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Future-Forward Thinking

The future of podcasting is coming, whether we're ready for it or not. And yes, many of the podcasting tactics we implement today will be made obsolete in the future. But if we take a future-forward mindset with our strategies, we can save ourselves lots of re-work. And be ahead of the game when sweeping changes hit.

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Future-Forward Thinking

The future of podcasting is coming, whether we're ready for it or not. And yes, many of the podcasting tactics we implement today will be made obsolete in the future. But if we take a future-forward mindset with our strategies, we can save ourselves lots of re-work. And be ahead of the game when sweeping changes hit.

Podcast Conferences, Cancel Culture, & Human Dignity
September 14, 2022
Podcast Conferences, Cancel Culture, & Human Dignity
Large podcast conferences are at a crossroads, with the podcasting community wondering how next year's conferences and beyond will be reshaped by the winds of change. Here are three possible futures.
In The Future, Podcast Discoverability Will Be Specialized
July 20, 2022
In The Future, Podcast Discoverability Will Be Specialized
Podcast discovery isn't broken. It's just not one thing. And it gets a lot easier to improve podcast discoverability when a podcast listening app specializes in just one type of content. So... how's that going?
3 Podcasting Trends To Take You Beyond 2023
June 1, 2022
3 Podcasting Trends To Take You Beyond 2023
Politicians get in trouble for flip-flopping on issues. But for podcasters, changing opinions and approaches is a survival tactic. Think about these three questions over the next few months to prep your show for 2023 & beyond.
Big Tech Doesn't Care About Your Podcast
April 27, 2022
Big Tech Doesn't Care About Your Podcast
Big tech provided podcasting's first shot in the arm in the early days. In fact, big tech often provided the catalyst for several inflection points in podcasting's history. But recently, the tide seems to be shifting.
Evo Terra's Podcast Hall of Fame Speech (For Good!)
March 30, 2022
Evo Terra's Podcast Hall of Fame Speech (For Good!)
One of the ways we make podcasting better is by holding the people who work in podcasting accountable for doing better. I'm using my induction into the Podcast Hall of Fame to shine more light on that.
Podcast Pontifications Season 5 Announcement
March 28, 2022
Podcast Pontifications Season 5 Announcement
I give you, the serious podcaster, lots of things to think about. Not just about the future of podcasting, but how you can make podcasting better. Now I'm giving you another gift: some of your time back.
Keeping Your Podcast Distraction-Free
March 16, 2022
Keeping Your Podcast Distraction-Free
Sometimes the advancements we see in podcasting look pretty small compared to the hype we see and hear about in other forms of media. Would you be better off jumping ship to try the Next Big Thing?
Can Podcasts Keep The Trust They've Earned?
March 8, 2022
Can Podcasts Keep The Trust They've Earned?
Trust in podcasting extends beyond the host and the listener to a larger, overall trust in the idea of podcasting. Interestingly, podcasting enjoys a greater level of trust than other forms of media. But for how long?
Teens & Young Adults Prefer Listening To Podcasts
March 1, 2022
Teens & Young Adults Prefer Listening To Podcasts
Like any growing industry, podcasting needs to appeal to a younger audience, if only to keep replenishing supply as well, natural attrition occurs, shall we say. The good news is: the kids love podcasts!
5 Ways To Serve Your Podcast's Listeners' Future Needs
February 22, 2022
5 Ways To Serve Your Podcast's Listeners' Future Needs
Keeping your audience happy is important to maintaining your podcast. But there may be other things you can give your audience to keep them better fed and even happier with your show in the future.
Do We Need The Zillow Of Podcasting?
January 24, 2022
Do We Need The Zillow Of Podcasting?
Buying a house and finding a new podcast have more in common than you'd think. You aren't always in the market for both, and there's a problem if you have too many of either. Can lessons from one inform the other?
They're Making Video Podcasts A Thing Again… Again And It Might Just Work This Time
October 25, 2021
They're Making Video Podcasts A Thing Again… Again And It Might Just Work This Time
On the whole, podcasting hasn’t been kind to video content producers. And video hasn’t been kind to podcasters’ wallets. But four developing trends could change how podcasters think about video in the future.
