Podcraft | How To Run A Great Podcast

On a recent episode of Podcraft, Neale James of The Photowalk talked about an email he once received from a listener who was housebound due to illness. They wrote that they could no longer go out for walks but hoped their life might change one day. For now, the sounds of Neale’s walks, even his grumbling at passing planes, reminded them that there was still a world out there.“That message taught me something important,” Neale said. “In a world that is increasingly shaped by AI, authenticity matters. People value the real and unpolished moments more than we sometimes realise.”'Walkcasting' wasn’t the only reason Neale was able to publish 500 episodes in five years and turn his podcast into a full-time living, but it played a big part.Even if you are not chasing those kinds of milestones, there is a lesson here. In an era where thousands of fully AI-generated shows flood podcast apps each week, authenticity and human connection have never mattered more. So how can a new podcaster stand out in all that noise?Nea

Ever wondered what it’s really like to grow a podcast while living off-grid and travelling full-time? Cara and James from Kerouac’s Cruising share how they’ve turned life on the road into a show about freedom, mindset and self-discovery. From dodgy internet connections to finding their voice as creators, they talk openly about what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how they’ve built a loyal audience one mile at a time.It’s a story about persistence as much as podcasting – learning new skills, fighting imposter syndrome, and embracing the slow, steady growth that comes with authenticity. If you’ve ever questioned whether to keep going with your show, or wondered how to make deeper connections with listeners, this chat offers practical insight and a healthy dose of encouragement.Also MentionedAlitu: The Podcast MakerScoreAppCould short-form video clips cannibalise podcasters' real audiences? Rephonic's 3D audience graph

Have you ever thought about publishing a report in your niche? A “state of the industry” piece that delivers fresh data, insights, and analysis to your audience.Original research can position you as an authority while sparking conversation, attracting media coverage, and opening new opportunities.But gathering and reporting data is both art and science, and common mistakes can quickly undermine your work.Fortunately, we’re joined by Tom Webster of Sounds Profitable, one of the most trusted voices in podcast research. With more than 30 years of experience, Tom shares practical advice on audience research and presenting original data. Whether you are planning a full industry report or simply running an audience survey, this conversation will help you avoid common pitfalls and prepare for success before writing your first question.Here are some of Tom’s key insights from our chat:Research Fuels Creativity“It’s always bothered me that people viewed the research and data side of things as not creative, when actual

How do you keep a podcast going long enough to reach 500 episodes?Most shows fade away after a handful of recordings, but The Photowalk has just passed a huge milestone. This week, I’m joined by its host, Neale James, to explore what it really takes to stay consistent, build a community, and even turn a passion project into something sustainable.Read the full blog post on this too, here.Neale shares:Why showing up every day matters more than waiting for inspirationHow listener nicknames, mailbags and “the other listener” helped build a loyal communityThe role authenticity plays – including leaving in planes overhead and barking dogsLessons carried over from his BBC radio career into podcastingHow he’s pieced together monetisation with Patreon, sponsors, mentoring and photo toursIf you’ve ever wondered how to keep your podcast alive and enjoyable well beyond launch, Neale’s story is packed with lessons you can take straight into your own show.Also MentionedAlitu: The Podcast MakerScoreApp

Do you think launching a podcast means buying lights, cameras, and spending hours editing? In this episode, Becky Pierson Davidson (Build With Becky) shows why none of that is necessary. Her short, audio-only episodes feel like voice notes from a smart friend, each one sharing a single tip to help community-driven businesses thrive.Becky explains how she keeps her process simple and sustainable, from idea to published episode in under 15 minutes. She shares why this straightforward style resonates with her audience, how it has led to new clients, and the role of storytelling, newsletters, and small conversations in building community.Becky's websiteAlitu: The Podcast MakerScoreApp

Have you ever wondered how to turn loyal listeners into paying customers without feeling like you’re forcing the sale? In this episode, we explore practical ways to make that leap, from using dynamic ads wisely to weaving your own products and services naturally into your content. It’s all about adding value first and showing how what you offer can genuinely help.We also chat about some of the bigger questions shaping podcasting right now. Should algorithms play a bigger role in helping people discover new shows, or do they risk limiting variety? Should you add a picture of yourself to your podcast cover art? And on a lighter note, we share how swapping a standard planning meeting for a walk outdoors has boosted our energy, creativity and focus.MentionedAlitu: The Podcast MakerThe Podcraft AcademyAre Algorithms Good for Podcasting?Micro-Speak Plus Accessible Recorder ReviewShould You Include Your Photo in Your Cover Art?The Truth About Audio-Only Podcasts in 202515 Editing Tips From 15 YearsShort-Form Video C

Can a podcast rooted in one city or neighbourhood really matter to listeners halfway across the world? Or should hyperlocal shows focus purely on the people right on their doorstep?In this episode, we are joined by Cody from the Community Build Up podcast. Together, we dig into the tension between going deep on local stories and widening the lens to reach a bigger audience. You’ll hear how podcasters are using place-based content to grow loyal followings, why a global reach isn’t always the right goal, and how you can decide what works best for your own show. If you’ve ever wondered whether to keep things close to home or aim for international ears, this one’s for you.

