In this episode of the New Media Show, hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee discuss key insights from the 2025 Infinite Dial report and delve into HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) video streaming.

The episode begins with Todd and Rob introducing the program, noting the late afternoon timing, and discussing the recent activity within the podcasting industry. They acknowledge that while it may not seem eventful externally, significant discussion is happening among industry insiders.

The hosts then segue into a deep dive on the Infinite Dial, mentioning its history as a crucial nationwide survey about media consumption before the podcasting era. They highlight that 91% of people now own smartphones and provide statistics on the increased ownership of smart devices, with Rob commenting on the stable figures across several metrics.

They explore social media usage, revealing substantial percentages of Americans are familiar with various platforms. The hosts discuss the increasing saturation of smartphone and social media usage while noting how these platforms compete for attention. They identify Facebook and Instagram as leading platforms for user awareness and engagement.

Todd and Rob further analyze shifts in audio consumption. Statistics show that 79% of Americans engage in monthly online audio listening. They see a noticeable increase in the older demographic’s online audio consumption like podcasts. The conversation transitions to the differences in brand awareness versus actual usage of audio streaming services.

When discussing podcasting specifically, the hosts note a slight increase in awareness, with 85% of people being aware of podcasts. They also touch on the differences between audio and video podcast consumption, emphasizing the growing video trend as a delivery format.

Rob introduces the topic of HLS streaming and discusses its benefits compared to traditional video delivery methods. They explore potential growth for implementing HLS in the podcasting space and how it might enable podcasters to gain better control over their content distribution.

As they conclude, Todd and Rob reflect on the challenges and costs associated with implementing HLS and maintaining video streams, including the financial implications for creators and hosts in delivering high-quality content.

The episode wraps up with the hosts encouraging listeners to explore the Infinite Dial report and share their thoughts on the current landscape of podcasting and streaming media. They emphasize ongoing inquiries into competition against large platforms and the future of podcasting in both audio and video formats.

Todd and Rob sign off, asserting that they will continue to provide insights into the evolving podcasting industry in future episodes. They remind listeners of their next live show and thank their audience for tuning in.

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In this episode titled “Harnessing Superfans for Podcast Success,” hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee engage in a lively discussion covering various podcasting topics. The episode opens with Todd humorously admitting he overslept, leading to their usual banter about their long-standing podcasting journey.

Rob introduces the idea of podcast superfans, referencing an article that illustrates how heavy podcast listeners, who listen for over eight hours per week, are significantly more engaged with advertised products. They mention statistics about superfans and their purchasing behavior, highlighting the effectiveness of podcast ads on these dedicated listeners.

The conversation then shifts to the state of podcast advertising, with Rob noting recent drops in CPMs (cost per thousand impressions) shared by an acquaintance in the industry. Todd and Rob discuss the reliance on programmatic versus dynamically inserted ads, with Todd expressing skepticism regarding the effectiveness and transparency of current advertising methods.

As they explore the concept of superfans further, Todd mentions the importance of listener engagement and how podcasters can build relationships with their audiences. The hosts reflect on how personal donations from fans can often be a better indicator of superfans than mere listenership.

Rob emphasizes the need for a diversified revenue strategy for podcasters, advocating for creators to explore avenues like merchandise and direct fan contributions rather than just relying on big-name advertisers.

The episode progresses into discussing the impact of AI on podcasting, with Rob highlighting a case where a guest managed to increase downloads simply by changing the publication date of an old episode, effectively marketing it as a new release. They delve into the ethics of such practices and the potential repercussions for podcast creators who use similar tactics.

Todd offers insights into the challenges of maintaining a podcast’s audio quality and how technology sometimes complicates the process, referencing his recent technical issues with OBS. They acknowledge the importance of understanding audience engagement metrics and how the industry evolves with new tools and platforms.

Towards the end of the episode, Todd and Rob reflect on the changing media consumption landscape, including the rise of YouTube as a primary device for audiences. They reiterate the importance of building one’s brand through direct engagement channels like websites and email newsletters while also discussing how AI and technology can further assist in understanding audience behavior and improving content strategy.

The episode closes with Todd sharing thoughts on leveraging AI tools for enhancing podcast content and project management. Both hosts express optimism about the future of podcasting and the continuous need to adapt strategies in response to evolving technologies and audience expectations. They bid farewell, with Todd promising to improve technical aspects for the next broadcast.