From Free Podcast To Exclusive Podcast & Back Again
October 13, 2021
From Free Podcast To Exclusive Podcast & Back Again
Some once-exclusive podcasters are challenging the notion that you can never go home again. They assume their audience will be happy to see them. But reality may not line up with those assumptions.
Podcast Planning For The Worst Day Of Your Life
September 14, 2021
Podcast Planning For The Worst Day Of Your Life
Unfortunately, the confidence one gains with podcasting bestows neither invulnerability nor immortality. When you’re taken down—or perhaps out—do you have a good plan to inform your audience?
Do Old People Listen To Podcasts? Yes. Yes, We Do.
August 31, 2021
Do Old People Listen To Podcasts? Yes. Yes, We Do.
Podcasting is often touted as a way to reach a younger, hipper demographic. But that ignores the millions of people 55+ who listen to podcasts today, with different habits and content preferences.
When Pointless Podcasting Processes Pay Off
August 30, 2021
When Pointless Podcasting Processes Pay Off
Following podcasting best practices is always smart, but it doesn’t leave much room for creativity. Sometimes success is serendipitous, and what seems to be pointless may have an unexpected future upside.
Fickle Podcasters And The Next Big Thing
July 28, 2021
Fickle Podcasters And The Next Big Thing
The future of podcasting is already here. It’s just unevenly distributed. And while it certainly is an access problem for many, it’s often just a problem of apathy or laziness. Which is good news for you!
Can You Survive Podcasting's Chaotic Era?
July 21, 2021
Can You Survive Podcasting's Chaotic Era?
With technical problems and goofy business practices plaguing big podcast tech, the whole of podcasting is feeling more than growing pains. It’s resembling an identity crisis. Your job? Survive it.
The Future Of Podcasting Needs Your Help
July 12, 2021
The Future Of Podcasting Needs Your Help
If we’re to advance podcasting, we have to lose the “been there, done that” mentality. A reimagining of what podcasting can be is underway, and it needs the help of podcasters like you if it’s to succeed.
What's Apple's Motive For Apple Podcasts Subscriptions?
April 22, 2021
What's Apple's Motive For Apple Podcasts Subscriptions?
Apple’s new paid-for podcasting announcement already has many skeptics. But Apple has a successful playbook they can follow if they can change the way podcasters think about podcasting.
Four Dumb Things About Podcasting We Still Haven't Fixed
April 6, 2021
Four Dumb Things About Podcasting We Still Haven't Fixed
There’s no doubt that podcasting today—producing and listening—is much less complicated than before. But some lingering challenges remain that we must overcome to capture more public attention.
Will The Race For Podcasting's Profits Drive Our Dystopia?
April 1, 2021
Will The Race For Podcasting's Profits Drive Our Dystopia?
Podcasting’s consolidation doesn’t have an end goal. But it’ll make tomorrow’s podcasting landscape markedly different than what we’ve seen before. Here’s one not-so-pretty look at our future.
The Next One Million Podcasts Will Come From Clubhouse, Not Podcasters
February 25, 2021
The Next One Million Podcasts Will Come From Clubhouse, Not Podcasters
Clubhouse’s impact on podcasting may be greater & more long-lasting than we think. With a few keystrokes, they could unleash Anchor-level floodgates on the podosphere. Would that be such a bad thing?
Podcast Categories Have A Bad Apple At The Core
February 22, 2021
Podcast Categories Have A Bad Apple At The Core
Podcasters can’t even agree on the definition of podcasting. So it’s not surprising our categorization system stinks. Worse: our reliance on arcane structures excludes many worthy podcasting topics.
How iHeart's Buying Spree Will Effect The Future Of Podcasting
February 18, 2021
How iHeart's Buying Spree Will Effect The Future Of Podcasting
Big radio made another big podcasting purchase. But what does iHeart’s acquisition of Triton mean to the podcasters who aren’t today hosted by Omny? And how will this move shape podcasting’s tomorrow?
