In this episode hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee reconnect after attending Podfest in Orlando, where they briefly discuss the unexpected cold weather during the event and provide updates on their activities since returning home. A big disclosure by Todd reveals his experimentation with chapter files to track ad engagement more effectively, detailing how he tested this by placing chapter files related to a GoDaddy advertisement within his show, allowing him to gather listener data without needing assistance from their podcast host.

They begin their discussion by highlighting upcoming guests on their shows, including someone from Adobe Podcasts, while Todd hints at a significant announcement from Apple that he can’t yet disclose due to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Rob shares insights about the recent Podcast Hall of Fame event, describing improvements in production compared to previous years but noting some remaining rough edges.

The hosts contemplate the future of the Podcast Hall of Fame, emphasizing the need for greater international participation in nominations and voting, as well as the challenge of having a broad knowledge of international podcasters. They explore the growing interest in podcasting among businesses, with Todd reporting an increase in inquiries and interest from international organizations—a sign of a potential revenue revival.

They shift their conversation to major podcasting platforms, discussing Spotify’s, including Google’s strategic play in removing Google Podcast to shift focus to YouTube. They express concern over how video content is affecting traditional audio podcasting and note a divergence in opinions regarding video in the podcast space.

The hosts also share their observations from Podfest, discussing the types of vendors present, such as Adobe and Shure, and expressing a need for more creators to engage with the event. They reminisce about the mixed attendance figures and the potential for the event to grow.

Toward the end, they comment on the new awards being offered by Spotify and the changing landscape of advertising in podcasting, noting the importance of emotional and engaging ads compared to bland ones.

After a brief diversion into speculative discussion around TikTok’s presence and recent government scrutiny, they return to talk about the future of traditional media companies and their adaptation to the growing importance of online podcasting. They conclude the episode by inviting listeners to offer feedback and tips for future shows while discussing the potential restructuring of their YouTube channel.

The episode wraps up, and the hosts encourage follow-ups and donations for the show, ending with a lighthearted banter about their next episode and thank the audience for listening.

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In this engaging episode of the New Media Show, recorded at Podfest 2025, hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee explore the dynamic and evolving landscape of podcasting with industry insiders Rocky Thomas and John Miles. The live setting at Podfest added a vibrant atmosphere, and several key themes and debates are tackled throughout the episode. … Continue reading Podcasting Insights from Podfest 2025 #614 →

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The episode starts with Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee discussing the complexities of keeping up with technological updates and verifications. They illustrate the rapid pace of technological advancements and their impact on their daily podcasting operations, setting the tone for a conversation on how these technologies intersect with new media.

1. **Podscribe December Ranker Analysis:**
The hosts discuss the details of the Podscribe December Ranker, which lists the top podcasting platforms and their performance on RSS and YouTube.
– Rob shares insights about discrepancies noted in podcast plays via RSS feeds compared to YouTube, highlighting the differences in metrics and what counts as a play on each platform.
– The discussion raises questions about the reliability of Podscribe’s data and what it truly represents, pointing to the need for clarity and transparency in the podcasting data metrics.

2. **Growth Trends in Podcast Consumption:**
The hosts discuss notable growth trends in podcast consumption across different platforms, focusing on audio-first platforms showing significant month-over-month growth.
– They also examine how video podcasts perform compared to audio podcasts, with some platforms showing higher engagement on YouTube.

3. **The Challenges of Measuring Podcast Success:**
The conversation shifts to the complexities of measuring podcast success in terms of plays and downloads, exploring how these metrics differ significantly between platforms like YouTube and traditional RSS feeds.
– They touch upon monetization differences, highlighting how YouTube monetizes views compared to how traditional podcast ads are integrated and measured.

4. **The Future of Podcasting:**
The discussion also covers predictions for the podcasting industry, including the integration of AI in podcast production and potential trends in the next 1-2 years.
– The hosts speculate on the continuing convergence of audio and video in podcasting, discussing how this hybrid model may shape the industry’s future landscape.

In conclusion, Todd and Rob encapsulate a broad analysis of the current state and potential future of podcasting, emphasizing the need for more transparent data to better understand consumption patterns across different platforms. This episode sheds light on the evolving nature of podcasting as it straddles the lines between traditional audio formats and the burgeoning video podcasting scene.

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In this podcast episode, hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee dive deep into the controversy surrounding the Honey Extension and its impacts on affiliate marketing. The episode unfolds with both hosts catching up and sharing brief updates about their personal and professional activities, notably referencing Todd’s impending return to the United States and Rob’s back-to-back podcast sessions.

The main topic emerges when Todd introduces his longstanding issues with the Honey plugin. This browser extension by PayPal aims to help users find discounts and promotional codes while shopping online. However, Todd expresses significant frustration, explaining how his exclusive promo codes were used on Honey without linking to his affiliate rewards. He describes the situation as deceptive, claiming Honey usurps the benefits typically intended for original publishers like himself.

Rob, intrigued, asks Todd how users are attracted to install Honey, pondering on the perceived benefits versus the ethical pitfalls highlighted by Todd. The conversation intensifies as Todd describes a scheme where Honey potentially and illicitly overrides affiliate links, diverting the earnings from creators to itself when users make purchases through affiliate links while activating the plugin.

The hosts discuss the broader implications for all content creators who use affiliate marketing to monetize their platforms. Todd shares a historical analogy with his dealings with Commission Junction (CJ), outlining how challenges with affiliate link tracking led to significant revenue discrepancies. He advises that podcasters and creators using such systems advocate for better attribution of manual promo code entries at checkout to ensure deserved earnings aren’t withheld due to technical oversights.

Throughout the discussion, Rob and Todd ponder the ethical questions surrounding companies like PayPal (owner of Honey) and their responsibilities versus the monetization struggles of independent creators. By the end of the episode, they segue slightly into the anticipated impact of video content on podcasting, a topic sparked by a piece from journalist Nick Quah discussing the evolving media landscape where video content might overshadow traditional podcast formats.

The episode wraps up with the hosts reflecting on their experiences with affiliate systems, the ongoing technological evolutions in content discovery and monetization, and the broader changes in the podcasting industry. They emphasize the importance of reliable, creator-friendly platforms that support sustainable monetization strategies amidst evolving digital landscapes.

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