Last week we walked through the framework for deciding whether to pull the plug on a recorded episode: when to salvage, when to spike, and how to know the difference. If you haven’t read that piece, it’s worth starting there.
podcasting tips
When to Scrub an Episode
Every podcaster eventually records an episode they can’t publish. Spiking a bad recording is sometimes an act of editorial judgment. Here’s a practical framework for deciding whether to salvage a flawed episode or when to scrub an episode, and how to handle the conversation with your guest when you do.
Your Download Numbers Are Lying to You
Every podcaster knows the ritual. You publish an episode, wait a few days, and then open your hosting dashboard to see how it performed. Your download numbers stare back at you. Maybe it’s good. Maybe it’s disappointing. Either way, you treat it like a verdict.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: that number is not telling you what you think it is.
What Your Audience Actually Needs From You Right Now
In a world optimized for noise, your audience isn’t asking for more. They’re asking for something steadier.
Perfectionism Sucks
A surprising number of podcasts never fail. They never even start. Not because the creator lacks ideas. Not because the topic isn’t interesting. Not because there’s no audience. They stall out before the first episode ever gets published. Because perfectionism sucks.
Staying Creative When You’re Tired
Creating a podcast isn’t just about microphones, editing software, and clever marketing. It’s also about mental endurance. Every podcaster eventually hits that wall: the late nights cutting audio, the scramble to find guests, the creeping dread of another week’s deadline. Staying creative when you’re tired isn’t easy, but it’s part of the producer’s craft.
Hanging Up the Headphones: Why Podcast Producers Quit (and How to Do It Gracefully)
Every podcaster dreams of creating something that lasts: episodes that inspire, teach, and connect. But for many, there comes a time when hitting “record” starts to feel less like a passion and more like a burden. Hanging Up the Headphones: Whether you’re facing burnout, moving on to new projects, or simply ready to retire from podcasting, knowing why people stop producing and how to stop well can make all the difference to your audience.
AI Tools for Podcasters: More About What You Need to Know
The podcasting world keeps evolving, “artificial intelligence” is no longer just a buzzword, it’s a practical toolkit for podcasters of all sizes. Whether you’re running a hobby show or building a branded media channel, AI tools for podcasters can save you time, polish your sound, and help you reach more listeners.