Episodes

Podcast burnout can happen for a lot of reasons: an overly ambitious schedule, too much production work, losing interest in a topic or simply trying to fit podcasting into an already busy life. In this episode of Podcast Insider, MacKenzie Bennett, Mike Dell and Dave Clements talk about their own experiences with podcast burnout, abandoned shows and taking breaks. They discuss why burnout doesn’t always mean it’s time to quit — sometimes it means the format, schedule or expectations around your...

Celebrity podcasts are everywhere — or at least, it can feel that way. But does having a built-in audience actually make someone a good podcaster? In this episode of Podcast Insider, Dave Clements, MacKenzie Bennett and Mike Dell discuss the rise and influence of celebrity podcasts, why some make the transition to podcasting successfully while others struggle, and how these shows can shape expectations for new podcasters. The conversation explores the popularity of celebrity interview shows, th...

How Do You Consume Podcasts? Podcast consumption looks different for everyone—and it continues to change as audio, video and short-form content become more connected. In this episode of Podcast Insider, Mike Dell, Dave Clements and MacKenzie Bennett share how they discover and consume podcasts. MacKenzie primarily listens through Apple Podcasts but often discovers new shows through social media. Dave has shifted from traditional podcast apps toward YouTube and audiobooks, while Mike maintains o...

Podpage for Blubrry Podcasters In this episode of Podcast Insider, Mike Dell is joined by Brenden Mulligan, founder of Podpage, to talk about Blubrry’s new Podpage integration and why having a dedicated podcast website still matters. Blubrry hosting customers now have access to a free Podpage-powered podcast website, giving podcasters an easier way to create a professional home for their show without having to build or maintain a website from scratch. Mike and Brenden discuss how the partnersh...

Hey everyone — quick update before we jump into today’s episode. We’re currently taking a short break from recording new episodes of Podcast Insider as we spend some time reworking the show behind the scenes. We’re looking at everything from format to content to make sure we’re bringing you the most helpful and relevant podcasting insights possible. We’ll be back with brand new episodes in May. In the meantime, we’re revisiting some of our past episodes that are still incredibly relevant — li...

Spring is a natural time to reset — and your podcast is no exception. If things have started to feel a little scattered, outdated, or harder to manage, you’re not alone. Most podcasts don’t struggle because of one major issue, but because of small things that quietly pile up over time. In this episode, we walk through how to “spring clean” your podcast — from refreshing your show details and fixing broken links to simplifying your workflow and setting yourself up for growth. These are practical,...

Podcasting doesn’t stop at borders — and chances are, your audience doesn’t either. In this replay of Podcast Insider, hosts Mike Dell and Dave Clements break down how podcasters can expand beyond their home country and reach listeners around the world. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow your show internationally, understand where your audience is coming from, or make your content more accessible globally — this episode is for you. Whether you’re just getting started or already seeing downloa...

Podcasting has its own language — and if you’re new to the space, it can feel like everyone already knows what all the terms mean. RSS feeds, hosting, CPM, downloads, distribution… it’s easy to get lost in the jargon. Blubrry breaks down some of the most common podcasting terms in plain English. Whether you’re just starting your show or looking to better understand how the podcasting ecosystem works, this episode will help make sense of the terminology that powers podcast publishing, distributio...

Behind the scenes at a podcast hosting company, you start to notice patterns. Not just in downloads or dashboards — but in behavior, expectations, burnout, growth, and momentum. In this episode, we’re sharing what we consistently see across thousands of shows: why some podcasts quietly fade out, why others steadily grow, where creators get tripped up, and what actually builds longevity. This isn’t promotional — it’s observational. If you’ve ever wondered what separates the podcasts that last fro...

If you’ve ever hit record and immediately felt your heart race, you’re not alone. Sitting behind a microphone can feel surprisingly vulnerable — even if you’re completely comfortable talking in everyday life. The truth is, confidence in podcasting doesn’t magically appear. It’s built over time, shaped by repetition, structure, and a willingness to grow in public. In this episode, we’re breaking down what actually creates confidence behind the mic — and why feeling a little awkward at first isn’t...

Your podcast doesn’t need to be massive to make money — but it does need a strategy. Monetization isn’t one-size-fits-all, and most independent podcasters are building income in smarter, more diversified ways than people realize. Podcast Monetization Myths 1. Myth: You Need Huge Downloads to Make Money A common misconception is that monetization only starts when you hit tens of thousands of downloads per episode. In reality, smaller, niche podcasts often monetize more effectively because they se...

Branding Your Podcast Your podcast brand is the story you’re telling before a listener ever hears your voice. It’s built through your artwork, your title, your description, and the tone you use everywhere your show shows up. Today, Blubrry discusses how, when and why you should change up your podcast branding. Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Aaron Hope 1. Branding Is More Than Just Artwork Your cover art is important — but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Your show name, episode titles, ...

