Rob and Todd discuss the nothing burger of the YouTube RSS support and the non-viability of YouTube for podcasters, considering its primary emphasis on video content. The pair critically evaluated the hurdles surrounding podcast support. Monetization on YouTube was another hot topic. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages, concluding that only a handful of larger shows might benefit substantially. They stressed the need to educate podcasters on the nuances of the monetization process and voiced concerns about potential content strikes.

Discussions ranged from Rob’s interactions with YouTube representatives to Todd’s critique of Google’s history with RSS. They lamented missed opportunities, As the conversation evolved, the focus shifted to podcasting’s transformation and potential revenue streams.

The recent industry shifts, including the layoffs at Libsyn, were touched upon, offering a glimpse into the changing landscape of podcasting.

Social media’s ever-growing influence on content creation was another focal point. Todd and Rob explored the role of platforms in audience growth and content discovery. They debated the merits of platform-exclusive content, the importance of building a robust subscriber base, and the future of content monetization on social platforms. We delved into the realities of content creation and monetization across various platforms. We tackled industry pressures and competition and emphasized the importance of commitment in the podcasting world.

AI’s role in image and text creation was also examined. WordPress was spotlighted as both a boon to most and a challenge for others. Their shared experiences with the platform underscored its potential and the hurdles it presents.

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New Media Productions
365 N Willowbrook Rd
Suite: C
Coldwater, Mi, 49036

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YouTube Platform Challenges Discussed

Todd and Rob discussed the challenges and concerns of recommending YouTube to podcasters. Todd highlighted issues with the platform’s validation process, advertising policy, and monetization threshold. Additionally, he expressed concerns about the platform monetizing content and adding extra work for podcasters to manage each episode. They also discussed converting MP3 files into video files on YouTube and potentially losing metrics by replacing previously published episodes. Todd’s concerns about YouTube’s video-centric approach and Google’s past decisions regarding RSS were also discussed. Lastly, they discussed their concerns about Google’s decision to discontinue the Google Podcasts app, with Todd advising podcast creators to find alternative apps.

PHD In Podcasting?

Todd and Rob discussed an exciting new initiative – offering a ‘PhD in Podcasting’ to listeners who donate $1,000 to their show. They jokingly considered the logistics, including the design of the certificate and how to avoid counterfeiting. They also suggested that some listeners might be eligible for an honorary PhD. However, they acknowledged that no exams or qualifications would be required beyond the donation. The audience met the idea with amusement and intrigue, attracting many potential applicants.

Some AI Updates

The discussion covered the advancing technology of AI tools like Chat, Gpt, and Bard and how they can be used for conversations and image analysis. Rob shared his experience using these tools to analyze a podcast’s artwork. Todd mentioned testing the Zoom AI feature, which generates a summary of meetings and speculated about its potential for obsoleting third-party services. They discussed the importance of integrating AI into podcast hosting services and predicted that failure to do so would lead to the extinction of such companies within three years. They also reflected on the history and evolution of podcasting, including Leo Laporte’s past skepticism towards the medium. The conversation also involved regaining the rights to Todd’s book and updating it due to massive changes in the podcasting industry.

Podcasting Platform Progress

Rob and Todd discussed the potential for video podcasting to grow and their increased interest in this format. Todd emphasized the importance of feedback and communication between podcasters and hosting platforms and mentioned that they were working on improvements based on user suggestions. They also discussed the challenges of user interface (UI) design, acknowledging the need for consistency across different publishing methods. Todd and Rob discussed the advantages and disadvantages of other publishing platforms, noting that their platform offered more flexibility than WordPress. They concluded the discussion by reflecting on the need to occasionally overhaul a system rather than maintaining outdated versions. They also discussed the value-for-value feature in their interface and the current state of the podcasting industry.

Wrap Up

Rob and Todd discuss launching a new live show on the Streamyard channels in partnership with 4 Stream Yard. The show will focus on podcasts, content, and video and podcasting topics.  Todd shares his experience with roadcasters duo and the challenges of setting them up properly, mentioning that they are complicated devices requiring much testing. Adam Curry offers to send Todd configuration files.

Show summary created by Zoom AI

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New Media Productions
365 N Willowbrook Rd
Suite: C
Coldwater, Mi, 49036

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Todd and Rob take a look at the statistics of show and episode production over the past 12 months. Based on pretty much all data the podcasting space still looks to be in a recession in new shows being created are still down, and episode production is slightly lower than 2022 to date. See the full summary below.

• They discussed AI tools like ChatGPT and how Todd has been experimenting with using it to generate show notes and summarize podcast transcripts. He found you need to be very explicit in prompts to get good results.
• They discussed the trend of podcast networks being required to use AI brand safety tools by advertisers and ad platforms. This puts pressure on creators to understand these tools.
• Other topics included Bloomberg adding bonus content for Apple Podcast subscribers; the Death, Sex and Money podcast from WNYC.
• The hosts experimented with asking ChatGPT to generate images based on prompts, with mixed results. They discussed how AI like ChatGPT, still has limitations.
• Todd emphasized creators should become experts in AI to remain competitive and understand how to use tools like ChatGPT effectively. He predicts AI will bring big changes in 3 years.
• They noted human stories and voices will still be valued alongside AI tools. The hosts plan to continue exploring AI impacts on new media.

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New Media Productions
365 N Willowbrook Rd
Suite: C
Coldwater, Mi, 49036

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Podcast One’s Stock continues to go down. The question is how low can the stock go and if, at some point, there is a buying opportunity yet full of risk. But it’s a lousy omen of how far it’s dropped so far.

Show Summary: Todd talks about hosting the podcast awards ceremony on Saturday. They discuss computers and equipment needed for podcasting and video editing. Rob discusses upgrading his PC and workspace to improve his video editing capabilities. Todd advocates for Mac Minis as great bang-for-buck desktop computers.

Rob brings up predictions he saw that unknown, innovative podcasters doing great work under the radar will emerge. Todd agrees and says many of the shows nominated for the podcast awards were unknown to him but clearly successful.

They discuss recent podcast industry news, including:

• Canada regulating streaming podcasts making over $10 million?
• YouTube Music adding auto-download for podcasts
• More platforms adding AI features like Descript
• A new Shure SM7B microphone with built-in preamp
• PodcastOne stock price plummeting

They debate layoffs and high staff numbers at public radio stations like WNYC. They conclude by soliciting ideas for a new podcast theme and cover art. Todd shows examples of AI-generated images he’s used for past episodes.

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New Media Productions
365 N Willowbrook Rd
Suite: C
Coldwater, Mi, 49036

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