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In the episode titled “Navigating the Podcasting Landscape in 2025,” hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee discuss the evolving landscape of podcasting, particularly focusing on the challenges and opportunities for podcasters in the coming years.

The episode begins with Todd mentioning some difficulties related to using OBS for streaming and recording, contrasting it with his experiences with other audio equipment like the Rodecaster and TriCaster. He seeks help from the audience regarding an issue with his Elgato Facecam Pro that isn’t being recognized by his Macbook Pro.

Rob responds to Todd’s audio issues, discussing the differences in audio quality across platforms like Zoom, OBS, and the Rodecaster. They engage in a conversation about the frustrations of tech setups and audio routing challenges as they attempt to enhance their show quality. Todd expresses his interest in finding someone knowledgeable in OBS for consultation.

Transitioning into the main theme, Rob poses the overarching question of whether podcasts are ready for the future, citing feedback from the community indicating a fatigue with discussions surrounding AI and video versus audio content. They explore the division within the industry regarding preferences for audio-only or video content, suggesting that many creators are resisting change while also grappling with emerging technologies.

Rob highlights a news piece about a new AI tool called Audio Shake that claims to separate overlapping voices in podcasts, and they question its effectiveness, debating how overlapping conversations affect listener experiences. Todd expresses skepticism about audio quality when using such tools and their value in editing.

The conversation shifts to references made in industry articles. Rob shares that some listeners are tired of the ongoing conversation around audio versus video and highlights how platforms like Pocket Casts are launching features for better web listening experiences. Todd notes that users of WordPress PowerPress see higher web listening ratios compared to those with simple landing pages.

Rob mentions that listener engagement can vary and emphasizes the importance of making content easily available. They also discuss the importance of being indexed and discoverable while aligning it with audience needs, further elaborating on the mixed landscape of audio and video podcasting experiences across platforms.

Throughout the episode, they discuss their own personal experiences in podcasting, technical challenges, and market dynamics. They recognize the influences of societal changes, tech advancements, and podcasting industry trends on the future of content creation, with an understanding that successful podcasting in the future will hinge on adaptability to these shifts.

As they wrap up, Todd shares that the Blueberry team will be attending the upcoming Travelcon event and other podcast-related conferences, while both hosts highlight their engagement with listeners and their desire to continue serving the podcasting community. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to join them live for future discussions.

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In this episode of “The New Media Show,” hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee welcome Mark Webster, the Head of Adobe Podcast.

Mark expresses his excitement about being on the show and describes Adobe Podcast’s growth and features, mentioning that he joined Adobe in 2018 after his company, SaySpring, was acquired. The discussion transitions into developing the Adobe Podcast platform, emphasizing the importance of creating a user-friendly interface for new and experienced podcasters. Mark shares that Enhanced Speech, an AI-driven feature, has gained immense popularity, with many users improving their recordings.

Todd and Rob delve into how Enhanced Speech enhances audio quality and how the platform simplifies the podcasting process. They touch upon text-based editing, which makes editing audio feel more intuitive for users. Mark highlights that Adobe Podcast is designed for ease of use, allowing creators to focus on content instead of getting lost in complicated editing processes.

The hosts also discuss types of microphones and their relevance to the advancements made by Adobe Podcast. Mark asserts that even lower-quality microphones can still produce good audio when paired with the right software tools. While starting with high-quality audio is ideal, Adobe Podcast’s features mean that creators do not need expensive setups to achieve professional results.

As the conversation evolves, Mark highlights the potential future developments of Adobe Podcast, including the integration of video recording and editing, to support creators’ growing needs. He emphasizes the importance of making podcast creation accessible and efficient.

The hosts touch upon different features of Adobe Podcast, including the free and premium plans available for users. Mark explains the benefits of both plans, highlighting the unlimited recording and editing capabilities offered in the premium version for a budget-friendly price.

Using Adobe Podcast’s AI-driven features, creators can enhance their audio, edit efficiently, and mix high-quality audio with video without complex software. Todd endorses Adobe Podcast, noting that it offers a streamlined experience for newcomers to podcasting.

Before concluding the episode, Todd and Rob mention the exciting developments in the podcasting landscape and how tools like Adobe Podcast make a difference for creators. Mark is thanked for his participation, and he shares contact details for listeners to reach out to the Adobe Podcast team.

The episode wraps up with a brief discussion about future shows and topics, including changing trends in the podcasting space and the excitement surrounding new audio and video content creation technologies.

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