25 Jan ✋Hello from Podfest in Orlando!🌴
👋Hey there Podcaster!
✈️I’m at Podfest in Orlando🌴and having a great time as a guest and a speaker! Attending Podfest and other events like it is a great way to learn new tools and strategies as well as connect with friends and meet new people in the podcasting world. Are you here too and you have the ‘Whova’ app for the event? Connect with me there and let’s meetup!
I’m also doing some reconnaissance for our own event (more info below), and I’d love to hear what you loved and didn’t love at Podfest or any past podcaster/creator event you’ve attended. Do you like the face-to-face social or the learning aspect best about these events? Reply and let me know your thoughts! You know we’ll be discussing in Clubhouse all about it next week!
🪽Unscripted: The Art of Wingin’ It
Picture this: you’re face-to-face with a high-profile guest, and suddenly, you’re at a loss for words. Or even better, your A-list guest forgets it’s recording day. Sounds familiar? We’ve all been there. In a recent Clubhouse Podcasting Morning Chat, we played a little game that dove into the secrets of ‘spontaneous questioning’ with our Empowered Podcasters.
The goal? To make every interview feel like a natural, free-flowing conversation, as if chatting with an old friend. However, to achieve this, one must regularly exercise their improvisation skills.
The key takeaway? Say goodbye to the confines of a strict script. Sure, having a set of prepared questions can be a safety net for beginners, but over-reliance can turn a lively chat into a stiff Q&A session. Instead, let the dialogue evolve organically. Put your focus on eliciting deep personal stories and insight from your guest, rather than just scratching the surface. Keep a few engaging icebreakers ready to ease into the conversation and shake off any initial jitters.
Control or creativity? While maintaining a general structure is crucial, remember, your role is more of a guide than a controller. Allow your guest the freedom to express their passions and interests. The real magic unfolds when you engage actively rather than mechanically firing off questions. And don’t shy away from pauses – they often lead to the most revealing and unexpected insights.
All of that said, remember that a quality interview happens when the host is prepared. So yes, it’s important to create an organic conversation and it’s also important to learn about your guest ahead of time. The knowledge you obtain about your guest ahead of the interview, will lead to more thoughtful questions delivering a more engaging interview.
In essence, it’s about connecting, not questioning. Trust in your abilities; you’ve chosen a guest that aligns with your show’s essence. Let their narrative be the guiding light, not a predetermined question list. Embrace the unpredictable – it’s what gives interviews their sparkle. Just be prepared to nimbly steer the conversation back on track if needed. Remember, the beauty of podcasting often lies in its authentic, unscripted moments! 🎙️✨
📰PodPulse: Quick Guide to Podcast News
👋Welcome to PodPulse, your go-to news source for all things podcasting! In this section, we’ve curated quick but essential news stories that every podcaster should be aware of. Let’s dive right in!👇
🌟 Podcasting and AI: The Future of Content Creation
- Microsoft Launches AI-Powered Co-Pilot: Exciting news for content creators! Microsoft has introduced an AI co-pilot for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, integrating ChatGPT functionalities into its suite. This advancement promises to revolutionize how we create and manage content. Microsoft’s integration of AI into its office suite marks a significant step in making advanced technology accessible to everyday users, enhancing productivity across various applications.
- Spotify’s Automated Ads Program: Spotify is transitioning from its Ambassador ads program to an automated ads system, available in the US, Canada, and Brazil. This move signifies a significant shift in how podcast advertising is managed, offering more streamlined and efficient ad options for creators.
- SoundCloud Up for Sale: Big news in the music and podcasting world! SoundCloud, a platform that has been instrumental in launching many artists’ and podcasters’ careers, is reportedly preparing for a sale that could exceed $1 billion. This development could bring significant changes to the industry.
- Google’s Bard in the Spotlight: Google’s Bard, an AI tool similar to ChatGPT, is making waves by integrating with Google Docs and Gmail, offering seamless content creation. It’s a game-changer for efficiency and creativity in writing and communication.
🎧 Evolving Podcast Landscape
- Top Podcasts and Trends: The number one podcast on Apple is ‘Native Land Pod’, focusing on political landscapes and marginalized communities, while ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’ continues to dominate Spotify. Podcast publishing has seen a 6.7% increase, indicating a thriving and expanding industry.
- Netflix and Podcasting Trends: An intriguing comparison between Netflix and podcasting reveals a decrease in new show releases by Netflix by 16%, while podcasting continues to grow. This trend may be highlighting the shifting dynamics in digital entertainment consumption.
The podcast landscape continues to evolve. It’s important to stay up to date on the latest news and trends. Join us every Wednesday 7-8am US-EST in Clubhouse to discuss! 📬 Did I miss any good news stories or upcoming events? Let me know!
🎙️ Empowered Podcasting Event 🎊
Our Empowered Podcasting group’s Podcasting Morning Chat discussions in Clubhouse always provoke a great conversation. This group of creators consistently ignites inspiration in my mornings Monday through Friday 7-8am US-EST. Come join us! Now is a good time to get acquainted as we prepare for something amazing in 2024! 👇
🗓️Set your calendar, plan ahead, and save the date! Our Empowered Podcasting Group is hosting a podcaster/content creator in-person event June 28-30! We’re in the planning phase and it’s really lighting a fire in me to be able to deliver value and collaborate with creators just like you! Want to be on the list to find out early information about the event? Reply and let me know!
I’m so grateful to be connected with you and a part of your podcast journey.
All My Best,
👋Marc Ronick
This content was composed with assistance from OpenAI