New Media Show (Video)

<p><a href="http://newmediashow.com"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2100" src="https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/662-New-Media-Show-300x300-Episode-Imran-GoodPods.png" alt="#662-New-Media-Show-300x300-Episode-Imran-GreatPods.co" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/662-New-Media-Show-300x300-Episode-Imran-GoodPods.png 300w, https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/662-New-Media-Show-300x300-Episode-Imran-GoodPods-150x150.png 150w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>In episode 662 from May 6th, 2026, of the <strong>New Media Show</strong>, hosted by 2017 Podcast Hall of Famer <strong>Rob Greenlee, </strong>he talks with<strong> Imran Ahmed, founder of <a href="https://greatpods.co">Great Pods</a></strong>, for a <strong>deep conversation about one of podcasting’s longest-running controversies:</strong> <span style="font-size: 20px;"><strong>Discovery</strong></span>.</p> <p><strong>Podcasting has never had a shortage of content.</strong> The <strong>bigger challenge has always been helping listeners find the right shows and helping quality creators get noticed</strong>.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Charts often reward scale. </strong></li> <li><strong>Algorithms can miss the human context. </strong></li> <li><strong>Social media attention does not always create trust. </strong></li> <li><strong>But human recommendations, professional reviews, and transparency. editorial signals may still play an important role.</strong></li> </ul> <p><strong>Imran joins Rob to discuss how Great Pods is building a podcast discovery and decision-making platform around critic reviews, ratings, attribution, podcast search, user reviews, badges, and curated discovery.</strong></p> <blockquote> <p><em><strong>The conversation explores why reviews differ from basic listener comments, why constructive criticism can help creators, and how professional critics can serve as trusted filters for listeners trying to decide what to hear next.</strong></em></p> </blockquote> <p>Rob and Imran also <strong>dig into the broader evolution of podcasting, including the role of word-of-mouth discovery, the limits of podcast app charts, the rise of YouTube as a major discovery platform</strong>, and the ongoing tension around what defines a podcast in a world of audio, video, RSS feeds, platform exclusives, APIs, Netflix-style talk shows, and AI-generated content.</p> <blockquote> <p><em><strong>The episode also connects Great Pods to larger trust and transparency issues in new media.</strong> As <strong>AI-generated shows</strong>, <strong>algorithmic recommendations</strong>, and <strong>platform-controlled discovery continue to grow.</strong></em></p> </blockquote> <p>Rob and Imran discuss <strong>why human editorial judgment, clear labeling, attribution, and credible review systems may become even more important</strong> <strong>for listeners, creators, and platforms.</strong></p> <p><strong>Key Topics Covered</strong></p> <ul> <li>Podcast discovery in 2026</li> <li>Why podcast charts and algorithms often fall short</li> <li>The difference between reviews, ratings, and listener comments</li> <li>Why constructive criticism can help creators improve</li> <li>How Great Pods uses professional reviews and attribution</li> <li>Why human critics can become trusted discovery filters</li> <li>The role of word-of-mouth recommendations in podcast growth</li> <li>Why YouTube has become a major podcast discovery platform</li> <li>How video, RSS, APIs, and platform exclusives are changing podcast definitions</li> <li>Why AI-generated content increases the need for labeling and transparency</li> <li>How podcasters can use reviews, badges, backlinks, and SEO to build credibility</li> <li>What creators should do to make their shows more discoverable</li> </ul> <p><strong>Guest and Host Links</strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 20px;"><strong>Guest: Imran Ahmed, Founder of Great Pods</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>Great Pods:</strong> <a href="https://www.greatpods.co">https://www.greatpods.co</a></li> <li><strong>Great Pods Blog:</strong> <a href="https://blog.greatpods.co">https://blog.greatpods.co</a></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 20px;"><strong>Host: Rob Greenlee</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>New Media Show:</strong> <a href="https://newmediashow.com">https://newmediashow.com</a></li> <li><strong>Rob Greenlee:</strong> <a href="https://robgreenlee.com">https://robgreenlee.com</a></li> <li><strong>Podcast Hall of Fame:</strong> <a href="https://podcasthall.com">https://podcasthall.com</a></li> <li><strong>Rob Greenlee on LinkedIn:</strong> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee">https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee</a></li> <li><strong>Rob Greenlee Booking:</strong> <a href="https://calendly.com/robgreenlee">https://calendly.com/robgreenlee</a></li> </ul><p>The post <a href="https://newmediashow.com/can-human-critics-improve-podcast-discovery-imran-ahmed-great-pods-662/">Can Human Critics Improve Podcast Discovery? | Imran Ahmed, Great Pods #662</a> first appeared on <a href="https://newmediashow.com">New Media Show</a>.</p>

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2071" src="https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/New-Media-Show-Episode-661-Dave-Jackson-300x300-1.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/New-Media-Show-Episode-661-Dave-Jackson-300x300-1.png 300w, https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/New-Media-Show-Episode-661-Dave-Jackson-300x300-1-150x150.png 150w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />On </span><b>Episode 661 of </b>The<b> New Media Show</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, host </span><b>Rob Greenlee</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, 2017 Podcast Hall of Fame inductee, Chairperson of the <a href="http://PodcastHall.com">Podcast Hall of Fame</a>, and longtime new media executive, is joined by </span><b>Dave Jackson</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, 2018 Podcast Hall of Fame inductee, founder of </span><a href="http://SchoolofPodcasting.com"><b>School of Podcasting</b></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and Head of Podcasting at </span><a href="http://Podpage.com"><b>Podpage.com</b></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, <strong>for a deep conversation about whether independent podcasters and media creators can still win in today’s rapidly changing creator economy.