What does it take to keep a podcast sustainable while still growing your audience? In this live coaching episode of Podcraft, Colin and Matthew sit down with Ellie and Will, hosts of Lively Minds: The UK Mental Health Podcast. Together, they explore the origins of the show, the challenge of carving out a unique voice in a crowded mental health space, and why clarity around their mission matters so much. Ellie and Will share how their project grew out of conversations during lockdown and why they wanted to go beyond surface-level wellbeing advice to have deeper, more nuanced discussions around mental health.The conversation also digs into practical strategy, from balancing consistency with sustainability to experimenting with shorter co-hosted or solo episodes. Colin and Matthew share ideas for authentic audience growth without social media overwhelm, creative approaches to collaboration, and sustainable ways to explore monetisation through community support or aligned partnerships. Packed with encouragement a

How do you turn your podcast audience into paying members? In this episode, Colin talks with Mike Morrison from Membership Geeks about the strategies podcasters can use to build successful memberships.You’ll learn how to choose the right model for your show, whether that’s creating outcomes, fostering mastery, building connection, or offering resources. Mike shares real examples of podcasters who have grown six-figure memberships, explains why content alone is no longer enough, and reveals how to keep members engaged for the long term.If you're in or near the UK, be sure to check out Retain Live 2025, which is taking place in Newcastle on the 23rd and 24th of September!And if you want one resource to help you start up a membership, try The Membership Roadmap. This is Mike's full guide to planning and launching a successful membership.

What can three years of data really tell us about how podcasts grow? In this episode, Jeremy Enns from the Podcast Marketing Academy unpacks the latest Podcast Marketing Trends report, exploring why growth is slowing for big shows but accelerating for independents, the growing role of video in podcasting, and whether social media really moves the needle. The discussion also covers the pull of algorithms, the power of strong show concepts, and how newsletters fit into a sustainable growth strategy. If you want clear insights on what actually works in podcast marketing today, this is the conversation to hear.Also MentionedThe RACE Framework: How to grow a podcast WITHOUT social mediaAlitu: The ultimate podcast maker softwarePodcraft Pointers: Weekly podcasting tips, tools, and resources

Indy is creating a podcast for his online gardening club, Tender Shoots, aimed at listeners aged 65 to 100. His mission is to make the experience simple, welcoming, and accessible. No technical headaches, just great gardening advice.The challenge is balancing ease of use with modern podcasting features like chapter images and detailed show notes. Indy is tackling this by streamlining the subscription process and guiding members on how to use podcast apps. The goal is to offer an enjoyable and educational experience tailored to older gardening enthusiasts, without letting the tech get in the way.Looking for support or coaching in your own podcasting ventures? Head on over to thepodcasthost.com/help and tell us what you need!

There is no shortage of potential income streams for your podcast. But rather than telling you all the things you could try, how about some real-world case studies from ten successful independent podcasters?Our recent survey suggested that only 1 in 4 indies monetize their content, despite the majority of them wanting to build some income streams.So, on this episode of Podcraft, we’re going to dig into the monetization methods and strategies that have actually worked for our IndiePod Legends, as well as the many that haven’t!The aim here is to show that while some revenue streams are a good fit for some, they don’t work so well for others. We’ll also answer questions like:WHEN should you try to monetize?What are some great on-ramps for smaller podcasts?Can monetizing your content hamper your creativity?The PodcastsThe Joy of CruisingWild for ScotlandTravel N Sh!tBoard Game Design LabShe Well ReadFighting ThroughLush LifeThe Mindful Marketing PodcastI Should Be Writing

Podcasting isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.Figuring out who you want to reach and how you’ll serve them is hard work, but it’s the kind that truly moves the needle.In 2025, we risk losing sight of that north star. Too often, clarity is traded for trends, and purpose is swapped for perceived expectations. Stay focused. The best podcasts still begin by serving real people, not chasing the algorithm.On this episode, I'm joined by Rachel Corbett, who brings a wealth of podcasting experience to the table. We discuss some recent data collected through regular polls in our Podcraft Pointers newsletter. Then, we catch up on the latest tools, tactics, and techniques that are working well for us right now.Key Talking PointsThe "Podcasting" Name Debate83% of surveyed indie podcasters believe the term "podcast" hasn't outlived its usefulnessIndustry voices with big profiles are pushing for rebranding, but thousands of creators prefer keeping the termComparison made to radio shows that also stream video

Tomas Loucky, better known as Tommen, is an expert in growing an audience on LinkedIN, and has been growing his Podcast 'Produced By' there for the past year. With over 20,000 followers, he joins Colin to talk about building a personal brand, repurposing podcast content, and finding great guests through LinkedIn. They dig into how to strike the right balance between personal and business-focused posts, and why authenticity and experimentation are key to growing an audience.Check out Tomas's podcast Produced By with Tommen, along with his other channels and projects, right here.

