

What Company is a Very British Cult About?

The BBC Three podcast episode “A Very British Cult” investigates the organization called Lighthouse. Through first-hand accounts from past members, it builds an extremely concerning portrait of Lighthouse as a manipulative, abusive entity that has caused real harm in many lives. Journalist Catrin Nye methodically analyzes the group’s structure and patterns of behavior to support the assessment that it functions as a cult inflicting various forms of suffering.

Where Can I Watch British Documentaries?

BBC Select offers a streaming subscription for only $4.99 a month that includes acclaimed British documentaries. It is available as an add-on channel through Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Roku. You can start a free 7-day trial to sample their selection of BBC programs and other British documentary content.

What Happened to The Shrink Next Door Podcast?

The popular podcast “The Shrink Next Door” has now been adapted into an Apple TV+ original miniseries starring Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd. The show dramatizes the shocking true story of a psychiatrist who manipulates his patient and takes over his entire life. Streaming now exclusively on the Apple TV+ platform, the series expands on the podcast’s examination of this unbelievable case of gross professional exploitation in the mental health field.

How Do I Listen to The Shrink Next Door Podcast?

Originally released as a podcast, “The Shrink Next Door” is now available ad-free solely through a Wondery+ subscription on Apple Podcasts or the Wondery app. All six audio episodes detailing the disturbing real-life therapist abuse story can be accessed by subscribing to Wondery’s premium podcast service.

Who Wrote The Shrink Next Door Podcast?

New York Times columnist Joe Nocera researched, wrote, and hosts “The Shrink Next Door” podcast. The show shares the incredible story of how his longtime friend Marty Markowitz had his life hijacked and controlled by an unscrupulous psychiatrist over a 30-year period.

Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend

Former late-night talk show host Conan O’Brien currently has a weekly podcast called “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” in which he conducts lively, comedic interviews with celebrity guests.

Frequent visitors include comedians like Ali Wong, Will Arnett and Judd Apatow along with other household names such as Quentin Tarantino, Kid Cudi and Sarah Silverman. It offers fans a fun opportunity to experience Conan’s witty banter and rapport with famous friends in a long-form conversation format now that his TV show has ended.

Does Conan O’Brien Have a Podcast?

Yes, since 2018 Conan O’Brien has hosted a podcast called “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend.” On the weekly show he interviews celebrities, comedians and other entertainers in a humorous free-flowing dialogue. Some guests have included Ali Wong, Will Arnett, Sarah Silverman and Quentin Tarantino.

Who Listens to Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend Podcast?

Conan O’Brien’s podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend" currently has over 230 million total downloads since launching. So it attracts a very large regular worldwide audience. His amusing long-form interviews explore the lives and careers of well-known actors, comedians, musicians and cultural figures.

Why Won’t You Date Me with Nicole Byer

Comedian Nicole Byer hosts the comedy podcast “Why Won’t You Date Me” where she humorously investigates why she is perpetually single. Joined by a different guest each episode, she discusses topics around relationships, dating, romance and sex while analyzing her own romantic fails and tries to determine her ideal partner.

Where is Conan O’Brien’s Podcast Studio?

Team Coco, Conan O’Brien’s digital media company, produces his podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” along with other podcast programming. Their podcast production studios are located in Los Angeles, California.

Table Manners

The podcast “Table Manners” offers listeners a virtual dinner party experience with singer Jessie Ware, her mom Lennie, and special celebrity guests. Broadcast from Jessie’s home, each episode features dinner prepared by “chef extraordinaire” Lennie along with humorous and revealing conversations. Guests have ranged from Billy Porter to Maisie Williams to Ed Sheeran to English MP Jess Phillips. It attracts fans seeking entertaining backstories from big names across music, film, politics and culture.

Who is the Host of Table Manners Podcast?

British singer Jessie Ware co-hosts the “Table Manners” podcast with her mother, accomplished home chef Lennie Ware. They invite prominent guests from entertainment, politics and other fields to dine at their table for meals accompanied by lively, candid dialogue.

What is Considered Rude at the Dinner Table?

Chewing loudly with an open mouth is widely considered rude dining etiquette. Additionally, talking while still chewing food, licking fingers at the table, and eating slowly when with others are seen as impolite. Tasting dishes before adding any seasoning is also standard polite behavior. More broadly, the podcast “Table Manners” explores celebrity lives while demonstrating societal norms around proper dinner conversation.

Bandsplain

The podcast “Bandsplain” examines musical groups with unusually devoted followings. Host Yasi Salek explores the distinct cultures surrounding bands like Phish, Insane Clown Posse, Dave Matthews Band and the Gin Blossoms. Listeners learn what fuels such extreme fandom and what unique experiences the bands provide through festivals, subcultures, tour lifestyles and more. Playlists allow fans and newcomers alike to sample the diverse music.

Is Bandsplain Done?

After a nearly 4-month hiatus in 2022, the cult band podcast “Bandsplain” returned with new episodes in July courtesy of The Ringer Podcast Network. Host Yasi Salek revived the show there after its original production home, Spotify’s now defunct Studio 4, closed down. The relaunched weekly series continues guiding listeners through the worlds of bands with unusually passionate fan bases.

How Do You Listen to a Podcast?

Most people listen to podcasts through a dedicated podcasting app, either pre-installed on a smartphone or downloaded from an app store. Apple device users can access podcasts via the Apple Podcasts app. Android users typically use Google Podcasts or Spotify. These apps provide free subscriptions, catalogs and organization for discovering and managing all your favorite podcast content.

Dolly Parton's America

The podcast “Dolly Parton's America” investigates why the beloved artist resonates so widely across an extremely divided modern America. Through biography, music analysis and cultural commentary, it makes the case that Dolly's personal authenticity enables her superstar status and unifying appeal. Host Jad Abumrad guides listeners on an audio journey through the many facets leading to Dolly's iconic status.

This selection illustrates the incredibly diverse landscape of podcast genres today catering to all interests. But their common ingredient is uniformly captivating storytelling - whether dramatizing shocking true events, revealing celebrity lives, analyzing musical movements or dissecting a one-of-a-kind icon. Wherever your tastes fall, an entertaining and enlightening podcast awaits your ears. So plug in and get listening!

The Future of Podcasting

In the next few years, we can expect podcasting's growth trajectory to continue. Improvements in technology, distribution, advertising capabilities and content variety will likely expand the audience even more.

Podcast creators will dive deeper into niche topics diving super specific into interests. We'll also see even higher production value with cinematic scripted fiction podcasts. And as video gets integrated into cars and devices, video podcasts may rise more in popularity especially for instructional do-it-yourself lessons.

Lastly, while podcasts were traditionally free, we may see a rise in subscription paid podcasts. Supporters will pay monthly fees to access ad-free versions or exclusive bonus episodes and content. This will open up new lanes of podcast entrepreneurship and creativity!

Final Thoughts on Podcasting

In the span of a little over 15 years, podcasting has revolutionized audio driven media and opened up the gates for anyone to have a voice and platform. With incredibly low financial barriers to entry compared with something like starting a TV channel, anyone with an idea, skills and effort can build an audience around their unique voice. And we believe this creative medium filled with vibrant diversity will only keep getting better in the years to come!