Buzzsprout
Buzzcast helps podcasters stay informed, inspired, and excited to keep podcasting.
Each week, Jordan, Kevin, and Alban break down the podcasting news, trends, tools, and creator debates that actually matter. We share what we’re seeing at Buzzsprout, what we’re testing ourselves, and what podcasters should pay attention to without chasing every new thing.
The goal is to help you keep podcasting without burning out. Expect honest opinions, practical takeaways, occasional rabbit trails, and a reminder that podcasting should be fun!
Send us Fan Mail What determines whether celebrity podcasts succeed or fail, and what can indie podcasters learn from their mistakes? We explore the surprising patterns behind celebrity podcast success stories and the ever-growing celebrity podcast graveyard. Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!
Send us Fan Mail We're discussing a powerful shift in podcast discovery: trusted recommendations from real people instead of algorithms. With Pocket Casts now surfacing creator-curated suggestions, listeners have a new way to uncover shows they’ll actually love. We share how this works behind the scenes and why podcaster-driven discovery offers something smarter and more authentic than charts and rankings ever could. We also highlight a creative summer listening challenge for kids, reflect on Apple’s unexpected role in preserving open podcasting over the last 20 years, and share updates on remote recording reliability. Sound-Off Question: What is something you wish you knew when you started podcasting? Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!
Send us Fan Mail After a flawless escape room victory, we're tackling a puzzle we can't solve: why remote podcast recording software still fails so often. From audio glitches to browser limitations, these are our frustrations of creating studio-quality content online. Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!
Send us Fan Mail Buzzsprout just rolled out a major update to its subscription features! We're talking about the six Buzzsprout Support & Subscriptions options now available. These include premium episodes, ad-free content, back catalog access, early access, subscriber-only podcasts, and listener support. We share tips on engaging supporters without adding more work to your production schedule and cover the new Apple Podcasts integration that allows you to manage both platforms from inside your Buzzsprout dashboard. Mentioned in this episode: Apple Podcasts for Creators new artwork page Spotify’s public play count feature and why it sparked backlash The mystery behind the ATR2100x mic being discontinued Sound-Off: Have you ever subscribed to a podcast or offered subscriptions on your own show? Which perks made it worth it for you (or your listeners)? Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!
Send us Fan Mail We're digging into a recent trend showing up in podcast feeds: bonus episodes labeled “You Might Also Like” that are actually full episodes from completely different shows. We look at what’s behind this, how companies like PodRoll are using dynamic feed drops to scale podcast promotions, and why this can feel different from a traditional feed drop or ad. Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!
Send us Fan Mail Whether you’re interviewing seasoned pros or first-time guests, the key to a successful podcast interview is thoughtful preparation. In this episode, we break down practical strategies for helping your guests feel confident, relaxed, and ready to deliver their best. From pre-interview communication and tech checks to question outlines and managing nerves, you’ll learn how great prep leads to great conversations. Guest host Priscilla, Head of Podcaster Success and host of Happy to Help, shares the exact steps she uses to prep nervous guests into confident storytellers. Plus, explore Buzzsprout’s free guest preparation resources to help you deliver the best possible recording experience for every guest on your show. Sound-Off: If you have a tip for preparing a guest for an interview, especially if you have a story behind it, send it in! Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore the best places to find pro-level, royalty-free music for your podcast in 2025—including a surprising archive from Grammy-nominated artist Moby, who just dropped 500+ tracks for creators to use. We’ll also share some of our favorite free and low-cost music libraries! Music Resources: Buzzsprout Blog: Free Music For Podcasts Mobygratis Blue Dot Sessions Breakmaster Cylinder Free Music Archive Incompetech Pixabay Music YouTube Audio Library The music in this episode is by Breakmaster Cylinder (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) Check out Riverside's video, "I Asked Podcast Experts How to Grow Your Audience — Here’s What They Said!". Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!
Send us Fan Mail What would you do if someone offered you $100 million for your podcast? In this episode, we dive into Steven Bartlett’s recent disclosure that he turned down not one, but two massive podcasting deals — including a $100M offer. Why? Because they came with strings attached: platform exclusivity, ad overload, and a loss of creative control. We discuss why prioritizing your listeners, values, and long-term vision might be worth more than the biggest paycheck. Plus, we hear the drawbacks of video podcasting through perspectives of reluctant celebrity podcasters. Mentioned in this episode: The Only Men Allowed to Podcast Are Tween Boys The Diary of a CEO Turned Down $100M Podcast Deal Smartless: Maria Shriver Office Ladies: Webisodes: The Podcast & The Office Ladies Podcast Pilot The Compassion of Sound Sound-off question: What is the strangest podcast growth tip that actually works? Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!
Send us Fan Mail Pocket Casts adopted the podcast namespace's funding tag feature, giving podcasters a way for listeners to directly support their favorite shows right from the app. We also discuss The Fandom Phenomenon from Wondery and Edison Research and why podcast listeners love their favorite shows so much! Reminder: we're looking for more thoughts on what feature you'd like to see in your podcast listening apps! Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!