Podcasting's Elephant In The Evergreens Conundrum
February 17, 2021
Podcasting's Elephant In The Evergreens Conundrum
Podcasters often say “evergreen” and “timeless” to describe our content. But the future is rarely kind to creative expressions. Can we avoid making shows that sound dated to the next generation?
Making Your Podcast Better With Dynamic Content
February 1, 2021
Making Your Podcast Better With Dynamic Content
If you think dynamic insertion is only for flooding a podcast with bad ads; think again. Here’s how one new podcast is pushing the boundaries of dynamic insertion, and how it makes the show better.
Can Video Be The Future Of Podcasting If We're Sick Of It?
January 28, 2021
Can Video Be The Future Of Podcasting If We're Sick Of It?
Over the last year, video has encroached into many corners of our lives. While some camera-shy podcasters are now leaning in with video-only projects, some of us are sick of video already.
The Death Of Podcasting Dominance, Brought To You By Amazon & Wondery
January 4, 2021
The Death Of Podcasting Dominance, Brought To You By Amazon & Wondery
Amazon’s pending acquisition of podcasting powerhouse Wondery will change podcasting’s power dynamic. But not through domination. By eliminating the very idea of dominating the podcasting landscape.
Why PINOs - Podcasters In Name Only - Own The Future
October 28, 2020
Why PINOs - Podcasters In Name Only - Own The Future
As technology progresses, it’s creatives with the least amount of classic podcasting skills who are leading the way, eclipsing the accomplishments of those of us who can hand-code RSS feeds.
A Podcaster's Work Is Never Done... Until They're Done
October 27, 2020
A Podcaster's Work Is Never Done... Until They're Done
Begin with the end in mind is good advice for podcasters, as there’s always something more to tweak. But are you willing to face the logical conclusion of this statement where you end podcasting?
Podcasting In Hi-Fi: 3 Trends To Watch
October 26, 2020
Podcasting In Hi-Fi: 3 Trends To Watch
Where did the “hi-fi” enthusiast go? It’s hard to not buy a 4K (soon 8K) monitor or TV, a trend noticed by content developers. Yet personal audio reproduction lags behind. But that might be changing.
Podcasting On Smart Speakers Isn't Dumb; It's The Future
October 22, 2020
Podcasting On Smart Speakers Isn't Dumb; It's The Future
Smart speakers make for a tiny fraction of podcast listening. And the experience is frustrating. But when Google, Amazon, & Apple decide to make a better experience, will your podcast be ready?
Why Spotify's Shows With Music Is A Big Deal Beyond Podcasting
October 15, 2020
Why Spotify's Shows With Music Is A Big Deal Beyond Podcasting
Spotify now lets you place entire hit songs in your episodes, with monetization options & no licensing fee. Yes, there’s a twist. But this might be the biggest change to podcasting since… podcasting.
We The People Are Changing Podcasting For The Better
September 21, 2020
We The People Are Changing Podcasting For The Better
We tend to assume the power is in the hands of the voice behind the mic. But as podcasting matures and expands, other hands are exerting their influence on what makes it to our ears.
Podcasting Through Rose-Colored Glasses & Bunny Ears
September 15, 2020
Podcasting Through Rose-Colored Glasses & Bunny Ears
You may call them a frivolous waste of time, but filters and effects on pics, videos, and streams have become a staple of how we communicate. But not in podcasting, oddly enough. Will that change?
Sir, This Is Not A Wendy's Podcast... And That's OK
August 24, 2020
Sir, This Is Not A Wendy's Podcast... And That's OK
Wendy’s has a new podcast, and it’s not great. At least, not on the surface. But what we see as a low-effort offering might mark a new inflection point in podcasting that few of us saw coming.
Re-Humanize Your Podcast Before It's Too Late
August 18, 2020
Re-Humanize Your Podcast Before It's Too Late
Has the pendulum swung too far away from “podcasting is an intimate medium”? In our haste to resist the cliche, we might be editing out the humanity from our podcasts.
Do Androids Dream Of Being On Your Podcast?