If you're looking to gather genuine feedback from your podcast listeners, surveys can be a powerful tool. But only if people are willing to complete them.In this episode of Podcraft, you'll learn how to create listener surveys that generate more responses and more meaningful insights. Whether you're collecting feedback for your own decisions or planning to share the results publicly, these tips will help you get it right.Also mentioned in this episode: Our 2025 Indie Podcaster Survey is now open. Complete it and you'll receive a free PDF copy of our Podcast Growth book, plus the chance to win $500 worth of podcast gear from Lewitt.Take the survey at thepodcasthost.com/survey25

What if the key to podcasting success isn't working harder, but working with more structure? More systems, more process. Many independent podcasters burn out trying to juggle content creation, editing, promotion, and everything in between. But there's a better way.On this episode, Colin is joined by Layla Pomper, CEO of ProcessDriven. The pair explore how structured workflows can actually enhance, rather than hinder, your creative freedom. Layla reveals how independent podcasters can use documented processes and templates to reduce decision fatigue, prevent burnout, and scale their shows effectively.You will also:Discover practical strategies for systematising content planning, editing, and promotion while maintaining creative freedom.Learn how creating recurring task lists and frameworks not only ensures consistency and quality but also provides the flexibility to take breaks without disrupting production.This episode offers actionable insights for podcasters looking to delegate tasks, minimise repetitive wo

Does your audience expect expertise or authenticity? On this episode, we're joined by Allan Tweddle of Small Investor Toolbox. He's published 13 episodes to date and has struggled with feelings of impostor syndrome, as well as early audience growth. Can we help him? Hit play to find out! Resources MentionedThe RACE MethodGrowing your podcast through collaborationsWHISPER TITLES Framework

We recently did a bit of a masterclass on titling your podcast episodes, based on our WHISPER TITLES framework. This framework applies to any type of content, too, not just podcast episodes. We wanted to build on that in this episode and explore the delicate balance of crafting podcast titles that are engaging yet avoid the contemptuous label of clickbait. We'll delve into the importance of titles in capturing attention amidst a competitive media landscape and share examples of misleading headlines from other media. We'll also talk about some examples where our own titles have sparked negative or critical reactions from others. MentionedDo We Need to Champion Spoken-Word Audio in a World of Video Hype?The Podcraft AcademyPodcraft Listeners' Community

You don’t need to look far to find a heated debate or surprising statistic about video in podcasting right now.Video is killing podcasts! Video is saving podcasting! If you’re not doing video, what’s the point? It’s a lot.Regardless of which side of the fence you sit on, there’s one thing I’m sure we can all agree on: Every show is different, and adding video unnecessarily could kill your podcast.So rather than continuously examining contradictory data or choosing which hill to die on, I spoke to some podcasters about their real-life experiences adding video to their workflow and the results (and challenges) it can bring. Darren Lake/ DLakeHost of the 1% Better Runner podcast“Video is three times harder, but worth the effort”Darren Lake, otherwise known as DLake, never actually set out to be a podcaster. He just wanted to create a platform where he could explore “weird content” about running. In the first three years, he produced about 40 audio-only episodes. But despite trying “every trick in the book” to gr

Since 2017, Podnews has been an essential daily briefing for podcasters and industry folks who want to keep their finger on the medium’s pulse.But this newsletter and its companion podcast aren’t just brilliant sources of news, data, and analysis – they also make for a fantastic case study of creating content consistently over a long period of time.In this episode of Podcraft, I caught up with James Cridland, the one-man operation behind Podnews, to pull back the curtain on how he's built what might be the most consistent content machine in podcasting.We covered a lot of ground, from why James started Podnews in the first place, to why he chose to publish a daily briefing in both newsletter AND podcast form.We also talked about tools and workflows. You'll find everything James uses in this Podnews piece, but some notable picks for me are:The Lewitt RAY mic and Scarlett 2i2 interface - I'm a big fan of bothHindenburg PRO v2 as his software of choiceFreshRSS - an RSS reader to keep up with new articles and blog