</strong></span></p> <p><strong>This episode centers on a question many creators are quietly asking right now: </strong></p> <blockquote><p><em><b>Can indie podcasters still grow, monetize, and build trust in a market being reshaped by video, AI, platform control, and professionalized media production?</b></em></p></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rob and Dave discuss the recent combination of </span><b>Podpage and School of Podcasting</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, <strong>why podcast education matters more than ever</strong>, and how websites, email lists, communities, video, RSS, and AI-assisted workflows are becoming essential parts of a creator’s survival strategy. <strong>Dave joined Podpage as Head of Podcasting in 2024</strong>, and School of Podcasting has been helping creators launch, grow, and monetize podcasts since 2005. </span></p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>The conversation also moves into some of the biggest issues facing podcasting and new media in 2026, including AI-generated shows, human voice and video cloning, creator burnout, YouTube’s influence on podcast identity, Apple’s HLS video podcast direction, and why human trust may become the most valuable asset creators have left.</strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Rob and Dave bring decades of experience to this discussion.</strong> </span></p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>Both have seen podcasting shift through multiple technology waves, from the early RSS era to platform consolidation, video podcasting, AI tools, and the rise of creator-led media. That history makes this episode a practical and honest look at what indie creators need to do now to stay relevant, trusted, and discoverable.</strong></em></p></blockquote> <h2><b>What does this episode cover?</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Can independent podcasters still succeed in a noisier, more competitive market?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What does “winning” even mean now: downloads, money, trust, community, authority, or sustainability?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Why the Podpage and School of Podcasting connection matters for podcast education and creator websites</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Why podcasters need a home base beyond social platforms and YouTube</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">How AI is changing show notes, images, writing, research, production, and creator workflows</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Why AI-generated content should not all be treated as spam, but fraud and abuse must be addressed</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">How human storytelling, lived experience, and trust help creators stand apart from AI content</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Why video is becoming harder to ignore, but audio-only creators should not panic</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">How YouTube has changed public perception of what a podcast is</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What Apple’s HLS video direction could mean for audio, video, RSS, and creator workflows</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Why websites, email lists, communities, and audience ownership still matter</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">How indie creators can avoid burnout while adapting to new media expectations</span></p> <h2><b>Key Takeaways:</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Indie podcasters can still win, but the definition of winning has changed.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Creators need more than a microphone and a media host. They need clarity, a trusted point of view, a website, a distribution plan, and a realistic path to audience growth.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">AI is not going away. The smartest creators will learn how to use it without losing their human voice.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Video will continue reshaping podcasting, but not every creator has to become a full-scale video studio overnight.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Human-created content still has a powerful advantage when it is rooted in story, experience, transparency, and trust.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Websites are becoming more important again because creators need a stable home base that is not controlled by a single platform.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Podcast education matters because the barrier to starting is low, but the barrier to standing out is much higher.</span></p> <h2><b>Guest</b></h2> <p><b>Dave Jackson</b><b><br /> </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Founder, School of Podcasting</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Head of Podcasting, Podpage.com</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">2018 Podcast Hall of Fame inductee</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Author of </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Profit From Your Podcast</span></i></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dave Jackson has been helping creators launch and improve podcasts since 2005 through the School of Podcasting. He is also Head of Podcasting at Podpage, where he supports podcasters using websites as a central hub for discovery, audience ownership, and long-term growth. (</span><a href="https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The School of Podcasting</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">)</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Guest links:</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">School of Podcasting:</span><a href="https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">Podpage:</span><a href="https://www.podpage.