The Crime Junkie podcast is hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat, is a highly popular true crime show that debuted in 2017. With millions of weekly listeners, it has become a staple in the true-crime podcast genre. The podcast covers a range of cases, including well-known murders, lesser-known cold cases, and missing persons. The episodes are structured in a conversational style, with Flowers narrating and Prawat adding insights and questions that help engage the audience.

One of the podcast’s key strengths is the chemistry between the two hosts, who are lifelong friends. This dynamic adds a relatable, personal touch to the storytelling. Additionally, Crime Junkie is notable for its advocacy work, often encouraging listeners to get involved by raising awareness for unsolved cases and promoting organizations that help victims and their families.

However, the podcast has faced some controversy, particularly regarding plagiarism allegations, which led to the removal of several episodes. Despite these issues, Crime Junkie remains one of the most-listened-to podcasts globally, continuing to engage audiences with its detailed, empathetic approach to true crime stories.

The podcast’s success is also supported by Flowers’ production company, audiochuck, which has expanded into other podcast genres and media. Despite occasional criticisms about accuracy and the balance between conversational tone and gravity, Crime Junkie continues to be a favorite for true crime fans.

By the way, if you’re interested in one of the main drivers of Crime Junkie’s success, please check out this video.

Best Crime Junkie Episodes

Wanted: Yogurt Shop Killer

• Investigates the tragic and unsolved murders of four teen girls in a yogurt shop in Austin, Texas, in 1991, exploring the case’s impact on the community.

Mysterious Death of Ellen Greenberg

• Examines the suspicious circumstances surrounding Ellen Greenberg’s death, ruled a suicide despite evidence suggesting foul play, and the emotional toll on her family and friends.

Infamous: Las Cruces Bowling Alley Massacre

• Recounts the 1990 mass shooting at a bowling alley in New Mexico, where two gunmen killed five people, and discusses the investigation and its lasting effects.

Murdered: Laci Peterson

• A two-part series delving into the disappearance and murder of Laci Peterson, examining the investigation and public fascination with the case.

Missing: Niqui McCown

• It focuses on Niqui McCown’s mysterious disappearance after a day at work and explores various theories about her case.

Captured: Jennifer Pan

• It tells the story of Jennifer Pan, who orchestrated an attack on her parents, revealing the psychological complexities and investigative details.

Serial Killer: Israel Keyes

• Digs into the life and crimes of notorious serial killer Israel Keyes, highlighting his methods and the chilling nature of his offenses.

Murdered: Jodi Sanderholm

• Covers the abduction and murder of Jodi Sanderholm, emphasizing the investigation and community response.

Murdered: Shari Smith and Debra Helmick

• Explores the abductions linked to Larry Gene Bell, detailing the horror experienced by the victims’ families during this dark period.

In recent years, YouTube has evolved from a mere video-sharing platform to a promising career path for many creators. The success stories of top earners like MrBeast and PewDiePie, who have amassed millions through their channels, serve as a beacon of hope. While their journey to success was not instantaneous, it was certainly achievable. Growing a YouTube channel requires meticulous planning, a robust content strategy, and unwavering execution.

Step 1: Laying the Foundation (Niche, Audience, Content)

Finding Your Niche

Success on YouTube begins with identifying your niche. A niche is a specialized segment of content that caters to a specific audience. By ‘niching down ‘, you further specialize your content within a broader niche, avoiding direct competition with larger, well-established channels and instead targeting a smaller, more dedicated viewer base. For example, rather than starting a broad tech channel, you could ‘niche down’ and create content around ‘tech gadgets for seniors’ or ‘affordable smart home devices ‘.

Profitable Niche Examples:

• Fitness & Wellness: Channels focusing on yoga, home workouts, and nutrition tend to perform well.
• Personal Finance: Money management, investing tips, and budget advice are always in demand.
• Gaming: Niche down into specific games or platforms (e.g., mobile gaming or indie game reviews).

