Ever feel like your mic knows you're nervous before you even hit record? Been there. In this episode of Podtastic Audio, we’re diving deep into something every podcaster faces but rarely talks about—mic shyness and how to sound more confident behind the mic.

Whether you're brand new to podcasting or you're still not feeling 100% after a few episodes, this one’s for you. I’ll share real talk from my early days fumbling through solo episodes, plus the 6 powerful tips I use to sound more confident and natural on the mic.

🎙️ You’ll learn:

• Why confidence isn’t something you’re born with (and how to build it)
• How nerves can ruin your delivery—and how to fix it fast
• Simple ways to warm up your voice and loosen up before you record
• Why scripting your intro (even just a little) can change everything
• The mindset shift that puts your listener first
• And yes—how smiling while talking can make a huge difference

If you’re an indie or hobby podcaster trying to improve your solo episodes, this is the confidence boost you’ve been looking for. Let's turn that nervous energy into great content your audience actually connects with.

👊 Grab my new book Podtastic Playbook and other podcasting resources at PodtasticAudio.com. 🎯 It's time to podcast with confidence — and sound like the pro you’re becoming.

The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast

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Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

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Timestamps / Chapters

00:00 – Why podcasting feels awkward at first

01:11 – Nervous beginnings and finding your voice

02:20 – Where real confidence in podcasting comes from

03:33 – What this episode is really about

04:57 – Why repetition is the key to confidence

07:08 – How nerves affect your delivery

08:19 – What listeners hear when you don’t sound confident

10:00 – The connection between confidence and trust

11:09 – Tip 1: Warm up your voice before recording

11:49 – Tip 2: Record test runs you don’t plan to publish

13:00 – Tip 3: Script your intro for a strong start

14:47 – Tip 4: Smile while you're talking

16:54 – Tip 5: Use a basic outline to stay focused

19:06 – Tip 6: Talk to one person, not a crowd

21:14 – Final thoughts: realness beats perfection

22:15 – Your challenge: record something today

23:29 – Grab my new book and podcast with confidence

#PodcastTips #PodcastingConfidence #SoloPodcaster #PodcastHostLife #MicShyness #StartAPodcast #IndiePodcaster #PodcastPro #PodcastingJourney #VoiceConfidence #PodcastTraining #Podcasting101 #HowToPodcast #PodcastCoach #PodcasterSupport #AudioOnlyPodcast #PodcastBeginnerTips #PodcastGrowth #PodcastProduction #PodcastEditingTips #PodcastMindset #SoundMoreConfident #ConfidenceOnTheMic #NewPodcaster #PodtasticAudio

Elevate your podcasting game with Riverside.fm's studio-quality recordings, lightning-fast editing, and enhanced streaming capabilities—try it today! Get 15% off with discount code Podtastic

Riverside.Fm

YouTube Shorts are getting millions of views… but does that actually help your podcast grow?

In this episode, I break down the surprising truth behind going viral on YouTube—and why it didn’t move the needle for my podcast downloads. With over 3 million views and two Shorts hitting 1 million+ each, you’d expect some kind of boost in podcast listeners, right?

Yeah… not so much.

We’ll unpack:

• The growing confusion between YouTube videos and actual podcasts
• Why visibility doesn't equal engagement
• How platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple are changing what "podcast" means
• The pros and cons of leaning into video-first content as a podcaster
• Why audio-first storytelling still matters (a lot!)
• Tips to make sure your content format fits your audience, not just the trend

Whether you're experimenting with Shorts, full-length interviews, or staying true to RSS audio, this episode gives a reality check on what really helps grow a loyal audience.

Spoiler: It’s not just about flashy numbers—it’s about meaningful connection.

🎯 Ideal for:

• Indie podcasters wondering if they need to do video
• Creators confused by mixed results on YouTube
• Anyone trying to grow a podcast audience the smart, intentional way

🔗 Check out the YouTube channel for video content: youtube.com/@PodtasticAudio

🌐 For more podcasting resources: PodtasticAudio.com

The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast

• Amazon Kindle
• Apple Books
• Barnes and Noble
• Other Bookstores

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

Podgagement Link

Timestamps

00:00 - Why my YouTube Shorts hit 1M+ views but didn’t grow my podcast

01:27 - Is YouTube a podcast platform or just pretending?