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">https://www.podpage.com/</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dave Jackson:</span><a href="https://davidjackson.org/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">https://davidjackson.org/</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">Podcast Consultant:</span><a href="https://www.podcastconsultant.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">https://www.podcastconsultant.com/</span></a></p> <h2><b>Host</b></h2> <p><b>Rob Greenlee</b><b><br /> </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Host, The New Media Show</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Podcast Hall of Fame inductee</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chairperson, Podcast Hall of Fame</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Founder, Trust Factor Lab and Adore Network</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Co-Founder, Passion Struck Network</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Host and show links:</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">New Media Show:</span><a href="https://newmediashow.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">https://newmediashow.com/</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rob Greenlee:</span><a href="https://robgreenlee.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">https://robgreenlee.com/</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">Podcast Hall of Fame:</span><a href="https://podcasthall.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">https://podcasthall.com/</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">Adore Network:</span><a href="https://adorenetwork.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">https://adorenetwork.com/</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">Trust Factor Lab:</span><a href="https://trustfactorlab.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">https://trustfactorlab.com/</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">Passion Struck Network:</span><a href="https://passionstrucknetwork.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">https://passionstrucknetwork.com/</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rob on LinkedIn:</span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee/</span></a></p> <p><strong>Bottom Line in this Episode:</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This episode answers a major creator economy question for 2026: </span><b>Can indie podcasters and independent media creators still compete as podcasting becomes more professional, more video-driven, and more influenced by AI?</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rob Greenlee and Dave Jackson explain why the answer is yes, but only if creators evolve. The winning indie creator now needs a clear purpose, a strong human voice, trusted expertise, a discoverable website, owned audience channels, thoughtful use of AI, and a strategy that works across audio, video, search, social, and community.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The episode is especially useful for podcasters, YouTube creators, podcast consultants, media educators, creator economy leaders, podcast hosting companies, AI media startups, and independent showrunners trying to understand the next phase of podcasting and new media.</span></p><p>The post <a href="https://newmediashow.com/can-indie-podcasters-and-media-creators-still-win-dave-jackson-661/">Can Indie Podcasters and Media Creators Still Win? | Dave Jackson #661</a> first appeared on <a href="https://newmediashow.com">New Media Show</a>.</p>

<p><img decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2050" src="https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/300x300-NMS-660-Episode-Art-Libsyn.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/300x300-NMS-660-Episode-Art-Libsyn.png 300w, https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/300x300-NMS-660-Episode-Art-Libsyn-150x150.png 150w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><strong><em>&#8220;Podcast episode hosting used to be simple. You uploaded an audio file, generated an RSS feed, and distributed your show everywhere. That model still matters, but it is no longer enough for the modern creator economy.&#8221;</em></strong></p> <p><strong>In this Episode 660 </strong>of The <strong>Live New Media Show, </strong>from<strong> April 22nd, 2026</strong>, <strong>Host</strong> <strong>Podcast Hall of Famer and Former Libsyn VP Rob Greenlee</strong> shares a screen and microphone with<strong> Brendan Monaghan, President and CEO of Libsyn, to explore how podcast hosting is changing and what creators should expect from platforms in 2026 and beyond.</strong></p> <p><strong>This</strong> <strong>conversation gets to the heart of a major shift happening across podcasting and new media.</strong></p> <blockquote><p><strong><em>Hosting companies are no longer judged only by whether they can deliver a clean RSS feed and reliable file storage. Creators now expect monetization, analytics, video support, workflow efficiency, AI-assisted publishing, broader distribution, and real help with audience growth. </em></strong></p></blockquote> <p><strong>That larger shift frames the entire discussion between Rob and Brendan.</strong></p> <p>Brendan explains that <strong>Libsyn still carries the legacy of being one of podcasting’s earliest and most important hosting platforms, but the company is now operating in a far more complex environment.</strong></p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>Brendan points to Libsyn’s evolution from a technology-led hosting company into a broader creator platform that includes advertising and monetization infrastructure, especially after the company acquired businesses such as AdvertiseCast and Pair Networks. He argues that the modern hosting business must combine publishing, monetization, measurement, and simplicity for creators at every stage of growth.</strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>Rob pushes the conversation further by asking the bigger industry question:</strong></p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>What should a podcast hosting company become now? That leads into a wide-ranging discussion about platform aggregation, creator workflows, newsletters, live events, merchandise, and the growing expectation that creators should be able to manage more of their media business from one place. Brendan makes the case that the future belongs to companies that can keep creators at the center while simplifying the growing complexity around distribution and monetization.</strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>A major part of the episode focuses on AI. </strong></p> <p><strong>Brendan breaks AI into three areas: how Libsyn uses it internally as a business, how AI can assist creators with production and publishing workflows, and how fully AI-generated content may affect the medium&#8217;s future. </strong></p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>Rob adds a deeper perspective by arguing that AI podcasting is already becoming more competitive than many in the industry want to admit. The two discuss whether the market will ultimately decide what AI content succeeds, why “AI slop” may be too broad a label, and why trust and disclosure may become much more important as synthetic media becomes harder to distinguish from human-created work.</strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>The episode also dives into one of the most important strategic tensions in podcasting right now: RSS versus API publishing</strong>.</p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>Rob and Brendan both acknowledge that most creators care more about simple distribution than the underlying protocol, but they also recognize that this shift has major implications for openness, platform control, and long-term creator independence. </strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>Their exchange about Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and the shift toward more controlled video delivery models reflects a broader market reality:</strong> <strong>creators increasingly want to be everywhere</strong>, but the <strong>mechanics of getting there are becoming more fragmented and platform-specific.</strong></p> <p><strong>Another strong section of the conversation centers on video.</strong></p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>Brendan says Libsyn intends to be a leader in video, while Rob raises a practical concern many creators are just beginning to feel: a show that works well on YouTube may not automatically translate well to an audio-first experience, and a show built for traditional audio may not fully satisfy video-driven discovery environments. That raises the possibility that creators will need to think more deliberately about format, audience expectations, and whether a single production workflow can truly serve all platforms equally well.</strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>The conversation becomes especially valuable when the two discuss metrics:</strong></p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>Apple’s HLS direction, and what streaming-style delivery might mean for podcast measurement and advertising. They point to a future in which the industry may move closer to actual listening signals rather than relying so heavily on download-based assumptions. If that happens, it could affect CPMs, ad sales, programmatic video advertising, and the broader economics of the medium.</strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>Rob also frames one of the biggest unresolved questions in new media today:</strong></p> <p><strong>If AI-generated shows become easier, faster, and more polished, what will human creators need to do to remain distinct and trusted? </strong></p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>The answer that emerges from this episode is not panic. It is focus, transparency, stronger format thinking, and a deeper commitment to serving audiences with clarity and value. That makes this episode less about Libsyn alone and more about the future structure of podcasting itself.</strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>Topic Chapters and Timestamps</strong><br /> 00:00 Podcast hosting is no longer simple<br /> 01:00 What creators now expect from hosting platforms<br /> 02:00 Brendan Monaghan introduction and background<br /> 03:00 Why Libsyn’s legacy still matters<br /> 05:00 Hosting, publishing, monetization, and measurement<br /> 07:00 How Libsyn expanded its monetization business<br /> 08:00 Why creators should not need to leave Libsyn to scale<br /> 09:00 How monetization changed podcasting<br /> 10:00 Lowering barriers for creators to earn revenue<br /> 12:00 What the future hosting platform should become<br /> 13:00 Newsletters, live events, merchandise, and creator tools<br /> 15:00 AI and creator workflows<br /> 16:00 Brendan’s three-bucket view of AI<br /> 18:00 AI-generated content and the “AI slop” debate<br /> 20:00 Why the market may decide what AI content wins<br /> 23:00 RSS versus API publishing<br /> 25:00 Simplicity and multi-platform distribution<br /> 26:00 Why RSS matters less to end users now<br /> 28:00 Open versus closed ecosystems<br /> 29:00 RSS innovation and slow adoption<br /> 31:00 Apple HLS and changing audio-video delivery<br /> 32:00 Platform control and the walled garden debate<br /> 41:00 Measurement, streaming, and actual listening data<br /> 43:00 Programmatic video ads and creative formats<br /> 45:00 Why video creators may need to think more like audio creators<br /> 47:00 Can AI help bridge the gap between formats?<br /> 49:00 Audio loyalty versus video momentum<br /> 50:00 The growing pressure on creators to win everywhere<br /> 51:00 AI Algorithms, the first audience for human content<br /> 53:00 Are AI-generated shows driving growth?<br /> 55:00 AI clone content and rising competition for humans<br /> 56:00 Why AI labeling may become essential<br /> 59:00 What Libsyn will focus on over the next 24 months<br /> 01:01:00 Audio, video, audience growth, and execution<br /> 01:03:00 Staying focused on core creator needs<br /> 01:05:00 Closing thoughts</p> <p><strong>This episode answers key industry questions that creators, executives, and media strategists are increasingly asking:</strong><br /> -What is Libsyn doing next under Brendan Monaghan?