🎙️Making Room for What Matters
👋Hey there Podcaster!
One of the things I love most about this community is that we're honest with each other. We celebrate wins, talk through challenges, and share what's really happening behind the microphone.
Last week was a little different. I made a decision that wasn't easy, and we also had conversations that challenged the way we think about the value of our podcasts and the opportunities they create. I hope this week's newsletter gives you something to think about, no matter where you are on your podcasting journey.
❤️ Sometimes the Bravest Thing You Can Do Is Pause
Last week, I shared that I'll be taking a break from the Podcasting Morning Show through the end of August.
If you've been part of this community for a while, you know that wasn't an easy decision.
I've always been proud of how consistently we've shown up. Day after day. Week after week. That consistency has helped build an incredible community, and it's something I'll always value.
But over the past several months, I've been trying to keep up with iRonick Media, Empowered Podcasting, the Podcasting Morning Show, and everything happening in my personal life. Somewhere along the way, I stopped paying attention to what I needed.
I know I'm not the only creator who's done that.
As podcasters, we're constantly telling ourselves to keep going. Don't miss an episode. Stay consistent. Keep the momentum alive.
There's truth to all of that. But there's also a point where pushing harder stops being productive.
I've realized that taking a step back now is a lot healthier than waiting until I'm completely burned out.
The Podcasting Morning Show isn't going away. This community isn't going away. I'm simply giving myself the space to recharge so I can come back with the same energy and enthusiasm that made me love doing this in the first place.
I wanted to share this because I have a feeling some of you needed to hear it too.
Giving yourself permission to pause doesn't mean you've failed.
Sometimes it means you're making sure you'll still be able to do the work you love six months or even six years from now.
Have you ever given yourself permission to step back before burnout made the decision for you?
🎉Join Us at Empowered Podcasting 3
Indie podcasting can get lonely.
You’re trying to improve your content, grow an audience, understand video, explore monetization, keep up with AI, and remain consistent. You’re often figuring out all of it by yourself.
That’s why we created the Empowered Podcasting Conference.
It’s a weekend where indie and DIY podcasters can learn from one another, talk honestly about what’s working, and build relationships with people who understand the work.
Empowered Podcasting 3
August 21-23, 2026
Charlotte, North Carolina
Use discount codeEPCMARC20to save 20% on your ticket.
Learn more and get your EPC3 ticket.
💡Your Podcast Is More Than a Show
During Empowered Podcasting Live last week, Anika Jackson challenged the way many of us measure podcast success.
Anika teaches podcasting at USC, and one idea she shared really stuck with me.
She challenged us to think about podcasts as more than content. She sees them as career builders, networking tools, and opportunities to demonstrate your expertise long before someone ever reads your résumé.
I think that's a mindset more podcasters would benefit from. It's easy to measure success by downloads because that's the number staring back at us every time we open our hosting platform. But downloads don't tell the whole story.
Your podcast might introduce you to your next client. It might lead to a speaking engagement. It might open the door to a partnership that changes your business. Or it might simply create a relationship that never would have happened if you hadn't decided to hit record.
None of those opportunities show up on an analytics dashboard. Sometimes the real value of your podcast isn't found in the audience you already have. It's found in the doors your podcast opens.
If you stopped looking at downloads for a moment, how else would you measure the success of your podcast?
🤝 Media Partner Spotlight: PodMatch
I’m excited to welcomePodMatchas a partner for Empowered Podcasting 3.
PodMatch makes it easier for podcast hosts and guests to find the right people to collaborate with. Its matching platform connects podcasters based on their interests, expertise, and goals, helping creators spend less time searching and more time having meaningful conversations. Think of it like a dating app for hosts and guests!
I’m grateful to have PodMatch supporting Empowered Podcasting and helping more podcasters build relationships, share their stories, and grow their shows.
Learn more about PodMatch here: https://podmatch.com/signup/ironickmedia
Disclosure: This is my affiliate link. If you sign up through it, I may receive a commission.
🎙️Better Podcasts Are Built One Small Improvement at a Time
One thing I appreciate about ourPodcasting Morning Showpodcast evaluations is that nobody expects perfection. Every show we evaluate is already helping people. The goal is to help the host see things they can't always hear themselves. That's true for all of us.
After you've listened to your own intro a hundred times, you stop noticing where you're rushing. You stop hearing the phrases that might confuse a new listener. You become so familiar with your own show that it's difficult to experience it the way someone else does.
That's why feedback matters.
Not because someone else knows your podcast better than you do, but because they hear it differently.
The best podcasters I know aren't the ones who get everything right the first time. They're the ones who keep refining.
When was the last time you invited someone to give you honest feedback on your podcast?
🎥 Empowered Podcasting Live
Every Wednesday at1:00 PM EDT, we sit down with podcast creators and industry professionals forEmpowered Podcasting Live.
Each week we talk about what's happening in podcasting, share practical strategies you can apply to your own show, and answer questions from our live audience.
This past week, we welcomedAnika Jackson, marketing strategist, USC professor, and one of our featured speakers at Empowered Podcasting 3, for a conversation about building a podcast that creates opportunities far beyond downloads.
Tap HERE for this week's guest and viewing information.
🎙️ Podcasting Morning Show Highlights 🌅
The Podcasting Morning Show is taking a break for the month of August, but there’s still plenty to explore while we’re away.
With more than 550 episodes available, this is a great time to catch up on conversations you may have missed or revisit your favorites. You’ll find practical podcasting advice, creator insights, industry news, honest conversations, and plenty of inspiration from our experienced team and guests.
Looking for a place to start? Explore our handpicked featured episodes at PodcastingMorningShow.com. We’ll be back live in September!
In case you missed last week's conversations:
Tuesday: How to Improve Your Podcast Intro, Interviews & Pacing
Wednesday: Why Podcasting Is Becoming a Powerful Career Tool
I’m grateful to be connected with you and to be part of your podcast journey.
Some of the links in this newsletter may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them at no extra cost to you.
All my best,
👋Marc Ronick
This content was composed with assistance from OpenAI.
Some of the links in this newsletter may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them at no extra cost to you.