02:14 - Tools like Riverside.fm that simplify video + audio production

02:50 - The YouTube-only podcast confusion

03:24 - What people consider a podcast in 2025

04:10 - The podcasting world’s obsession with video

04:48 - Why YouTube ≠ podcasting (but it can still help)

05:49 - How I’ve used YouTube as a creative playground

07:28 - Shorts vs. long-form podcast videos: What works?

08:56 - The crazy stats: 3M+ views, 1M+ per short

10:11 - Tons of comments, zero impact on podcast downloads

11:02 - Video visibility ≠ podcast engagement

12:18 - When video compliments your content (like movie reviews)

12:57 - True audience engagement starts with meaningful audio

13:41 - Speak to one listener, not a crowd

14:38 - Why audio is easier (and often better) than video

15:54 - Sad truth about YouTube video metrics

17:02 - Value real engagement over inflated video stats

17:45 - YouTube hopping on the podcasting train

18:20 - Use video to promote—not replace—your podcast

18:59 - Final thoughts: Follow your passion, audio or video

19:32 - Where to find my book and all things Podtastic

20:07 - Thanks for listening and happy podcasting!

#podcasting #indiepodcaster #youtubeshorts #videopodcast #podcastgrowth #podcastertips #audiopodcast #podcaststrategy #podcastmarketing #contentcreation #youtubemarketing #viralvideo #creatoreconomy #shortformvideo #podcastcommunity #youtubeviews #rsspodcast #podcastlife #podcastcontent #podcastingadvice #growyourpodcast #podcastingforbeginners #youtubecreators #videocontentstrategy #podcastbranding

Elevate your podcasting game with Riverside.fm's studio-quality recordings, lightning-fast editing, and enhanced streaming capabilities—try it today! Get 15% off with discount code Podtastic

Riverside.Fm

Most podcasts fail to grow because they focus too much on the host—and not enough on the listener. In this episode, learn why centering your show around personal updates, casual chatter, or off-topic rambles is a fast way to lose new listeners before they even get to the good stuff.

Discover the mindset shift every indie podcaster needs to make: you're the host, not the star. From using content structure that hooks and holds attention, to understanding how and when to bring personal stories into the mix, this episode breaks down the strategies that actually drive audience growth.

✅ What you’ll learn:

• Why most new podcasts struggle to keep listeners
• The difference between personal content and valuable content
• How to structure your episodes for engagement and retention
• Why modeling celebrity-style podcasts can backfire
• The simple format that helps grow loyal, returning listeners

If you're serious about podcast growth, engagement, and building a loyal audience, this episode is your roadmap.

The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast

• Amazon Kindle
• Apple Books
• Barnes and Noble
• Other Bookstores

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

Podgagement Link

Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter

• The Kris and Kristine Show
• Podtastic Audio
• Twitter X
• Instagram
• LInkedIn
• Threads
• Blue Sky

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Why no one cares about your podcast (yet)

00:41 – Intro + sponsored shoutout to Riverside.fm

01:23 – The two mindsets new podcasters fall into

02:53 – Content-first vs. personality-first shows

04:16 – Why personal stories don’t work for beginners

06:42 – Modeling big radio shows: the trap indie podcasters fall into

08:27 – Why famous podcasters can "get away with it"

09:31 – Just because you can make a podcast doesn’t mean people will care

10:44 – Example: Gavin Newsom’s podcast and audience building

12:23 – What makes podcasting content truly unique

14:14 – You’re the host, not the star (and that’s okay)

15:19 – Telling personal stories with purpose

16:35 – Quick content format you can use every episode

17:05 – Why this format actually drives growth

18:31 – Retention is the real growth strategy

20:33 – How and why people share valuable shows

21:39 – Value-first podcasting: what it really means

22:14 – Standing out in a sea of podcasts

23:14 – The listener-first mindset shift

24:52 – Wrapping up + how to audit your own show

25:58 – The Podtastic Playbook reviews & shoutouts

#PodcastTips #PodcastGrowth #PodcastMarketing #IndiePodcaster #PodcastStrategy #GrowYourPodcast #PodcastSuccess #PodcastAdvice #PodcastHost #PodcastLife #ContentCreation #ValueDrivenContent #PodcastJourney #Podcasting101 #PodcastSupport #PodcastEngagement #PodcastCommunity #PodcastPlanning #PodcastListeners #PodcastBranding #StartAPodcast #PodcastSEO #PodcastStructure #HookYourAudience #PodcastContent

Podcasting is supposed to be fun—so why does it sometimes feel like a grind?

