In this episode, hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee delve into a multi-part discussion on issues impacting podcasting and the broader media landscape. The episode is informative and covers three main topics:

1. Download Fraud in Podcasting:
The hosts discuss an issue with a Spanish newspaper that made the top podcast list by auto-downloads, which inflated their numbers significantly. This practice violates the IAB podcast measurement guidelines. Todd shares an experience from Blubrry, where a similar issue occurred due to a code error in their web player, underscoring the challenges and the necessity for adherence to ethical standards in podcast statistics. Todd and Rob discuss the mechanisms and the technology behind these fraudulent activities and emphasize the importance of maintaining trust and transparency in podcast statistics.

2. Joe Rogan’s Interview with Former President Trump:
The conversation shifts to a recent significant event in podcasting—Joe Rogan’s interview with former President Donald Trump. This segment is notable for its potential implications for the media industry and politics. The hosts reflect on how traditional media no longer monopolizes large-scale interviews due to the advent of new media platforms like podcasts. They compare the extent of the audience reach and the massive viewership numbers that online platforms achieve compared to traditional media channels.

3. Decline of Traditional Media:
Todd and Rob discuss the decline of trust in traditional media, speculating that biased media coverage and the lack of exhaustive, unedited content contribute to this trend. They explore how podcasts are filling this gap by providing long-form, unedited content that allows for a more nuanced understanding of interview subjects, such as political figures.

Throughout the episode, the hosts share their insights on the evolving media landscape, the vital role of ethical standards in podcasting, and the potential future where podcasts may increasingly serve as a primary source of detailed, trusted information. They also touch upon the broader implications of these changes for democracy and public engagement.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

Podcast (audio): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

In this episode of the “New Media Show, with guest Matt Cundill,” host Rob Greenlee starts the session by introducing Matt Cundill, a seasoned podcaster and voice from the radio industry. The episode begins with Greenlee explaining that Todd Cochrane is unavailable, and Cundill has joined him to discuss various pertinent topics within the realm of podcasting and media.

The conversation starts with discussing the implications of former President Donald Trump’s scheduled appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast. It delves into the broader impact of politicians participating in podcasts and how this reflects on the medium’s growing influence. Cundill offers his perspective on podcasts becoming a significant platform for political engagement, highlighting how podcasts can reach key demographics that traditional media may not.

The hosts then discuss the successful live-streaming event Heroes For Democracy, co-produced by Rob Greenlee. This event leveraged platforms like StreamYard to engage a substantial audience. This segues into a broader discussion about the opportunities and challenges in the podcasting landscape, including the growth of local podcasts and the role of local radio stations.

Matt Cundill shares insights from Tom Webster’s study from Sounds Profitable, focusing on audio vs. video consumption preferences among podcast listeners. They explore the significance of a video strategy for podcasters, considering YouTube’s critical role in content discovery and audience engagement.

Tech Spotlight shifts to Google Labs’ NotebookLM, an AI-powered tool designed to assist podcasters with episode planning, scriptwriting, and content generation despite lacking audio or video cloning capabilities.

The conversation also covers the Canadian Podcast Awards, highlighting their significance and accessibility to participants.

Throughout the episode, Greenlee and Cundill continue to explore the evolving dynamics of podcasting, including the integration of technologies and the strategic importance of video content. They conclude with reflections on the current and future states of media consumption, audience engagement strategies, and the overarching impact of podcasting in the digital age.

Listen & Subscribe:

Website: www.NewMediaShow.com

Watch Live:
YouTube: YouTube.com/RobGreenlee
X/Twitter Live: X.com/NMSPodcast

Connect with Us:

Rob Greenlee:
X/Twitter: @RobGreenlee
Website: www.RobGreenlee.com
Instagram: @RobWGreenlee

Matt Cundill:
Twitter: @MattCundill
Website: www.SoundOffPodcast.com
Instagram: @SoundOffPodcast

New Media Show:
X/Twitter: https://x.com/NMSPodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/NewMediaShow

Canadian Podcast Awards:
Website: www.CanPodAwards.ca
Twitter: @CanPodAwards
Instagram: @CanPodAwards

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

Podcast (audio): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

In this episode, Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee engage in an extensive discussion covering various trends relevant to the podcasting industry. Todd greets the audience and shares anecdotes from his travels, emphasizing the logistical challenges of international podcasting. Rob responds with technical insights, discussing issues and solutions related to podcasting hardware and software.

The conversation shifts to a detailed analysis of industry trends, mainly focusing on Libsyn’s new CEO appointment. Todd and Rob discuss the implications of these executive moves, especially highlighting the background of the newly appointed CEO from Megaphone and his potential impact on Libsyn’s future direction.