August 12, 2020
Do Androids Dream Of Being On Your Podcast?
There’s a wave of advancements in both text-to-speech and AI-generated text that will impact podcasting as we know it. But rather than replace humans, this might be a boon for creative podcasters.
Getting The Podcasting Band Back Together Again
August 4, 2020
Getting The Podcasting Band Back Together Again
Podcasting is often considered a solo venture, though the biggest podcasts tend to have teams of people behind their success. With the bottom falling out of commercial real estate, dedicated podcasting co-working spaces may be coming.
The End of Podcasting's Direct-Relationship Model Is In Sight
July 20, 2020
The End of Podcasting's Direct-Relationship Model Is In Sight
“Own the relationship!” is practical podcasting advice that works today. But it might not tomorrow in a world with less guesswork about what people want from their podcasts.
The Inevitable Dismantling Of Podcast Directories
July 16, 2020
The Inevitable Dismantling Of Podcast Directories
Even though millions of people manage to find something to listen to, podcast directories kind of suck for most podcasters. Making them suck less might lead to a massive shakeup in the podcast ecosystem.
How You Can Exploit Podcasting's No-Code Future
July 6, 2020
How You Can Exploit Podcasting's No-Code Future
The “no-code” revolution is changing the digital economy right before our eyes. Here’s how a similar “no-waveform-manipulation” approach to how we make podcasts & episodes can (will?) change podcasting forever.
Eye Can't Hear You: A Podcasting Paradigm Shift
May 11, 2020
Eye Can't Hear You: A Podcasting Paradigm Shift
Two opposing visions of podcasting’s future are emerging. One side is betting on more screen-time interactions. The other is working to make screens obsolete for podcasting listening. Which path will win?
Today's Podcasting Innovations Will Impact Your Show Tomorrow
April 29, 2020
Today's Podcasting Innovations Will Impact Your Show Tomorrow
Nothing spurs growth and innovation quite like a ruptured economy. New podcasting-specific or podcast-adjacent services are coming at us fast. Are they right for your show?
Podcasting's Present Problems
April 13, 2020
Podcasting's Present Problems
The best way to predict the future is to invent it, said someone smarter than me. The best way to delay the future is to focus on the present, said me. What’s holding podcasting back at the moment? Present-focused podcasters.
Less Old White Men In Podcasting's Future
September 24, 2019
Less Old White Men In Podcasting's Future
I have been podcasting since October 2004, so clearly you should listen to me. But I'm also an old white guy. So in the future, maybe you'll stop listening to me? I’m OK with that.
Podcasting Spins Off Something Brand New
September 23, 2019
Podcasting Spins Off Something Brand New
The big shift in media caused by podcasting is finally underway. And while we all may be marching mostly in the same direction right now, we'll likely see more than a few spin-offs in the years to come.
Betting On Bits For Better Podcasting
September 19, 2019
Betting On Bits For Better Podcasting
Robots are coming for our jobs in podcasting. Well, at least my job in podcasting. Actually though... only some of my job in podcasting. But here's why I think that's a good thing for all of us in podcasting.
Surviving The Cold War Of Podcast Advertising
September 18, 2019
Surviving The Cold War Of Podcast Advertising
Will podcast advertising ever get a seat at the grown-up table alongside print, radio, television, and digital? Or are we stuck in obscurity and novelty forever, while the real money is spent elsewhere?
A Future Reckoning For The Podcast Ad Bubble
September 17, 2019
A Future Reckoning For The Podcast Ad Bubble
I don't think advertisers are ever going to get completely out of podcasting. But I do think there's a reckoning coming for podcast advertising... and it might sting all of us.
Solving Future Podcast Discovery Problems
September 16, 2019
Solving Future Podcast Discovery Problems
The future of podcast discovery is bright; but only because the present of podcast discovery really sucks. But before you cheer too much for the future of podcast discovery, it might be a bit more dystopian than you want.
Exploring Podcasting's Cost-Free Future
September 12, 2019
Exploring Podcasting's Cost-Free Future
You say “free hosting” like it's a bad thing. And, sure, it mostly is today. But what happens when one major player in our space switches to FREE? It’s going to make a lot of current podcasting business models obsolete.