This episode dives into the real reasons why podcasting can start to feel more like a job than a joy, and more importantly, what you can do to turn that around. If you've lost your spark behind the mic, feel like you're just phoning it in, or you're one bad episode away from quitting, you're not alone—and you're not out of options.

Through personal insight and hard-earned lessons, you'll learn how to avoid podcast burnout, reconnect with your original purpose, and bring creativity and energy back into your show.

🎯 Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:

• Why podcast burnout happens—and how to recognize it early
• The sneaky ways perfectionism kills creativity
• How over-focusing on podcast downloads can drain your motivation
• Real tips to reignite your passion for podcasting
• Ways to make solo podcasting fun again
• How to refresh your podcast format without losing your audience
• Simple mindset shifts to avoid podfade and keep showing up consistently

Whether you’re an indie podcaster, hobbyist, or even a seasoned creator hitting a wall, this episode offers honest, practical podcasting tips to help you get back to what made podcasting exciting in the first place. No fluff—just real advice from someone who's been there.

Podcasting should feel like play—not pressure.

📚 Free Book Alert I’m giving away free copies of The Podtastic Playbook! Want in? Head to PodtasticAudio.com, hit the Contact page, and just say “I want the book.” I’ll put your name in the drawing.

👍 If this episode helps you, pass it along to another podcaster who needs a reset.

And if you're feeling it, leave a review—it helps other indie creators find their way back to podcasting fun, too.

The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast

• Amazon Kindle
• Apple Books
• Barnes and Noble
• Other Bookstores

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

Podgagement Link

Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter

• The Kris and Kristine Show
• Podtastic Audio
• Twitter X
• Instagram
• LInkedIn
• Threads
• Blue Sky

#podcasttips #podcasterlife #indiepodcast #podcastburnout #podfade #podcastingmotivation #creativepodcasting #podcastingcommunity #funpodcasting #howtopodcast #podcastgrowth #podcastersofinstagram #audioproduction #podcastediting #hobbypodcaster #podcastmarketing #podcastsuccess #podcastingadvice #podcastinspiration #podcastjourney

Elevate your podcasting game with Riverside.fm's studio-quality recordings, lightning-fast editing, and enhanced streaming capabilities—try it today! Get 15% off with discount code Podtastic

Riverside.Fm

Hey, do you still think that landing a big-name guest will skyrocket your podcast downloads? Think again. In this episode of Podtastic Audio, I sit down with Brianna Ansaldo of Bambi Media, a podcast production and marketing expert, to break down the biggest podcasting myths and the real strategies that help podcasts grow.

We cover: 🎙️ Why solo episodes might actually be the best way to build your audience

• The biggest mistakes podcasters make and how to avoid them
• How to improve your podcast audio without spending a fortune
• Podcast marketing strategies that actually work
• The truth about guest interviews – and why they won’t always grow your show
• How to repurpose your podcast content for social media, blogs, and more

If you're an indie podcaster looking to create a high-quality podcast and grow your audience, you don’t want to miss this conversation.

📌 Plus, I’m giving away a FREE copy of the Podtastic Playbook – my guide to making an amazing podcast. Head over to podtasticaudio.com to enter!

🎧 Listen now and start making your podcast sound better than ever!

🔗 Links & Resources: Connect with Brianna at BambiMedia.com

Follow Brianna on YouTube for podcasting tips

Get your FREE Podtastic Playbook at podtasticaudio.com

The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast

• Amazon Kindle
• Apple Books
• Barnes and Noble
• Other Bookstores

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

Podgagement Link

Show Chapters

00:00 – Intro: Are Big Guests Really Worth It?