Throughout the episode, the hosts talk about the broader podcasting ecosystem, including changes in podcast consumption patterns and the evolving role of major platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. They express concerns about the centralization of podcast content and the potential dilution of the open RSS feed system that has traditionally empowered independent creators.

Additionally, Todd and Rob explore technical advancements in podcast production, such as new video streaming services and hardware that cater to multi-camera setups, reflecting on how these tools can enhance podcast production values.

The dialogue also includes personal insights from the hosts’ experiences in podcast hosting and content distribution, underscoring the challenges and strategies for podcast growth and monetization.

In conclusion the episode, the hosts discuss their future aspirations for podcasting technology and the importance of maintaining an open, innovative environment that supports independent creators, given increasing corporate influence in the podcasting space.

Throughout the episode, Todd and Rob maintain a detailed, analytical perspective on the state of the podcast industry. They discuss technical specifics, industry news, and their personal experiences and predictions for the future of podcasting.

Podcast (audio): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

In this podcast episode, titled “The Future of Podcast Monetization: Beyond Traditional Ads,” hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee engage in a detailed conversation about several pertinent topics related to the evolving landscape of podcasting. The episode unfolds with Rob joining remotely from New York where he attended both the NAB Show and Advertising Week.

The discussion kicks off with Rob sharing his observations from the events, noting a noticeable shift in exhibitor and attendee numbers at the NAB event compared to previous years. He points out that the radio industry’s representation at these events has grown, signifying a blending of traditional broadcasting with newer podcasting trends.

Part of the episode celebrates Todd Cochrane’s twentieth anniversary in podcasting, noting milestones and changes throughout his podcasting career. Both hosts share nostalgic moments and reflect on the growth of podcasting as a medium, including its adoption by radio as a legitimate platform.

The dialogue shifts to a deeper discussion on monetization strategies beyond traditional advertising, including the rise of influencer-focused marketing and the authenticity of sponsorships. Rob relates his experience at Advertising Week, highlighting the trend of brands seeking genuine, credible partnerships with content creators to foster trust and connection with the audience, mirroring early podcasting ethos of authentic host-read ads.

As the conversation unfolds, Todd and Rob dive into the topic of community building around podcasts, noting the challenges and inefficacies of using platforms like Facebook and the advantages of independent community platforms. They explore how these platforms can enable more meaningful, direct interactions with audiences without the filtering effects of algorithm-driven social media.

Furthermore, they debate the growing trend of video in podcasting, their experiences with integrating video content, and its impact on audience engagement and monetization. Rob provides insights on the orientation of industry events towards video and digital content strategies, observing a substantial push towards more dynamic content forms to meet evolving advertiser and viewer expectations.

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts touch on the implications of AI in content creation, emphasizing the need for transparency and authenticity in AI-generated content to maintain trust and quality in podcasting.

The episode wraps up with a lively discussion on personal experiences and broader changes in the podcasting industry, offering a robust analysis of the future of podcast monetization and content creation. Todd and Rob’s dialogue provides both a retrospective and a prospective view on the strategies that could shape the future of podcasting.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

Podcast (audio): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee are joined by guest Adam Curry. The session delves deeply into the current state, history, and future of podcasting.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

Podcast (audio): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

The episode starts with introductions and a quick exchange of pleasantries among Todd, Rob, and Adam. Todd and Rob tease some of the topics they plan to discuss, focusing on the past, present, and future of podcasting.

Adam Curry shares insights from his extensive experience in the podcasting industry. He invokes discussions about pioneering podcasting platforms and the invention of pivotal technologies like RSS and podcast monetization through advertisements. He highlights how key developments, like the first advertisers on podcasts, helped shape the industry’s growth trajectory.

Several topics are passionately discussed throughout the episode, including:
– The technological evolution within podcasting is emphasized by tools that have democratized and streamlined the podcast production process.
– The rise of podcast networks and their role in shaping the podcast landscape.
– Experiences with large podcasting companies and the push towards platform independence.
– Concerns about platform monopolies and supporting open RSS feeds and podcast index initiatives.
-Adam’s “No Agenda” podcast explains their unique “value-for-value” model, in which listeners contribute directly in various forms.
– Challenges and merits of producing live shows versus edited podcasts.
– Opportunities in local, niche podcasting content and the overarching need for podcasts to foster community around geographical or topic-based interests.

Throughout the episode, Adam, Todd, and Rob also reflect on hiccups the podcasting industry has faced or may confront in the future. They discuss potential improvements in content recommendation systems within podcast apps, aiming for a more tailored listener experience.

The conversation also veers into broader discussions about AI’s impact on content creation, concerns around AI-generated content overtaking human creativity, and misrepresentations or biases it might introduce.