Understanding Your Audience

Once you’ve identified your niche, it’s crucial to delve deeper and understand your audience. Beyond their demographics (age, gender, location), it’s essential to comprehend their interests and the challenges they are striving to overcome. Tools like YouTube Analytics, Google Trends, and social media insights are invaluable resources that can provide profound insights into your audience’s needs and how you can cater to them.

Content is NOT King

The internet doesn’t need more content as it is everywhere. But what it does need is more SPECIFIC content to meet the demand. This is where you, and your new channel can step in.

Quality content is non-negotiable. Your audience is likelier to engage with, share, and return to your videos if they find them valuable or entertaining. Whether you’re producing tutorials, product reviews, or vlogs, prioritize quality over quantity. Some examples of effective content types include:

• Tutorials: Step-by-step guides on solving specific problems.
• Product Reviews: Offering insights into products, highlighting their features, pros, and cons.
• Vlogs: Behind-the-scenes content that helps build a personal connection with viewers.

Step 2: The Money Makers (Monetization Methods)

YouTube Partner Program (YPP)

The most common way to monetize a YouTube channel is through the YouTube Partner Program. You’ll need 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months to qualify. Once that criteria is met, you can apply for the YouTube Partner Program and enable your video ads and earn from the displayed ads.

Beyond Ads: Alternative Monetization Methods

While ads are a reliable income stream, they are not always the most lucrative. Consider diversifying your income through the following:

• Affiliate Marketing: Partner with brands or online stores that offer affiliate programs. You can earn commissions on sales made through affiliate links by promoting relevant products in your videos (e.g., workout gear in a fitness channel).
• Sponsorships: Once you’ve built an engaged audience, brands may reach out to sponsor your content. You can charge fees to feature or mention their products in your videos.
• Merchandise Sales: Use platforms like Teespring or Shopify to sell custom merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, or digital products related to your brand.
• Digital Products: Selling online courses, eBooks, or exclusive content can provide a substantial income.
• Master Resell Rights (MRR): MRR allows you to purchase the rights to resell existing digital products like courses or eBooks. You can then bundle these with your content or even use AI to enhance and repackage them for your audience.

Keyword Research & Powerful Insights

Use This To Grow On YouTube 🚨

Optimize Your YouTube Channel

Discover What Is Working On YouTube

Step 3: The Growth Game (SEO and Algorithm)

YouTube SEO Basics

For your videos to be discovered, you need to understand the fundamentals of YouTube SEO. This involves optimizing your video titles, descriptions, and tags with relevant phrases and keywords people are searching for. The more optimized your content, the more likely it is to rank higher in YouTube’s search results.

Keywords: Your Secret Weapon

Keyword research is essential for ranking higher in YouTube searches. Tools like VidIQ and TubeBuddy help you find keywords with high search volume (content people are actively seeking for example: “how to tie a tie”) and low competition. Using keywords and phrases in your video titles and descriptions helps YouTube know who your audience is for and it increases your chances of reaching the right audience.

Leverage ‘How To’ and Review Videos

‘How-to’ videos and product reviews are highly effective content formats for growing your channel. Viewers searching for tutorials or reviews are often further along in their buying journey, making them more likely to take action based on your recommendations, such as purchasing products through your affiliate links.

Understanding the YouTube Algorithm

The YouTube algorithm rewards videos that engage viewers for longer periods. ‘Watch time’ refers to the total time viewers have spent watching your videos, and ‘click-through rates’ (CTR) measure how often viewers who see your video’s thumbnail click on it. These factors, along with ‘audience retention‘ (how long viewers stay on your video), heavily influence how your videos are recommended. Longer videos (8+ minutes) also provide opportunities to place multiple ads, increasing your potential ad revenue.

Consistency is Key

Consistency builds trust and helps the YouTube algorithm recognize your content. A regular upload schedule keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more.

