Big Podcast Playbook - Marketing for Podcasters (A Podcast on Podcasting)

What separates a forgettable podcast from a bingeable one? David dives into the secrets of great content, writing strategies, and connecting with your audience in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Launch with 25 episodes: binge culture hack Ditch vague intros ... cold opens hook fast Segment secrets: radio's "Demo Derby" grabs sponsors Write podcast titles that earn obsessive clicks Get specific ... paint mind-pictures, win loyalty Only one call-to-action: avoid "Aesop's Donkey" paradox Speak insider language—create envy and exclusivity Why You Should Listen Why launching with 25 episodes could make listeners binge on your podcast like hungry wolves at a steakhouse (while competitors starve for attention) The one segment-creation secret David Hooper used to land a syndicated radio show (and big-name sponsors—no fame required) How "cold opens" hypnotize your audience before they even know what hit them—and why skipping them costs you loyal fans The simple segment structure formula that can make your content irresistible—even if you've never written a script before How strong endings can create addiction ... forcing your audience to always want "one more episode" (Netflix wishes they knew this ... just kidding, they probably DO know it) The one mistake in podcast intros that drives listeners away before you finish saying, "How are you, Brenda?" "Fuel for Thought" ... how a single phrase can make you the king of your audience's mind (and keep them begging for more) The dark art of descriptive writing: make listeners "see" your show, even if you record in a 5x8 closet (envy for your production secrets … triggered) Why vague promises sabotage your authority—and exactly what to say so people obey your every call-to-action How to make your episode titles scream "click me!" ... the spam-ad trick listeners can't resist (lust for content activated) The sneaky difference between clever headlines and clear headlines—and why going "general" is for losers who want to fade into obscurity How knowing your audience's lingo gives you power ... and instantly separates insiders from outsiders before the first word is spoken The "Aesop's Donkey" curse: why giving listeners too many choices leaves your podcast starving for attention ... and how to flip it in your favor How to reframe any segment for TOTAL CONTROL over who falls in love (or rage) with your podcast ... no apologies needed The secret that's been hiding under your nose: why polarizing content drives the true fans wild … and sends the sheep running (control the market by speaking only to the wolves) Episode Timestamps [00:01:35] What separates forgettable podcasts from bingeable ones—and why launching with 25 episodes might change everything [00:06:13] How a last-minute idea in a pitch meeting landed a syndicated radio show and got big sponsors onboard [00:09:07] Why "it depends" is the enemy of good podcast advice—and what you should say instead [00:10:49] The dirty secret behind headlines that "earn the click"—and how edgy, specific segments build cult audiences [00:13:06] How a scandalous 90s club band taught David Hooper the secret to making any niche irresistible—even Christian acts [00:14:04] The difference between clever and clear podcast titles, and why being too funny might actually lose you listeners [00:17:25] Why using your audience's secret language instantly separates insiders from outsiders—and makes your podcast irresistible to the right crowd You want these links ... Subscribe to Big Podcast Playbook See Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistance The Newsletter for Podcasters Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​ Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​ Want more help growing your podcast audience? Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) Click the icon below to listen.

Master the five essential on-mic skills every podcaster needs, from hosting and interviewing to storytelling and voice control, in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Why "one-trick podcasters" get left behind Outsmart big studios: master every podcast skill NPR advice that flops for independents Be the hired gun clients envy and chase Ignore "radio land" and make listeners feel chosen Rambling guests? Here's how to wrestle control Death, dedication, and the power of pacing Why You Should Listen Why mastering "core on-mic skills" gives you instant status and respect — even if you're a complete unknown How to make your podcast so binge-worthy, your competition will be green with envy (while their own listeners defect to you!) The embarrassing mistake smart podcasters STILL make on interviews (and how it kills growth… are you guilty?) Do you secretly lust after the power to control every conversation? Learn the pacing trick that puts you in command How to turn any guest — even ramblers and narcissists — into pure podcast gold (with a Jedi-level redirect tactic) The glutton's way to churn out episodes fast… without ever needing a guest again (you'll never be hungry for content) The dirty little secret NPR won't tell you about podcast production — and why ignoring it could keep you broke How the oldest active podcaster hacked her way to total creative independence (learn what she refused to outsource!) The one "get in, get good, get gone" formula that will make your show addictively efficient — most hosts NEVER do this How the dark art of monologuing gives you total control and audience loyalty (even if you think you ramble too much) Use the envy-triggering skill of storytelling to have listeners glued to your every word — longing for the payoff The 3-part "parking lot moment" method for crafting stories people can't turn off (even after arriving home) Why the voice-control technique used by radio legends like Casey Kasem gives you seductive authority on the mic (and how to steal it) Strategic silence: The forbidden trick that makes every word sound richer — and your rivals sound like frantic amateurs Why developing these podcasting skills lets you outlast, outplay, and out-earn even the most well-financed shows (power is yours, no matter your gear or budget) Episode Timestamps [01:25] "This guy was amazing. Had one of those movie trailer voices … but that was all that he had." — The brutal truth about relying on talent alone in podcasting. [02:35] "A lady from NPR… She's giving a presentation … and says, 'Well, that's really for your producer.'" — A hilarious real-life moment revealing how out of touch even big media pros can be with indie podcasters. [05:12] "You are a part of that sustainability. You have to be able to continue to show up…" — The overlooked secret behind keeping your podcast alive when most fade out. [07:52] "This is an episode for you. I am talking to you. I don't say… 'All my fans listening.'" — Why the personal touch matters more than ever (and what old-school radio still gets wrong!). [10:03] "Are you doing it? You go in with an agenda, ten questions … you go into that next thing without responding to what's happening." — The embarrassing interview mistake even top podcasters make—and how to avoid it! [13:40] "Monologuing is weird, so you're going to have to practice it. But if you want to be a powerful podcaster, you need to get better at it." — The daring challenge: Hold attention solo, no guests, no music. [16:13] "You're going to lose your ability to sustain … to take a deep breath and go on and on … I could do that forever because I work on my breath control." — The voice control secret that separates pros from amateurs (and what smoking can teach you about podcasting longevity). You want these links ... Subscribe to Big Podcast Playbook See Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistance The Newsletter for Podcasters Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​ Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​ Want more help growing your podcast audience? Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) Click the icon below to listen.