<br /> -How is podcast hosting changing in 2026?<br /> -Will video become a required part of podcast distribution?<br /> -What does Apple’s HLS move mean for audio and video podcasting?<br /> -Is RSS still the future, or are APIs taking over?<br /> -How will AI-generated content affect podcasting, trust, and monetization?<br /> -What should creators expect from modern hosting platforms now?<br /> -Those questions are directly addressed in this discussion, making this episode highly relevant to search, social discovery, AI answer engines, and recommendation surfaces.</p> <p><strong>Guest and Show Links</strong><br /> <strong>Brendan Monaghan, CEO of Libsyn</strong><br /> <a href="https://libsyn.com">https://Libsyn.com</a></p> <p><strong>Host Rob Greenlee and Show Links</strong><br data-start="2697" data-end="2700" />New Media Show: <a class="decorated-link" href="https://newmediashow.com/" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="2716" data-end="2741">https://newmediashow.com/</a><br data-start="2741" data-end="2744" />Rob Greenlee: <a class="decorated-link" href="https://robgreenlee.com/" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="2758" data-end="2782">https://robgreenlee.com/</a><br data-start="2782" data-end="2785" />Trust Factor Lab: <a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="2803" data-end="2830">https://trustfactorlab.com/</a><br data-start="2830" data-end="2833" />Adore Creator Network: <a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="2856" data-end="2881">https://adorenetwork.com/</a><br data-start="2881" data-end="2884" />Podcast Hall of Fame: <a class="decorated-link" href="https://podcasthall.com/" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="2906" data-end="2930" data-is-only-node="">https://podcasthall.com/</a><br data-start="2930" data-end="2933" />Rob Greenlee YouTube: <a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="2955" data-end="2987">https://youtube.com/@robgreenlee</a><br data-start="2987" data-end="2990" />Rob Greenlee LinkedIn: <a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="3013" data-end="3048">https://linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee</a><br data-start="3048" data-end="3051" />Rob Greenlee Instagram: <a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="3075" data-end="3109">https://instagram.com/robwgreenlee</a></p><p>The post <a href="https://newmediashow.com/libsyns-next-chapter-podcast-hosting-video-monetization-rss-and-api-brendan-monaghan-660/">Libsyn’s Next Chapter: Podcast Hosting, Video, Monetization, RSS and API | Brendan Monaghan #660</a> first appeared on <a href="https://newmediashow.com">New Media Show</a>.</p>

<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2036" src="https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/659-New-Media-Show-Episode-Sharon-Taylor-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/659-New-Media-Show-Episode-Sharon-Taylor-300x300.jpg 300w, https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/659-New-Media-Show-Episode-Sharon-Taylor-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/659-New-Media-Show-Episode-Sharon-Taylor-150x150.jpg 150w, https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/659-New-Media-Show-Episode-Sharon-Taylor-768x768.jpg 768w, https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/659-New-Media-Show-Episode-Sharon-Taylor-1320x1320.jpg 1320w, https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/659-New-Media-Show-Episode-Sharon-Taylor.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><em><strong>Podcasting is entering a new phase, and this episode goes straight into the infrastructure, business models, and platform shifts shaping what comes next.</strong></em></p> <p><strong>On episode 659 of The New Media Show</strong>, Host and <em><strong>Podcast Hall of Famer <a href="https://robgreenlee.com">Rob Greenlee </a></strong>shares the microphone with<strong> Sharon Taylor, Chief Revenue Officer at <a href="https://tritondigital.com">Triton Digital</a> (<a href="https://spreaker.com">Spreaker</a> &amp; <a href="https://omnystudio.com">Omny Studio</a>)</strong></em>, for a deep conversation about where the podcasting market is heading right now.</p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>Sharon brings years of experience from Omny Studio, Triton Digital, and Spreaker, making her one of the best people to help unpack what is changing across hosting, monetization, video, AI, advertiser demand, and measurement.</strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>We talk through why podcasting is not simply becoming video-first, even as video becomes a bigger part of how shows are discovered and monetized.</strong></p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>Sharon makes a strong case that audio remains at the center of the medium, but the future is clearly becoming more multi-format. That means creators, publishers, and platforms need to think differently about how they distribute content, measure audience behavior, and build sustainable business models for both audio and video.</strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>A big part of this conversation focuses on Triton Digital’s role in the market today and why its combination of Omny Studio, Spreaker, and broader ad tech infrastructure makes it an important player in podcasting’s next chapter.</strong></p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>Sharon explains the unique roots of Omny Studio as a platform built for large-scale broadcast and enterprise publishing needs, while Spreaker helped pioneer early podcast programmatic monetization for creators. That combination gives Triton a unique perspective on both professional publishing and creator-driven growth.</strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>We also spend time on Apple’s HLS video move and what it may mean for podcasting’s future. Sharon shares how Triton had already been preparing for a broader video environment and why Apple’s support for HLS is such a meaningful shift.