Step 4: Level Up Your Strategy (Tools and Optimization)

YouTube Optimization Tools

Several tools are available to help you optimize your content. VidIQ and TubeBuddy are two powerful platforms that provide insights into SEO, keyword rankings, and competitor analysis. These tools give you data-driven insights to refine your content and target higher-ranking keywords.

Benefits of Using Tools

These optimization tools streamline your workflow and give you access to valuable data, such as which keywords your competitors are using or how your videos are performing in search results. They also help you track trends, spot content opportunities, and manage your tags and descriptions more effectively.

Keyword Research Made Easy

Optimization tools allow you to quickly identify search terms with high traffic potential, like something that’s trending in the news, and low competition. This allows you to tailor your content to what people are actively searching for, giving your videos a better chance of ranking well.

Competitor Analysis

Optimization tools can show you what keywords competitors are ranking for, what type of content works for them, and how you can differentiate your channel’s content to stand out.

Step 5: Take Action and Start Earning!

Motivation and Inspiration

YouTube success takes time and effort, but the rewards can be significant. Whether you aim to make YouTube your full-time career or supplement your income, the key is to take consistent action. Implement the strategies from this guide and be patient—you will see results over time.

Now that you have a roadmap for monetizing your YouTube channel, it’s time to implement these strategies. Start by optimizing your existing videos, experimenting with different content types, or creating your first monetized video. Remember, consistency and continual learning are your biggest assets.

Keyword Research & Powerful Insights

Use This To Grow On YouTube 🚨

Optimize Your YouTube Channel

Discover What Is Working On YouTube

Mic echo is one of the most frustrating issues you can encounter during virtual meetings, gaming, or recording sessions. It disrupts the flow of communication, reduces sound quality, and can leave participants struggling to follow conversations. Fortunately, echo is a solvable problem, whether it stems from hardware, software settings, or room acoustics. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from quick fixes to advanced solutions so you can resolve mic echo once and for all.

Adjust Speaker/Headphone Volume

Click here for my favorite tool to fix audio in post super easy

Lowering the volume of your speakers or headphones is one of the easiest ways to prevent your microphone from picking up sound, which can create an echo. If your speakers are too loud, the microphone can pick up that audio, leading to a feedback loop.

• For PC: Adjust the volume by clicking on the speaker icon in the taskbar. Move the volume slider down until the echo subsides.
• For Mac: Use the F11 key or open the Control Center to adjust the volume.
• For Mobile Devices: Use the physical volume buttons on your device or adjust volume levels through the settings menu.

Make sure the volume is set to a level where you can still hear everything clearly but low enough to avoid audio feedback.

Reposition Your Microphone

Sometimes, all it takes to eliminate echo is repositioning your microphone. If your microphone is too close to your speakers, it’s more likely to pick up the output and cause an echo.

• Tip: Place your microphone as far away from your speakers as possible. For desk setups, this can mean adjusting the position of your external microphone or turning your laptop so that the mic is separated from the speakers.

Moving the microphone or repositioning your workspace reduces the chances of creating audio loops.

Use a Headset with a Built-In Microphone

Using a headset that combines speakers and a microphone is one of the most effective ways to eliminate echo. Since the microphone is directly in front of your mouth and isolated from the speakers, it minimizes the chance of picking up external sound.

• Recommendations: Look for headsets that offer noise-canceling features or directional microphones, which focus on capturing sound from a specific direction and help reduce unwanted noise.

Using a headset improves audio quality and prevents speaker-to-mic feedback loops.

Use Noise-Canceling Headphones

Noise-canceling headphones are another excellent option for reducing ambient noise that could contribute to echo. These headphones use microphones to monitor external sound and create inverted sound waves to cancel out the noise.

• Why It Works: Noise-canceling headphones can prevent external sounds from reaching your microphone, especially if you are in a noisy environment. This reduces the risk of echo and improves overall sound quality during calls or recordings.

Invest in a High-Quality Microphone

If you’re using a low-end microphone, you might experience more echo and sound quality issues. Investing in a better microphone—especially one with noise rejection capabilities—can significantly reduce these problems.