Mitigating Future Threats To Hobbyist Podcasting
September 10, 2019
Mitigating Future Threats To Hobbyist Podcasting
Don't let the news coverage of premium podcasting fool you. The bulk of podcasting -- from production to consumption -- will be done by hobbyists. But that doesn't mean this “free” space is safe from future changes.
Premium Podcasting Will Soon Dominate The Short Head
September 9, 2019
Premium Podcasting Will Soon Dominate The Short Head
Break out your credit card, podcast listener. Because soon the best and most popular (yes, both of those) podcasts will cost you (and everyone else) to listen.
The Advancing Podcasting Party Wants YOU!
June 13, 2019
The Advancing Podcasting Party Wants YOU!
As much as I love podcasting, there are a variety of changes needed to make podcasting better for podcasters and our listeners. Those changes require others who also want to help make podcasting better. Want to join us in the Advancing Podcasting Party?
Will The Algorithm Love Your Podcast?
May 22, 2019
Will The Algorithm Love Your Podcast?
Algorithms will soon infect podcasts just as they’ve infected every other digital medium. How “fair” will these algorithms be to your podcast? Or how drastically will you need to change your show to stay relevant?
Free Podcast Hosting or SPHaaS (Subsidized Podcast Hosting as a Service)?
April 30, 2019
Free Podcast Hosting or SPHaaS (Subsidized Podcast Hosting as a Service)?
You say "free podcast hosting" like it's a bad thing... (and so have I!)
Downward Spiral From Leadership To Legacy In Podcasting
April 15, 2019
Downward Spiral From Leadership To Legacy In Podcasting
How to fight the fear and stay in a leadership role in podcasting.
Control The Future Of Your Podcast
April 4, 2019
Control The Future Of Your Podcast
No crystal ball needed. Just three skills you can start working on today.
Changes To Podcasting Are Just Getting Started
March 28, 2019
Changes To Podcasting Are Just Getting Started
How to stay updated without driving yourself crazy. I hope?
APODCalypse Endgame: When Literally Everyone Has A Podcast
March 21, 2019
APODCalypse Endgame: When Literally Everyone Has A Podcast
If everyone is creating, will anyone be listening?
APODcalypse: What If Podcasting Fails... Again?
March 20, 2019
APODcalypse: What If Podcasting Fails... Again?
Podcasting isn't new to failures and false starts. But can it survive a really, really big one?
APODCalypse: The Downfall Of Free Podcasts
March 19, 2019
APODCalypse: The Downfall Of Free Podcasts
VCs will pressure podcasting to make even bigger returns. Will their focus on money squeeze out the free podcast content once and for all?
Picking Sides In The Politics Of Podcasting
March 6, 2019
Picking Sides In The Politics Of Podcasting
Forget left vs right. In podcasting, it's all about Advancing vs Conventional. Which side is right for you?
Podcasting Intrapreneurs Wanted
February 21, 2019
Podcasting Intrapreneurs Wanted
Entrepreneurs got us this far. Now we need some podcasting natives to make the next wave of changes.
Moving Podcasting From Big Joke To Big Deal
February 4, 2019
Moving Podcasting From Big Joke To Big Deal
Are we finally getting to the place where podcasting is seen as serious content play?
Podcasting Needs Better Standards
January 20, 2019
Podcasting Needs Better Standards
Let's remove the non-artistic choices from the process of podcasting, OK? It's 2019. This should be working better by now.
When Robots Attack Podcasting!
January 24, 2019
When Robots Attack Podcasting!
Loads of automation are already built into modern podcasting. That's a trend that will continue.
Building Resilience Into Your Podcast
January 9, 2019
Building Resilience Into Your Podcast
The case for making it easy for your podcast to recover from someone else's failed business.
The Best New Year’s Resolution For Seasoned Podcasters
December 3, 2018
The Best New Year’s Resolution For Seasoned Podcasters
An annual reminder that the podcasting scene has changed drastically in the last couple years. Are your processes still relevant?
