🎧 Rise & Thrive: The Morning Habit That Changed Everything + Podcasting’s Explosive Growth 🚀

06 Feb 🎧 Rise & Thrive: The Morning Habit That Changed Everything + Podcasting’s Explosive Growth 🚀

👋Hey there Podcaster!

Ever fallen off a habit that you knew made your life better—but let it slip away anyway? That was me with my morning routine. Five years ago, I committed to waking up before 5 AM and following the 5AM Club method. It gave me more time, more clarity, and more energy—until life got busy, and I fell off track. Now, I’m recommitting, and I’d love for you to join me. More on that below!

But first, let’s talk about the podcasting boom happening right now! New data shows 44% of Americans now listen to podcasts monthly, and platforms like YouTube are capturing an even bigger audience. We broke down the key trends driving this explosive growth and what podcasters need to do to stay ahead.

February is Black History Month, and I’m thrilled to celebrate by spotlighting an incredible Black podcaster each week. These creators are making an impact, sharing powerful stories, and shaping the podcasting world in meaningful ways. Let’s dive in! 👇

🌅Recommitting to the 5AM Club: How One Habit Transformed My Life 💡

Have you ever fallen off a habit that you know makes your life better—but you stopped doing it anyway?

That was me and my morning routine.

Five years ago, I made a commitment to waking up at 4:45 AM and following the 5AM Club method, a concept introduced by Robin Sharma. I first heard about it on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast, and something just clicked. The idea was simple but powerful:

✔️ Wake up before 5 AM
✔️ Dedicate the first hour of my day to personal growth
✔️ Follow the 20/20/20 formula:

• 20 min movement (exercise)
• 20 min reflection (meditation/journaling)
• 20 min learning (reading, courses, etc.)

At first, it was brutal. I’ve never been a morning person, and getting up at 4:45 AM felt like an extreme sport. But I stuck with it, and I quickly realized how much more time, clarity, and energy I had.

🔥 More time meant I could build my business while still working full-time.
🧠 More clarity meant I could make better decisions.
⚡ More energy meant I could show up stronger for my work, my clients, and myself.

Fast forward to today—I let the habit slip. Life got chaotic (starting with Hurrican Helene), and instead of the full version, I was doing “5AM Club-light.” I wasn’t as committed, and I felt the difference: less focus, more distractions, lower energy.

So, on my 5-year anniversary of starting this habit, I’m recommitting.

Why? Because I’ve seen firsthand how small, consistent actions compound into massive results. And I know I’m not alone in this.

Who Wants to Join Me? 🙋‍♂️

If you’ve been thinking about starting (or restarting) a morning routine, let’s do this together. I’d love to create an accountability group where we check in, share wins, and support each other in committing to better habits.

Reply if you’re in! Let’s see what we can accomplish by showing up for ourselves—before the rest of the world even wakes up.

Do you have a morning routine? Has it helped you, or do you think they’re overrated? Hit reply and let’s chat!

🎙️ Podcasting Is BOOMING! Are You Keeping Up? 🚀

Podcasting isn’t just growing, it’s exploding! New data from Triton Digital and Edison Research shows that more people than ever are tuning in, and the way they’re consuming podcasts is evolving fast.

📈 44% of Americans now listen to podcasts at least once a month
📈 Podcast listenership grew by 10% in the past year alone
📈 Audiences are younger, more affluent, and more diverse than ever before

And here’s a stat that’s shaking up the industry: YouTube now captures 33% of all podcast listeners, proving that video podcasts are more than just a trend—they’re a major part of the future.

Why Is Podcasting Growing So Fast? 📊

We broke this down on a recent episode of the Podcasting Morning Chat, and here are three big factors driving the boom:

🔹 The Rise of Video Podcasts & Short-Form Clips – More podcasters are leveraging YouTube and TikTok to attract new listeners.
🔹 Better Storytelling & Niche Communities – Shows that go deep into specific topics are thriving. People crave engaging content tailored to their interests.
🔹 On-the-Go Listening – Whether commuting, working out, or running errands, podcasts fit seamlessly into busy lifestyles.

What Does This Mean for Podcasters? 🎧

If you’re a podcaster, now is the time to adapt. The way people listen is changing, and the best creators are leaning into these shifts:

✔️ Leveraging YouTube & Social Media – Posting clips and full episodes on video platforms attracts new audiences.
✔️ Focusing on Community & Engagement – Listeners want more than just content—they want a connection.
✔️ Experimenting with Different Formats – Short-form episodes, Q&As, and interactive content keep listeners hooked.

So the big question is: Are you evolving with the industry? 

What’s YOUR strategy for reaching new listeners? Reply and let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

🚀 P.S. Stay ahead of the trends with our Podcasting Morning Chat community. We break down the latest industry insights daily. Join the conversation!

✊🏾Honoring Black Excellence in Podcasting: Dominic Lawson

As we celebrate Black History Month, I want to spotlight incredible Black podcasters I personally know and deeply respect. This week, I’m kicking things off with Dominic Lawson—a multi-award-winning podcaster, occasional co-host of my show, and a great friend.

Dominic and I first connected when he was a listener of the Podcasting Morning Chat, but it didn’t take long to see that he was a leader. I knew I wanted him as part of the team and community, and I’m grateful he accepted. He’s one of the most passionate podcasters I know, pouring his blood, sweat, and tears into every episode. But beyond his own success, he’s always sharing his knowledge, lifting up aspiring podcasters, and helping others improve their craft.

This week, Dominic is launching Season 4 of Black Is America—and trust me, you don’t want to miss this episode. He’s featuring Doug Williams, the legendary Super Bowl-winning QB of the Washington Commanders (and one of my all-time favorite athletes). I’ll be tuning in, and I hope you do too!

Listen to Black Is America here: https://www.blackisamericapodcast.com/

🎙️Podcasting Morning Chat Highlights🌅

Welcome to your essential morning brew of ideas and insights, the “Podcasting Morning Chat” is a daily show that’s by creators, for creators. A dynamic team of experienced podcasters, entrepreneurs, and producers hosts the PMC. Each episode peels back the curtain on the art of podcasting and content creation. The conversation is a mix of insights, stories, and strategies, tailor-made to keep your content fresh, your audience engaged, and your creative spark alive. 

Recorded live every weekday at 7 AM EST on Clubhouse and available via podcast at 7 AM PST, our show has become a cornerstone for podcasters worldwide, offering a unique blend of expert advice, real-world success stories, and innovative ideas. Whether you’re here to enhance your content, expand your audience, or just soak in the collective wisdom of fellow content creators, the PMC is your source for inspiration, empowerment and connection in the podcasting world. 

Catch up with the latest episodes and join our global community of creators to kick-start your day with creativity, strategy, and insight.

• January 30, 2025: Episode #232: Podcast Headlines: DeepSeek, AI Wishlists, and Virtual Events
• January 31, 2025: Episode #233: Podcasting Gear & Apps: What We’re Using in 2025
• February 3, 2025: Episode #234: How to Improve Podcast Guest Interviews
• February 4, 2025: Episode #235: Strategies for Guesting on Your Own Podcast

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

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