In closing, Adam Curry emphasizes the importance of podcasters enabling modern podcasting tools to maintain control over their content amidst the evolving digital landscape. He calls for a continued push towards innovation, independence, and authenticity in podcasting.

The podcast episode provides deep insights into the technical, cultural, and business dynamics of podcasting, underpinned by Adam’s rich history and pioneering work in the field.

Welcome to Episode 600 – In this podcast episode, hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee delve into the intricacies and motivations behind the push towards video podcasting, shedding light on various factors, especially the influence of ad revenue.

The episode opens with casual banter before Todd shares intriguing details from a recent undisclosed meeting concerning privacy solutions for podcast listeners. This topic pivots to broader privacy concerns in the industry. Rob agrees, noting the advertising sector’s keen interest in privacy or the lack thereof. This segues into their main discussion about the industry’s relentless pursuit of profit, mainly through video podcasting.

Todd and Rob discuss James Cridland’s critique of the monetary motivations driving platforms like Google and Spotify towards video podcasting. They elaborate on the expected increase in global ad revenue from Spotify’s shift to video podcasts and the purported effectiveness of combining audio and video ads versus audio alone.

The hosts then explore a significant company restructuring within the podcast hosting sphere, maintaining discretion on specifics. Concurrently, they mention changes within the Podcast Hall of Fame, aiming for more openness and community involvement.

Additionally, the episode covers some technical and policy shifts in podcasting, including various platforms’ compliance with the latest IAB Podcast Measurement Guidelines.

The discussion digs deeper into how platforms might exploit creator content without fair compensation, sparking a broader examination of the relationships between podcasters, platforms, and advertisers. A critical take on the podcasting industry’s direction contrasts the original ethos of podcasting with current trends dominated by commercial interests.

Towards the episode’s conclusion, the hosts highlight the looming influence of large corporations in determining the trajectory of podcast content and distribution.

Overall, this episode heavily critiques the commercialization of podcasting, particularly the push for video podcasting driven by advertising revenue, while advocating for greater privacy and fairness for creators within the podcasting ecosystem.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

Podcast (audio): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

In this episode of the podcast, hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee discuss various aspects of podcasting, technology, and media content creation.

The episode begins with a casual conversation about the updates and adjustments in their set-ups, including technology upgrades by Todd, such as a new Apple Studio and microphone stand. Rob responds to these updates, considering the implications for their show quality and viewer experience.

The hosts then shift to the core topic, “The Ugly Baby Discussion in Podcasting,” which metaphorically describes issues within the podcasting industry, particularly how content creators perceive their work versus external perceptions. Todd sets the stage by listing numerous factors that could impact podcast success, including content relevance, marketing strategies, audience engagement, distribution methods, and technical issues. He emphasizes having realistic objectives for podcast growth and maintaining quality content.

Rob introduces the concept of podcasters’ overestimation of their content quality, inspired by the analogy of “the ugly baby.” They explore the difficulty of having honest conversations with podcasters about their show’s quality or lack thereof. This segues into a broader discussion on the complexities of podcast production, exemplified by successful, multi-person productions compared to typical individual or smaller team productions.

The conversation then delves deeper into the practical and technical adaptive strategies successful podcasters can employ. Todd reminisces about advice from his grandmother, which equates appreciating one’s content with being ready to improve where necessary. Rob adds to this by discussing the importance of perspective in gauging podcast success and how podcasters need to assess their audience size and engagement realistically.

Rob and Todd also discuss the challenges and implications of relying primarily on more giant platforms like Spotify and Apple for podcast distribution and visibility. They debate the merits and downsides of exclusivity vs. broad distribution, with Todd advocating for a diversified approach to avoid dependence on single platforms.

The hosts then discuss broader industry tactics, including adapting to listeners’ feedback, understanding the competitive landscape, and handling transitions in technology and listener behavior. They stress the need for agility in content creation and marketing.

Towards the end, they consider adapting content and strategy as the digital landscape evolves, ensuring relevance and engagement are maintained. The episode closes with a broader reflection on the state of the podcast industry, the roles of major platforms, and a call for podcast creators to critically assess and adapt their strategies for sustained success.

Throughout the episode, the hosts maintain a light-hearted yet informative tone, interspersed with personal anecdotes and professional insights, making for an engaging discussion on the complexities and evolving nature of podcasting.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

Podcast (audio): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

In this episode of the podcast, hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee thoroughly examine and discuss the recent Podcast Movement event in Washington, DC. They share their perspectives on how the event has transformed over time, suggesting it felt different from past events—likening it more to an industry-focused event rather than one focused on podcast creators.

Todd starts the conversation by discussing his experience as an exhibitor, noting a significant drop in engaging with new podcast creators, which seemed poorly represented at the event. This underrepresentation led him to speculate on possible reasons, such as scheduling during weekdays and the high costs associated with attending. Furthermore, Todd points out the logistical issues of the event, such as overly wide aisles that hindered interaction between exhibitors and attendees and the lack of carpeting, which made the venue uncomfortable for standing.