Ignore Most Today & Focus On The Best For Tomorrow
November 27, 2018
Ignore Most Today & Focus On The Best For Tomorrow
Why you should start rewarding your loyal listeners now, even though it's hard.
Your Podcast Is Bigger Than Your Feed
November 14, 2018
Your Podcast Is Bigger Than Your Feed
Are new players like Pandora big enough to change the fundamental nature of podcasting? Yes. And that's a good thing.
Has Google Given Up On Podcasting?
November 13, 2018
Has Google Given Up On Podcasting?
Or do they see a different vision of the future than what many podcasters assume?
Don't Let A Hacker Steal Your Podcast
November 8, 2018
Don't Let A Hacker Steal Your Podcast
The 10-minute fix to make sure bad actors don't ruin that good thing you've got going.
EATing Your Way To A Successful Podcast
October 30, 2018
EATing Your Way To A Successful Podcast
How experts with authority can build trustworthiness with their podcast.
Don't Micromanage The Future Out Of Your Podcast
October 29, 2018
Don't Micromanage The Future Out Of Your Podcast
It's good to be informed and to ask questions. But sometimes, you just have to trust your podcast consultant.
Atomizing Your Podcast
October 25, 2018
Atomizing Your Podcast
"How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time". Many new or would-be podcasters find filling content every week rather daunting.
Hitting The Limits Of Low-Cost Podcast Hosting
February 20, 2020
Hitting The Limits Of Low-Cost Podcast Hosting
At some point, if you’re lucky or very strategic, your podcast might become too popular for you to stay on the same low-price hosting plan. Remember: “unlimited downloads” sounds all fine and good until your popular show starts costing them real money.
The Real Line That Divides Podcasters
September 27, 2018
The Real Line That Divides Podcasters
Those who look back at podcasting's history with affection vs those who are more interested in the future of podcasting.
The BFR Approach to Podcasting
September 18, 2018
The BFR Approach to Podcasting
4 key lessons podcasters can learn from SpaceX.
Yes, Netflix Will Save Podcasting
September 6, 2018
Yes, Netflix Will Save Podcasting
Because new listeners don't want to wade through a cluttered mess.
Podcast Discovery In 2026
August 28, 2018
Podcast Discovery In 2026
The directories as we know them today simply don't scale.
Why RSS Feeds For Podcasts (Might) Need To Die
August 16, 2018
Why RSS Feeds For Podcasts (Might) Need To Die
Why the common RSS implementation is limiting for podcasts.
Can We Still Podcast In A Post-Apple/iTunes World?
August 9, 2018
Can We Still Podcast In A Post-Apple/iTunes World?
Because it's always smart to plan for the future. Even unlikely ones.
What Alex Jones Can Teach Podcasters
August 8, 2018
What Alex Jones Can Teach Podcasters
Three lessons for podcasters, even if you hate the guy.
Is Google Podcasts Making A Play For Everyone?
August 1, 2018
Is Google Podcasts Making A Play For Everyone?
Prepare for sweeping changes coming to podcasting.
Why You Should (Happily) Pay For Podcast Hosting
July 23, 2018
Why You Should (Happily) Pay For Podcast Hosting
Because you aren't made of time, either.
Who Birthed Whom? Radio & Podcasting For The Future
October 1, 2019
Who Birthed Whom? Radio & Podcasting For The Future
Podcasting and radio have some obvious parallels. And even though podcast pundits quote Buggles lyrics and radio pros try to exert their birthright, it's a shared future both are in for.
Surviving The Podcast Privacy Wars
January 7, 2020
Surviving The Podcast Privacy Wars
As of January 1, 2020, you and I can no longer ignore the privacy implications of our podcasting efforts. But you also don’t need to get a law degree. You also don’t need to take up arms. You just need to be smart.
Podcasting Your Way Through The Coming Recession
January 30, 2020
Podcasting Your Way Through The Coming Recession
It’s not a question of if but when the next big economic downturn hits. And it’s a certainty that podcasting will be impacted when it does. Here are four things you need to do now to survive the next crash.