• Suggested Products: Consider microphones with cardioid pickup patterns, which capture sound directly from the front and reject noise from the sides and back. Condenser microphones with noise isolation features are great for reducing background noise.

While a good microphone may require some investment, it can make a huge difference in audio clarity and reduce echo in the long run.

Adjust Microphone Sensitivity (Gain)

Another common cause of echo is a microphone that is too sensitive. When your mic’s gain is set too high, it picks up more ambient noise, which can include the sound coming from your speakers.

• How to Adjust: Lower the microphone gain or boost in your computer’s audio settings. You can do this on most platforms by right-clicking the speaker icon in the system tray, selecting “Sounds,” and then adjusting the microphone properties.

Enable Echo Cancellation

Many audio drivers and communication platforms (like Zoom, Skype, and Teams) offer built-in echo cancellation features. These settings automatically reduce or eliminate echo by adjusting the audio processing.

• How to Enable: Look for echo cancellation in your software settings. For Zoom, this can be found under “Audio Settings,” where you can check the box for “Suppress Persistent Background Noise” and “Suppress Intermittent Background Noise.”

This setting is usually enabled by default, but checking if you’re experiencing an echo is worth checking.

Check for Multiple Active Microphones

If you have multiple active microphones, your system may inadvertently create an echo by using both devices simultaneously.

• Solution: Go to your audio settings and disable any microphones that aren’t in use. Ensure that only your primary microphone is selected as the input device.

Update Your Audio Drivers

Outdated audio drivers can sometimes be the root cause of audio issues, including mic echo. Keeping drivers up to date ensures your system is running the latest software, which can prevent glitches and improve audio performance. However, do this as a last resort since they can be tricky to rollback.

• How to Update: On a PC, go to “Device Manager,” select your audio driver, and check for updates. On a Mac, updates are handled through System Preferences under “Software Update.”

Restart Your Device

A simple restart can often fix temporary software glitches that may be causing an echo. To refresh the audio settings, restart both your device and any software you’re using (Zoom, Skype, Teams).

Use Acoustic Treatment

If you’re still experiencing echos despite trying all of the above, it might be time to examine your space’s acoustics. Echoes are often caused by sound bouncing off hard surfaces like walls and windows.

• Tip: Use foam panels, carpets, or curtains to absorb sound and prevent it from reflecting back into your microphone.

Fixing Echo in Already Recorded Audio: A Post-Production Band-Aid

If you’ve already recorded audio with echo, there are still ways to salvage it in post-production. While it’s always better to prevent echo during the recording process, these methods can help reduce the problem and improve the overall sound quality:

1. Use Audio Editing Software

Many audio editing programs, like Audacity, Adobe Audition, or Logic Pro, have tools specifically designed to reduce or eliminate echo. Here’s how you can use them:

• Audacity:
  • Import your audio file into Audacity.
  • Apply the Noise Reduction effect. While this tool is primarily used for background noise, it can help with mild echo.
  • Experiment with the Equalizer or Compressor effects to reduce the echo further.
  • Consider using third-party plug-ins like the DeReverb plug-in for better results.
• Adobe Audition:
  • Open your file in the Multitrack or Waveform Editor.
  • Use the DeReverb effect under Effects > Noise Reduction/Restoration > DeReverb. This tool is specifically designed to remove unwanted reverb and echo.
  • You can also try the Adaptive Noise Reduction tool to minimize ambient sound that contributes to echo.
• Logic Pro:
  • Use the Space Designer plug-in to adjust reverb levels.
  • Alternatively, use a Noise Gate to suppress quieter echo sounds that linger after the main voice is heard.

2. Apply Equalization (EQ)

• How It Works: Echo often occurs in specific frequency ranges, so using EQ to cut or dampen certain frequencies can help reduce the echo.
• Steps:
  • Identify the frequency where the echo is most prominent (typically in the lower mid-range or high frequencies).
  • Use a parametric EQ to reduce those frequencies. By lowering these, you can suppress the echo without significantly affecting the quality of the original audio.