</strong></p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>We discuss how HLS could improve flexibility around delivery, ad insertion, and measurement, while still raising important questions about RSS, open distribution, and whether major platforms may slowly pull podcasting into more platform-specific publishing models over time.</strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>Another major topic in this episode is trust.</strong></p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>From programmatic advertising to AI-generated content to labeling and transparency, Sharon and I explore how podcasting can continue to grow without losing the authentic connection that made the medium valuable in the first place. </strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>We both agree that podcasting still has enormous strength as an audio-led medium, but the industry is now balancing openness, innovation, and monetization in ways that will define the next few years.</strong></p> <p>This is a wide-ranging and important discussion for anyone watching the evolution of podcasting, video, ad tech, platform power, and the future of open media.</p> <h3>Topics covered</h3> <p>&#8211; Why Triton Digital matters in podcasting right now<br /> &#8211; Sharon Taylor’s path from Omny Studio to Triton CRO<br /> &#8211; What Triton is seeing in audio versus video audience behavior<br /> &#8211; Why podcasting is becoming multi-format, not simply video-first<br /> &#8211; How Omny Studio and Spreaker fit different parts of the publishing market<br /> &#8211; What Apple’s HLS video move changes for publishers and hosting platforms<br /> &#8211; Why advertiser confidence and better measurement matter more than ever<br /> &#8211; The future of RSS, open podcasting, and platform fragmentation<br /> &#8211; How AI-generated content is affecting publishing growth and industry trust<br /> &#8211; Where Sharon sees the next big opportunities for podcast growth</p> <h3>Guest</h3> <p><strong>Sharon Taylor</strong> is the <strong>Chief Revenue Officer at Triton Digital</strong>. She was appointed to the CRO role in August 2025 after helping lead Triton’s podcast and content delivery efforts. Before joining Triton, Sharon was CEO of Omny Studio and played a key role in building it into one of the leading enterprise podcast platforms before its acquisition by Triton Digital.</p> <p>Triton Digital: <a href="https://www.tritondigital.com/">https://www.tritondigital.com/</a><br /> Spreaker: <a href="https://www.spreaker.com/">https://www.spreaker.com/</a><br /> Omny Studio: <a href="https://omnystudio.com/">https://omnystudio.com/</a></p> <h3>Host</h3> <p><strong>Rob Greenlee</strong> is a <strong>2017 Podcast Hall of Famer</strong>, <strong>Chairperson of the Podcast Hall of Fame</strong>, and leader behind Trust Factor Lab and Trust Creators Community at M3Linked.</p> <p>New Media Show: <a href="https://newmediashow.com/">https://newmediashow.com/</a><br /> Rob Greenlee: <a href="https://robgreenlee.com/">https://robgreenlee.com/</a><br /> Podcast Hall of Fame: <a href="https://podcasthall.com/">https://podcasthall.com/</a><br /> Trust Creators Community: <a href="https://m3linked.com/">https://m3linked.com/</a></p> <p><strong>Supporters:</strong></p> <p><strong>Get a $10 StreamYard Video Recording and Live Streaming tool Discount</strong> using this <strong>LINK &#8211; <a href="https://streamyard.com/pal/c/5606177711325184">https://streamyard.com/pal/c/5606177711325184</a></strong></p> <p><strong>Podcasting pros use Podpage</strong> – Build a podcast or video show website that updates itself and showcases your show beautifully. <strong>Start for just $12/month! &#8211;&gt;<a href="https://podpage.com?via=adore">podpage.com?via=adore</a></strong></p><p>The post <a href="https://newmediashow.com/podcastings-multi-format-future-sharon-taylor-659/">Podcasting’s Multi-Format Future | Sharon Taylor #659</a> first appeared on <a href="https://newmediashow.com">New Media Show</a>.</p>

<p data-start="64" data-end="251"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2028" src="https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/658-New-Media-Show-Episode-David-Plotz-300x300.jpg" alt="New Media Show #658 with David Plotz" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/658-New-Media-Show-Episode-David-Plotz-300x300.jpg 300w, https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/658-New-Media-Show-Episode-David-Plotz-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/658-New-Media-Show-Episode-David-Plotz-150x150.jpg 150w, https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/658-New-Media-Show-Episode-David-Plotz-768x768.jpg 768w, https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/658-New-Media-Show-Episode-David-Plotz-1320x1320.jpg 1320w, https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/658-New-Media-Show-Episode-David-Plotz.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><em><strong>If you are trying to understand where podcasting may still have real, untapped opportunities in 2026 and beyond, this is one of those conversations that point to an important answer: Local.</strong></em></p> <p data-start="253" data-end="1003"><strong>On Episode 658 of The New Media Show, Host Podcast Hall of Famer <a href="https://robgreenlee.com">Rob Greenlee</a></strong> shares a microphone and a video camera with <strong>guest <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Plotz">David Plotz</a>, founder and CEO of <a href="https://CityCast.fm">CityCast.fm</a> and co-host of the Political Gabfest podcast from Slate</strong>,<strong> to:</strong></p> <blockquote> <p data-start="253" data-end="1003"><em><strong>Explore what local podcasts can become in a media environment increasingly shaped by video, platforms, social discovery, and changing audience habits. The conversation starts with local audio, but it quickly opens into something bigger: trust, emotional connection, local relevance, and the question of whether city-based media may be one of the strongest growth areas left in podcasting. </strong></em></p> </blockquote> <p data-start="253" data-end="1003">David frames <strong>City Cast as a network of daily local podcasts, newsletters, social content, and events, built around helping people feel more connected to the cities they live in.