Can podcast awards really boost your reputation, and what happens when you return to podcasting after years away? David Hooper shares stories, listener letters, and hard-won insights in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Game podcast awards for envy-inducing credibility Micro-fame: win an award with only 50 votes Awards hype: open doors, but hollow inside Quit for years? Return with even more power Feel like a beginner again ... and win Old podcast kings return: threatened or inspired? Your fans crave glory too ... give it to them Why You Should Listen The hidden reason winning podcast awards can make your audience obsessed with you (and how to exploit it for massive loyalty) Why most awards are "vanity metrics" — and the sneaky little trick to use them for big-time credibility The under-the-radar method to game nearly any awards system (without breaking a single rule) "Best None of the Above"? How targeting obscure categories can make you a legend What elite podcasters do to turn tiny wins into doors flung open ... while you're still begging outside How to use jealousy to make your fandom fight for your honor (and skyrocket your reach overnight) The Cinderella story: coming back to podcasting after years in the abyss (Are you doomed or destined for a comeback?) Want a tribe who worships every word? Learn the community-building move that'll make your podcast listeners ravenous for more The one mistake fresh podcasters make when chasing awards (and how you can profit from their failure) Why the rules of podcasting have changed forever (and how industry dinosaurs will never see you coming) The real secret to regaining power after you've disappeared from the scene (and how to turn your absence into envy-fueled advantage) Why your rusty "return" is your most powerful superpower ... if you remember this one thing How seasoned hosts quietly outmaneuver the young hotshots ... with less effort and a bigger payday The hidden cost of burning yourself out (and why laziness just might lead to long-term podcasting power) The quickest way to get your confidence and voice back (plus a little-known daily ritual almost no podcast coach will tell you about) Episode Timestamps [00:01:47] How winning podcast awards is actually more about community building than personal achievement (and how few votes it really takes to win!) [00:02:10] The untold story of how a niche Renaissance Festival band topped the global charts thanks to a "Lord of the Rings" tune (and what it reveals about gaming online popularity) [00:04:46] The eye-opening truth: It might only take five votes to become an award-winning podcaster ... and how one "crappy" album cover won five times! [00:07:00] The secret behind accepting an award in an empty arena—how one podcaster created viral excitement by live streaming his own victory. [00:08:52] The Christopher Cross "curse" ... why the Best New Artist Grammy went from a shrine to a closet, and what it teaches you about chasing external validation. [00:13:00] How coming back to podcasting after years away makes you a different (and potentially better) creator, and why embracing that transformation is your secret edge. [00:20:18] The real reason podcasters get stuck after a break: feeling like a beginner again, and David Hooper's battle plan for getting your groove (and confidence) back faster than you think. You want these links ... Subscribe to Big Podcast Playbook See Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistance The Newsletter for Podcasters Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​ Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​ Want more help growing your podcast audience? Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) Click the icon below to listen.