🔍 Podcast SEO in 2026: How Listeners Find Your Show Podcast SEO still matters in 2026, but it’s no longer about gaming algorithms. It’s about clarity, structure, and helping the right listeners find your content across search engines and podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. In this episode of Podcast Insider, we break down what actually moves the needle when it comes to podcast discoverability. 🎧 Podcast SEO Basics (Quick Version) Podcast SEO works because platforms rely on wri...

Give Your Podcast Catalog New Life Your podcast back catalog is one of the most powerful tools you already have — even if you don’t always think about it that way. Those older episodes aren’t outdated. New listeners are finding your show every day, and for them, everything in your archive is brand new. Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Mike Dell In this episode of Podcast Insider, we share practical ways podcasters can reuse, promote, and even monetize their existing episodes to grow their a...

🎙️ Podfest 2026 Recap: Creators, Community & What’s Next In this special episode of Podcast Insider, Mike Dell, Dave Clements, and MacKenzie Bennett are joined by Cyndee Harrison and Rachael Amato from Synaptic to recap Podfest 2026 — and the conversations that stood out most. From a packed booth and plenty of “pre-podcasters” (people planning their very first show) to meaningful reconnects with longtime customers, the team shares why Podfest continues to be one of the most creator-focused eve...

Podcast growth may remind you of a big scary thing staring at you from the corner of your bedroom, but it really doesn’t have to be. You can plan a year of growth easily and that will help you move from constantly reacting to intentionally building momentum. When you zoom out and look at the bigger picture, it becomes easier to focus your time and energy on what actually matters. If you want your podcast to grow in a sustainable way, planning ahead is key. Today’s Hosts: Dave Clements and MacKen...

📊 Why IAB-Certified Stats Matter — and How Blubrry Makes It Easy Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and Dave Clements When it comes to podcast monetization, your download numbers aren’t just bragging rights—they’re how you prove your value to advertisers, networks, and sponsors. But here’s the thing: not all stats are created equal. To be taken seriously, you need IAB-certified podcast statistics—and here’s why they matter, especially if you’re trying to grow or monetize your show. 1. They’re the Industry...

What’s Happening in Podcasting: 2025 Highlights • The Growing Market & Shifts in Listener Behavior Podcast audience numbers continue climbing: in 2025, over 584 million people listened to podcasts globally, and consumption habits are shifting. Riverside At the same time, more creators are embracing video podcasts — blending traditional audio with video content, to meet changing listener expectations and platform algorithms. EMARKETER+1 The industry forecast remains strong: some estimates projec...

Change can be scary — especially when your podcast format is “working well enough.” But doing the exact same thing every week can lead to burnout, stale content, and flat growth. In this episode of Podcast Insider, Mike and Dave dig into how to experiment with your show format without confusing your audience, tanking downloads, or losing the core of what makes your show work. Whether you’re thinking about shorter episodes, new segments, rotating co-hosts, or even a full refresh down the road, th...

Big audiences get the spotlight — but passionate, niche communities are where podcast success quietly thrives. In this episode of Podcast Insider, we dive into why smaller-focused shows are often more engaged, more loyal, and more profitable than broad, mass-appeal podcasts. Whether your show is about vintage guitars, homeschooling twins, paranormal tourism, or the science of sleep — the beauty of podcasting is that there’s a niche for everything. We’ll explore how creators can grow strategicall...

Podcasting isn’t just about entertainment — it’s a platform for change. Whether you’re raising awareness for an important issue, advocating for a marginalized community, or championing a nonprofit mission, a podcast can amplify voices and create real-world impact. In this episode of Podcast Insider, we explore how creators can responsibly, authentically, and effectively use their shows to inspire action. From storytelling that sparks empathy to partnerships that fuel momentum, your mic can be a ...

Podcasting connects people everywhere — and chances are, you already have listeners tuning in from around the world. Whether it’s Canada, the UK, India, or beyond, international audiences bring new perspectives and opportunities for growth. In this episode, Dave Clements and Mike Dell talk about how to expand your reach beyond your home country, understand your international audience data, and make your podcast more accessible — no matter where your listeners are tuning in from. Today’s Hosts: D...

Even the most passionate podcasters hit a wall sometimes — especially around the holidays. Between planning episodes, keeping up with publishing schedules, and juggling real-life responsibilities, it’s easy to lose steam. In this episode, we talk about how to recognize burnout before it hits, practical ways to refresh your creativity, and why taking a short break (like over Thanksgiving!) can actually help your show thrive in the long run. Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell and MacKenzie Bennett Avoiding ...

As the podcasting landscape evolves, creators are navigating an ever-growing list of listening platforms — each with its own tools, quirks, and agendas. From Apple’s reliable open ecosystem to Spotify’s algorithm-driven discovery and YouTube’s growing push into podcasts, there’s plenty to celebrate… and plenty to question. In this episode, Mike Dell and Dave Clements break down what these platforms are doing right, what they’re getting wrong, and how independent podcasters can stay in control no...