</strong></p> <p data-start="1005" data-end="1477"><strong>The real takeaway in this episode is that local podcasting is not simply a smaller version of national podcasting. It operates under a different set of strengths and constraints.</strong></p> <blockquote> <p data-start="1005" data-end="1477"><em><strong>Local Podcasting may never offer the same scale as national audio, but it can offer something more personal and durable: a trusted daily relationship grounded in place. That becomes a powerful differentiator at a time when many creators and media companies are chasing reach but struggling to build loyalty.</strong></em></p> </blockquote> <p data-start="1479" data-end="2187"><strong>David brings a rare combination to this topic because he is not just theorizing about local media from the outside.</strong> He has built and led major editorial organizations, <strong>co-hosted one of podcasting’s longest-running political shows, and is now running one of the clearest experiments in local podcast-first media. </strong></p> <blockquote> <p data-start="1479" data-end="2187"><em><strong>In the episode, he explains that podcasting’s deepest strength is not raw information delivery but feeling, intimacy, and connection. He argues that podcasting works when people are not just informed but emotionally connected to the speakers and the place being discussed. That idea becomes the foundation for how City Cast approaches local media.</strong></em></p> </blockquote> <p data-start="2189" data-end="2872"><strong>One of the most useful parts of this episode is hearing David describe what City Cast is actually trying to replace and what it is not.</strong></p> <blockquote> <p data-start="2189" data-end="2872"><em><strong>He makes clear that City Cast is not primarily a breaking-news operation. Instead, it builds on an existing local news ecosystem and tries to become the smartest, most interesting, and most delightful daily conversation about what matters in a city. That distinction matters. It means City Cast is not trying to be a direct substitute for newspapers or broadcast radio in every function. It is trying to become additive, conversational, and habit-forming in ways that better fit the strengths of podcasting.</strong></em></p> </blockquote> <p data-start="2874" data-end="3538">From there, the <strong>conversation moves into the central tension of the episode: if podcasting is so strong at local trust and emotional connection, why is local podcasting still so hard to scale?</strong></p> <blockquote> <p data-start="2874" data-end="3538"><em><strong>David is candid about the addressable audience being smaller, discovery being difficult, and the economics still being figured out. Those are not minor obstacles. They are the core business problem. City Cast’s challenge is not simply editorial quality. It is proving that local podcast audiences are valuable, engaged, and commercially meaningful enough to support a durable business.</strong></em></p> </blockquote> <p data-start="3540" data-end="4205"><strong>That leads directly into the video.</strong> One of the strongest strategic insights in the episode is <strong>David’s acknowledgment that City Cast did not lean into social and video early enough</strong>. <strong>He says plainly that the company is now correcting that. The reason is not that audio has failed. The reason is that discovery increasingly happens elsewhere.</strong></p> <blockquote> <p data-start="3540" data-end="4205"><em><strong>Younger audiences find local information through social media, YouTube, and short-form feeds. Audio may still be the best format for relationships and routines, but video and social are becoming essential for visibility, especially among younger audiences.</strong></em></p> </blockquote> <p data-start="4207" data-end="4876"><strong>A core theme in this episode is that the real opportunity may not be “local podcasts” as a narrow category, but local media brands built around podcasts.</strong> City Cast is already moving in that direction through newsletters, events, social distribution, and membership. <strong>David’s description of the “Neighbors” membership concept is especially revealing.</strong> It shows that the City Cast brand is not just about delivering content. <strong>It is about building a sense of mutuality, place, and civic belonging.</strong> That is a different ambition than simply growing downloads. It is also where local podcasting may have an edge over broader media.</p> <p data-start="4878" data-end="5412"><strong>This episode ultimately lands on a simple reality: local podcasting is real, but it is not easy. Audio still has a unique role to play in building trust and connection, but it is no longer enough to rely on audio alone for growth and discovery.</strong></p> <blockquote> <p data-start="4878" data-end="5412"><em><strong>The winning local media brands may be the ones that understand how to keep audio at the center while surrounding it with the right mix of video, social, newsletters, and community. In that sense, this conversation is not just about local podcasts. It is about where the media gets human again.</strong></em></p> </blockquote> <p data-start="5414" data-end="5431"><strong data-start="5414" data-end="5431">Quick Q &amp; A Answers</strong></p> <p data-start="5433" data-end="5664"><strong data-start="5433" data-end="5471">What is City Cast trying to build?</strong><br data-start="5471" data-end="5474" />A local media network built around daily city podcasts, newsletters, social content, and events that help people feel more connected to where they live.</p> <p data-start="5666" data-end="5938"><strong data-start="5666" data-end="5734">Is local podcasting a replacement for local newspapers or radio?</strong><br data-start="5734" data-end="5737" />Not exactly. David describes it more as additive than as a replacement, with podcasting playing to conversation, feeling, and connection rather than to pure breaking news.</p> <p data-start="5940" data-end="6282"><strong data-start="5940" data-end="5996">Why is local podcasting hard to build as a business?</strong><br data-start="5996" data-end="5999" />The audience is geographically limited, discovery is difficult, and the economics are still being worked out. City Cast is trying to prove that highly engaged local audiences can support a durable model.