01:00 – Welcome & Sponsor Message (Riverside.fm)

03:00 – Meet Brianna of Bambi Media

04:20 – Podcasting in Australia vs. the U.S.

06:30 – Audio Editing Struggles & Solutions

10:00 – The Power of Good Podcast Editing

13:30 – Why Big Guests Won’t Grow Your Podcast

16:00 – Solo Episodes vs. Interviews – What Works Best?

22:00 – How to Market Your Podcast Like a Pro

27:00 – Podcast Growth Strategies That Actually Work

31:00 – Repurposing Content: The Smart Way to Get More Listeners

38:00 – The Importance of a Strong Podcast Hook

44:00 – Audio Quality Tips & Common Mistakes

51:00 – Final Thoughts & Where to Find Brianna

55:00 – Closing & Free Podtastic Playbook Giveaway

#PodcastingTips #PodcastGrowth #PodcastMarketing #IndiePodcaster #PodcastEditing #PodcastProduction #ContentRepurposing #SoloPodcasting #PodcastAudio #MarketingStrategies #PodcastSEO #PodcastingForBeginners #GrowYourPodcast #PodcastInterview #PodcastHost #HowToPodcast #PodcastSuccess #AudioEditingTips #BambiMedia #PodtasticAudio

Are you an indie podcaster struggling to find the time to record and publish episodes while balancing work and life? You’re not alone! In this episode of Podtastic Audio, I’m breaking down time management strategies and productivity hacks that will help you make the most of the 24 hours you have each day. As a one-man show handling multiple podcasts, a full-time job, and personal commitments, I know exactly what it feels like to struggle with finding time for podcasting. But with the right strategies, you can keep producing high-quality episodes consistently, even with a busy schedule.

This episode will give you the tools and mindset you need to:

• Prioritize your podcasting goals to make room for creation.
• Avoid common productivity traps, like social media scrolling and multitasking.
• Implement batch recording, scheduling, and automation to streamline the process.
• Focus on high-impact tasks that drive growth and keep your podcast on track.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for indie podcasters who want to maximize their productivity and make every minute count. Tune in for expert tips, relatable experiences, and proven techniques to help you stay consistent and grow your podcast even when time is limited.

Key Takeaways: Master Time Management:

• Learn why time is your most valuable asset and how to make the most of the hours you have.
• Batch Recording: Discover how recording multiple episodes in one go can save you time and reduce stress.
• Consistency is Key: Find out how to structure your week to stay on top of recording, editing, and publishing without burning out.
• Avoid Multitasking Pitfalls: Understand why multitasking can slow you down and how to stay focused on one task at a time.
• Prioritize Productivity Over Busy Work: Stop spending hours on tasks that don’t move the needle for your podcast’s growth.

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

Podgagement Link

Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter

• The Kris and Kristine Show
• Podtastic Audio
• Twitter X
• Instagram
• LInkedIn
• Threads
• Blue Sky

Episode Timestamp Chapters:

00:00 - The struggle is real! Why time always feels limited

01:19 - Podcasting with a full-time job: Can you really do it all?

02:47 - Why "I don't have time" is just an excuse

06:05 - The biggest time-wasting traps podcasters fall into

09:42 - The difference between being a content consumer vs. a creator

12:34 - Why you don’t need to be on every social media platform

14:26 - 5 actionable time management tips for podcasters

16:41 - Batch recording: The ultimate podcasting time-saver

18:37 - Stop multitasking! How to focus and get more done

20:27 - Templates & automation: The hidden trick to saving time

22:05 - How to prioritize tasks that actually grow your podcast

25:21 - The power of routines: Why successful podcasters schedule everything

27:15 - The harsh truth: Are you being productive or just busy?

28:58 - Social media addiction & time management for creators

29:34 - Final thoughts: How to take control of your time & podcast smarter

#PodcasterTips #TimeManagementForPodcasters #PodcastProductivity #IndiePodcaster #TimeSavingTips #PodcastingConsistency #ContentCreation #PodcastLife #BatchRecording #PodcastSchedule #ProductivityHacks #IndiePodcasting #PodcastGrowth #ContentCreator #PodcastingTips #EfficiencyForPodcasters #TimeManagementTips #PodcastPlanning