3. Use Noise Gates

A Noise Gate is a tool that silences audio below a certain volume threshold. Since echo is usually quieter than the main voice, applying a noise gate can help reduce it.

• How to Use:
  • Set the noise gate’s threshold to slightly above the volume of the echo but below the level of the spoken content.
  • This will cut off the echo while allowing the main audio to pass through clearly.

4. Layered Echo Removal with De-Essers

Some De-Esser tools can help reduce sibilance (the “S” sounds), but they can also be tweaked to minimize echo. De-Essers are good at isolating high-frequency noise, which is often part of the echo. Adjust the settings carefully to avoid cutting into the main audio.

5. Manual Echo Removal

For smaller sections where echo is noticeable, you can manually remove echo by cutting and trimming the parts of the audio that contain the echo. This method requires more time and patience but can be effective for short clips or noticeable echo segments.

6. Consider Professional Plug-Ins

If you’re dealing with more severe echo, there are specialized plug-ins designed for echo and reverb reduction. Some top options include:

• iZotope RX De-Reverb: This is an industry-standard tool for reducing room echo and reverb in post-production.
• Acon Digital DeVerberate: Another powerful tool that targets and reduces reverb in recordings, especially useful for cleaning up dialogue tracks.

Conclusion

Mic echo is a common problem, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. By following these simple hardware and software solutions, you can eliminate echo and improve the clarity of your audio.

We’ve all been there – you’re ready to record your screen or stream your gameplay, and then BAM! OBS throws the dreaded “Encoding Overloaded” error at you. It’s frustrating, but don’t worry; you’re not alone. Let’s explain how to fix this error without pulling your hair out.

What Does “Encoding Overloaded” Mean?

In simple terms, it means your computer’s CPU (the brain of your machine) is struggling to keep up with the demands of processing and compressing your video in real-time. Think of it like trying to stuff a giant suitcase into a tiny overhead bin—it just won’t fit! Screen recording, especially with high resolutions and frame rates, is particularly taxing on your CPU.

Troubleshooting Steps: Let’s Get Started

Before diving into OBS settings, let’s do some quick checks:

1. Close Unnecessary Programs: Free up CPU and RAM by closing any background applications you don’t need for your recording or stream.
2. Check Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac): Monitor your CPU usage during recording. You’ve found the culprit if it’s consistently at or near 100%!

OBS Settings: Tweak Your Way to Smooth Recording

Now, let’s fine-tune your OBS settings:

1. Output (Scaled) Resolution:

• Lowering this reduces the workload on your CPU. If you’re at 1080p, try 720p to start.

1. Frame Rate (FPS):

• Less FPS means less work for your CPU. 30 FPS is a good balance of smoothness and performance.

1. Encoder:

• If you have a dedicated NVIDIA or Intel GPU, try their hardware encoders (NVENC or QuickSync) to offload some work from your CPU.
• If not, stick with the software encoder (x264) but adjust its settings.

1. Encoder Preset:

• Within your chosen encoder, switch to a faster preset like “very fast” or “superfast” to ease the CPU load. Remember that faster presets might slightly reduce video quality.

1. Recording Format:

• If you’re recording for later editing, consider using a less CPU-intensive format like .mkv or .flv instead of .mp4.

Advanced Tips for Gamers

• Lower in-game graphics settings to reduce the complexity of visuals.
• Disable Game Mode and Game DVR on Windows, which can sometimes interfere with OBS.

Need More Help?

Don’t give up if you’ve tried these steps and still see that error! Consider:

• Simplifying complex scenes in OBS.
• Upgrading your hardware (a faster CPU or a dedicated GPU can make a world of difference).
• Reaching out to the OBS community or forums for further assistance.

Remember, fixing the “Encoding Overloaded” error is entirely possible. With some tweaking and patience, you’ll be back to recording and streaming smoothly fast!