</p> <p data-start="6284" data-end="6518"><strong data-start="6284" data-end="6325">Does video matter for local podcasts?</strong><br data-start="6325" data-end="6328" />Yes, increasingly as a discovery-and-growth layer. David says City Cast came to social and video later than it should have and is now correcting that.</p> <p data-start="6520" data-end="6760"><strong data-start="6520" data-end="6568">What is the deeper advantage of local audio?</strong><br data-start="6568" data-end="6571" />Its strength is emotional connection, intimacy, daily relevance, and trust. That may matter more as audiences seek media that feels useful and human.</p> <p data-start="6762" data-end="6775"><strong data-start="6762" data-end="6775">Video Chapters:</strong></p> <p data-start="6777" data-end="7849">00:00 Welcome and local media framing<br data-start="6814" data-end="6817" />02:26 David Plotz joins the show<br data-start="6849" data-end="6852" />03:00 Slate Political Gabfest history<br data-start="6889" data-end="6892" />07:39 Live events and audience connection<br data-start="6933" data-end="6936" />11:47 Podcasting as emotion and intimacy<br data-start="6976" data-end="6979" />16:27 Why City Cast exists<br data-start="7005" data-end="7008" />18:07 How City Cast serves cities<br data-start="7041" data-end="7044" />20:12 Why City Cast is additive, not a replacement<br data-start="7092" data-end="7095" />25:00 The economics of local podcasting<br data-start="7134" data-end="7137" />26:22 Washington DC and local news opportunity<br data-start="7183" data-end="7186" />29:12 Local versus diaspora audiences<br data-start="7223" data-end="7226" />32:02 Your City Could Be Better<br data-start="7257" data-end="7260" />33:14 Local advertising and audience value<br data-start="7302" data-end="7305" />35:12 Why local podcasting is harder than it looks<br data-start="7355" data-end="7358" />37:02 Social discovery and local media habits<br data-start="7403" data-end="7406" />38:07 Video and Apple Podcasts<br data-start="7436" data-end="7439" data-is-only-node="" />44:40 City Cast video workflow challenge<br data-start="7479" data-end="7482" />47:28 Graham Holdings and Megaphone context<br data-start="7525" data-end="7528" />51:12 Which cities work best for City Cast<br data-start="7570" data-end="7573" />53:12 Public radio overlap and younger audiences<br data-start="7621" data-end="7624" />54:40 Why City Cast missed the video early<br data-start="7662" data-end="7665" />57:27 Audio, video, and multimedia future<br data-start="7706" data-end="7709" />01:00:11 Neighbors and local trust<br data-start="7743" data-end="7746" />01:01:53 Politics, balance, and civic voice<br data-start="7789" data-end="7792" />01:05:18 Events and community building<br data-start="7830" data-end="7833" />01:06:36 Wrap up</p> <p data-start="7851" data-end="7860"><strong data-start="7851" data-end="7860">Links</strong></p> <p data-start="7862" data-end="7889"><strong data-start="7862" data-end="7889">Guest David Plotz Links</strong></p> <p data-start="7891" data-end="8118">City Cast: <a class="decorated-link" href="https://citycast.fm/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="7902" data-end="7922">https://citycast.fm/</a><br data-start="7922" data-end="7925" />City Cast Mission: <a class="decorated-link" href="https://citycast.fm/our-mission?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="7944" data-end="7975">https://citycast.fm/our-mission</a><br data-start="7975" data-end="7978" />City Cast Membership / Neighbors: <a class="decorated-link" href="https://membership.citycast.fm/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="8012" data-end="8043">https://membership.citycast.fm/</a><br data-start="8043" data-end="8046" />David Plotz LinkedIn: <a class="decorated-link" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-plotz-ab02164a?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="8068" data-end="8116">https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-plotz-ab02164a</a></p> <p data-start="8120" data-end="8156"><strong data-start="8120" data-end="8156">Host Rob Greenlee and Show Links</strong></p> <p data-start="8158" data-end="8567">New Media Show: <a class="decorated-link" href="https://newmediashow.com/" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="8174" data-end="8199">https://newmediashow.com/</a><br data-start="8199" data-end="8202" />Rob Greenlee: <a class="decorated-link" href="https://robgreenlee.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="8216" data-end="8240">https://robgreenlee.com/</a><br data-start="8240" data-end="8243" />Trust Factor Lab: <a class="decorated-link" href="https://trustfactorlab.com/" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="8261" data-end="8288">https://trustfactorlab.com/</a><br data-start="8288" data-end="8291" />Adore Creator Network: <a class="decorated-link" href="https://adorenetwork.com/" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="8314" data-end="8339">https://adorenetwork.com/</a><br data-start="8339" data-end="8342" />Podcast Hall of Fame: <a class="decorated-link" href="https://podcasthall.com/" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="8364" data-end="8388">https://podcasthall.com/</a><br data-start="8388" data-end="8391" />Rob Greenlee YouTube: <a class="decorated-link" href="https://youtube.com/@robgreenlee" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="8413" data-end="8445">https://youtube.com/@robgreenlee</a><br data-start="8445" data-end="8448" />Rob Greenlee LinkedIn: <a class="decorated-link" href="https://linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="8471" data-end="8506">https://linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee</a><br data-start="8506" data-end="8509" />Rob Greenlee Instagram: <a class="decorated-link" href="https://instagram.com/robwgreenlee" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="8533" data-end="8567">https://instagram.com/robwgreenlee</a></p><p>The post <a href="https://newmediashow.com/local-podcasts-in-a-growing-video-world-david-plotz-658/">Local Podcasts in a Growing Video World | David Plotz #658</a> first appeared on <a href="https://newmediashow.com">New Media Show</a>.</p>