Can paying for podcast awards actually help you grow your audience, or is your money better spent elsewhere? Why most trophies aren't worth chasing in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode The ugly truth behind paid podcast awards Trophy chasing: envy fuels empty victories Sponsors don't care about your shiny award Award-winning? Listeners don't care Judge panels: old, out of touch, easily bought Why $300 is better spent on gear, not glory Make your podcast irresistible Why You Should Listen Why "award-winning" bragging rights could mean less than you think ... and what actually makes sponsors drool The dirty little secret behind paid podcast awards (and why the winners aren't always the best) How to game the system for credibility ... or why most "award panels" secretly don't care about you The golden rule for getting listeners that no trophy can ever unlock Tired of hustling for sponsors? Discover what they truly lust after (and it's not a shiny medal) The quickest way to get more respect in podcasting without swiping your credit card Why "celebrity panels" are a mirage ... and the jaw-dropping truth about who's really judging your podcast How envy fuels the award racket ... and how to stay immune to their sales pitches The hidden power move: Invest in your mic, not a meaningless certificate What top podcasters do instead of chasing awards (and how you can steal their strategy) Why throwing cash at awards is perfect for the lazy podcaster (but deadly for the ambitious one) Could a $100 microphone bring you more listeners than $1000 worth of "award entries"? The seductive myth of credibility ... and how to seize real control of your reputation How insider clubs (and "peer voting") at the Grammys reveal the truth about podcast awards Stop lusting after trophies ... grab hold of tactics that spike your audience and make rivals beg for your secrets Episode Timestamps [00:00:28] Why most podcast awards are actually a "pay to play" business (and how much podcasters are really spending for a shot at a trophy) [00:02:38] The seductive dream of credibility and sponsors: What podcasters think trophies unlock (and the reality behind it) [00:03:35] How anyone can make up an award (including you!), and why most listeners don't care about your shiny medal [00:05:53] The hard truth: Listeners and sponsors don't care about your awards (they care about something else entirely) [00:06:44] The sub-sub-category bestseller scam: How you can "win" without really winning—and why it doesn't matter [00:07:33] The secret reason truly successful podcasters don't even submit for awards (and what they're doing instead) [00:09:30] The real question: Do you want your work judged by a random panel ... or do you want your listeners to decide your worth? You want these links ... Subscribe to Big Podcast Playbook See Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistance The Newsletter for Podcasters Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​ Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​ Want more help growing your podcast audience? Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) Click the icon below to listen.

Turning casual listeners into loyal podcast fans and building true community, plus how shorter episodes, punchy hooks, and connecting with your audience can grow your show in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Hook listeners with stolen cowboy boots mystery Shorter episodes: save time, boost completion envy Secrets to building real podcast community revealed Tease your best stories ... ignite listener curiosity Audiograms that actually convert: the three-bullet fix Turn guests into trusted insiders, gain listener loyalty Are you the host no one likes? Brutal truth exposed Why You Should Listen The sneaky shortcut for turning one-time listeners into raving, loyal fans (even if they're complete strangers now) Why 35% podcast completion rates can be a secret goldmine ... and how to double them without spending a dime The forbidden "cold open" trick that hooks listeners in seconds — even those with zero attention span How to tap into envy and make every founder desperate to appear on your show The lazy podcaster's hack for building a vibrant community (without endless social media posts or wasted DM replies) Are you making the deadly mistake that chases new listeners away before they finish episode one? The "commuter psychology" secret: how to hijack drive-time and steal market share from mega-shows like Joe Rogan The single question that transforms a boring interview into must-listen drama ... and no guest can resist answering it Why posting more audiograms and quote cards might actually be killing your repeat listens (and the devilishly simple fix) How to wield LinkedIn and Instagram to trigger listeners' lust for status ... and make them brag about your show to their entire network The glutton's guide to packing episodes with the right amount of irresistible hooks (plus what happens when you add just one more) How to use the power of "insider secrets" to make listeners greedily consume every episode (and skip your competitors' shows) One spoken line that makes guests and listeners feel instantly connected, admired … and totally under your control The dark psychology behind why founders won't admit they're lost ... and how your show can become their safe haven The little-known way to wield power in any niche community (use this and people will chase you for interviews, not the other way around!) Episode Timestamps [01:24] The silent struggle: Why your interview podcast might feel like "talking to strangers" instead of building real community [02:27] Are your episodes losing listeners because they're too long? The commuter's secret podcast formula revealed [03:39] Why a podcast's 35–40% completion rate could be a sign you're doing better than YouTube or blogging—don't miss this hidden strength! [04:43] The political campaign trick that breaks through the noise ... and how podcasters can steal it [05:12] The stolen truck full of cowboy boots: How building suspense hooks listeners (and how you can use this radio technique in your own podcast) [08:11] The "three-bullet ad" trick: Teasing irresistible content in your audiograms and why this gets listeners to click [12:00] The credibility gap: Why early-stage founders won't open up (and why building trust is the secret weapon for podcasters who want big guests and loyal fans) You want these links ... Subscribe to Big Podcast Playbook See Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistance The Newsletter for Podcasters Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​ Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​ Want more help growing your podcast audience? Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) Click the icon below to listen.