Rob contrasts previous Podcast Movements by sharing his observations on the placement of presentation stages directly on the exhibition floor, although beneficial for hearing presentations. He reflects on the broader implications of these changes on the podcast industry, suggesting that podcasting is undergoing a phase of professionalization and a shift away from independent creation due to economic pressures and a changing landscape prioritizing larger shows and networks.

Both hosts expressed concerns over the evolution of podcast events, which are leaning towards being more corporate. They emphasized exclusive company areas restricted to select attendees, which contradicts the inclusive and community-focused ethos traditionally associated with podcasting.

Towards the end of the episode, Todd and Rob shift the conversation towards possible solutions and broader industry trends. They discuss the need for a “Got Milk?”-style promotional campaign for podcasting to emphasize the value of audio content in an increasingly video-dominated market. Todd suggests that there needs to be a collective effort from successful figures in the podcasting community to advocate for the medium.

The episode wraps up with the hosts reflecting on the ramifications of the event trends they’ve discussed, pondering the future of the Podcast Movement and similar conventions, and advocating for a return to more creator-focused, accessible, and community-centric values in podcast events.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

Podcast (audio): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

In this episode of “Todd and Rob is Back in the Afternoon,” Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee embark on a wide-ranging discussion starting with Todd’s newly rebuilt studio. Todd details his extensive weekend efforts in wiring and cleaning up his new studio space, which visually appears like the old studio despite the new location. Rob empathizes with Todd, sharing his experiences with surplus cables and studio equipment.

The conversation then turns technical as Todd explains his complex internet setup, utilizing Starlink and a point-to-point connection due to his rural location’s limitations concerning broadband access. Much of the discussion underscores the challenges and high costs associated with improving rural broadband connectivity, highlighting Todd’s interactions with service providers and the government’s role in funding rural broadband.

Attention then shifts to a critical discussion of recent developments with Patreon and Apple’s App Store fees, analyzing the impact on creators and potential workarounds. Alongside this, they critique the broader media industry’s drive towards direct uploads and data analytics in podcasting, expressing concerns about possible negative impacts on the open nature of podcasting.

Todd and Rob also delve into podcasting standards, like RSS, fearing that a move away could diminish podcasters’ control over distribution. They stress the importance of maintaining podcasting as an independent and open platform that is resistant to dominance by large proprietary platforms.

Furthermore, the duo discusses the implications of the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) dissolution, the underlying platform NewsGuard, and its impact on podcast content filtering. Their conversation reveals skepticism towards these platforms’ intentions and benefits, urging podcasters to be vigilant about where and how their content is managed.

Closing the episode, Todd and Rob cover various other significant industry topics, including platform-specific issues, user experiences across podcast services, and emerging tools purportedly evaluating podcast audio quality.

This episode thoroughly examines podcasting logistics, the balance between innovation and maintaining traditional standards, and the ongoing debate over content management and platform control in the increasingly complex podcast industry landscape.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

Podcast (audio): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

In this episode of the podcast, hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee discuss a range of topics with guest Chris Krimitsos, focusing mainly on the growth and expansion of Podfest both domestically and internationally. They open by catching up on personal updates, including Todd’s move back to Michigan and setting up his new studio.

Chris Krimitsos joins the conversation to discuss recent developments at Podfest, including the introduction of new managing directors to help expand the event. He highlights the introduction of international versions of Podfest, such as in Bogota, Colombia, and reflects on the inaugural Podfest Asia in Manila. Chris elaborates on how these expansions help build a global podcasting community and foster worldwide networking and collaboration among creators.

The discussion shifts to logistical challenges, including an incident where the venue hotel closed down unexpectedly, leading to a hasty relocation. This segment opens up a broader conversation about organizing large-scale events’ unpredictability and dynamic nature.

Continuing, Chris shares insights into how adding new managerial roles at Podfest has alleviated some of his workload, allowing him to focus more on community building and strategic partnerships. He talks about the benefits of having additional hands on deck for handling operational tasks and expanding the reach and influence of Podfest through various international ventures.

Towards the end of their conversation, they touch on other topics, such as changes in other businesses related to podcasting, like traditional radio broadcasting, the evolution of podcast content globally, and the cultural specifics of podcasting in different countries. Chris, Todd, and Rob also discuss the importance of sustenance and growth in the podcasting industry, the challenges posed by external business pressures, and the roles of different companies in the evolving podcast market.

The episode wraps up by looking forward to Podfest events and expressing enthusiasm for continued engagement and innovation in the podcasting community, both in the U.S. and abroad.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

Podcast (audio): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More