Send us Fan Mail Alban is back from Podcast Movement Evolutions 2025, and we're breaking down what happened at the conference—what felt inspiring, what felt off, and why video dominated nearly every conversation. We also talk about the impromptu Buzzsprout meetup, a surprise panel appearance, and the heartwarming rise of senior podcasters. Sound Off Question: What features do you wish your podcast listening app had? Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!
Send us Fan Mail Content boundaries have been blurred, challenging traditional definitions of what constitutes a podcast. Jordan and Kevin discuss Oxford Road's What is a Podcast? survey and the problems that come when the definition is unclear. Have you ever had an embarrassing foot-in-mouth experience? Send us your response for our next episode. (Anonymous submissions welcome!) Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!
Send us Fan Mail Podcasting has officially gone mainstream according to Edison Research's Infinite Dial, with 55% of Americans now consuming podcasts monthly. Does this mean we never have to explain what a podcast is again? Let's hope! Mentioned in this episode: Rory McIlroy's club switch during tournament Buzzsprout Hang Out at Podcast Movement Evolutions Netflix exploring video podcasts as potential content on their platform Bulksprout: New bulk upload tool released for Buzzsprout users Keith Morrison's storytelling techniques and how to apply them to podcasting 2025 Infinite Dial Report Buzzcast 121: Spotify's New Podcast Strategy Sound-Off: Have you ever had an embarrassing foot-in-mouth experience? Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!
Send us Fan Mail We tackle common podcast listening problems and explore the evolving landscape between native apps and web players based on listener questions about missing features and playback issues. Send us messages about something stats won't tell us about you for our next Sound-Off segment! Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!
Send us Fan Mail Numbers don't tell the whole story of your podcast's impact—but understanding them can help you use analytics effectively while staying focused on creating the content you love. Tom Rossi joins Alban and Jordan to simplify podcast stats and what they actually mean for creators. Whether you're trying to grow your show, attract sponsors, or simply understand your audience better, we're giving out actionable strategies for podcast analytics found in Buzzsprout, Apple Podcasts, Spotify for Creators, and YouTube! Sound-Off Question: Tell us where you're listening from and one thing about yourself that statistics could never tell us! Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!
Send us Fan Mail We dive into surprising data from PodMatch about how 9,000 podcasters market their shows, revealing a disconnect between the most popular tactics and those that actually drive growth. Check out our Reddit thread for unique marketing ideas for your podcast! Don't forget to send us your challenges to do something different just to talk about it on the podcast! Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!
Send us Fan Mail In podcasting, it's not just about downloads—it's about connection, creativity, and the community you build along the way! We're diving into stories of inspiration and practical advice from our listeners that you can implement in your own podcasting journey. Links mentioned in the episode: Small P Podcasting Sound-Off: Challenge us to do something just so we can talk about it on the podcast! Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!
Send us Fan Mail We're going over some significant updates from Apple Podcasts that simplify the podcast submission process! Submit to Apple Podcasts in One Click Claim Your Show on Apple Podcasts Connect Don't forget to tell us what motivates you to keep podcasting for our next Sound-Off segment! Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!
Send us Fan Mail Everywhere we turn, someone’s saying that video is essential for podcast growth. But most of the top podcasters in the world aren’t bothering with video. So why are others being pressured to? In this episode, we break down the reality behind the video podcasting hype, why platforms and marketers are so desperate to push it, and the reason you shouldn't feel guilty about staying audio-only. Links mentioned in this episode: r/Buzzsprout unique marketing ideas thread Spotify music podcast takedowns Spotify's Push into Video is Missing Some of the Biggest Podcasts Joe Rogan Isn't A Podcast (Unpopular Thoughts about Video and Podcasting) Sound-Off Question: What keeps you motivated to keep podcasting? Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!
Send us Fan Mail Podcasts get a bad rap sometimes, and one stereotype just won’t go away. So we're breaking down why it’s totally wrong, why it keeps popping up, and what podcasters can do about it. We also dive into why long-form conversations matter, how podcasting gets unfairly judged, and yes—our thoughts on that SNL skit. Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!
Send us Fan Mail If you've been on the fence about launching a podcast, this episode is your sign to go for it! We're breaking down why right now is the absolute best time to start a podcast. We'll discuss why podcasting is still the least crowded content platform, how technology has made it easier than ever for creators, and bust some of the biggest myths holding people back from starting their podcast. We also touch on how independent creators may now be eligible for White House press credentials, a look back on Podfest 2025, and some of the coolest marketing strategies we saw there! Links mentioned in the episode: White House Press Application Signal Hill Insights: 142 Million Opportunities for Podcasting in 2025 SNL Podcast sketches: Medcast, Father-Son Podcasting Microphone, Serial: The Christmas Surprise, Banger Boyz, AI Software Sound-Off Question: What is the creator path you've taken? Contact Buzzcast Send us Fan Mail Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!