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.

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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.

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During this episode, hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee, alongside guest Dave Jackson, engage in a comprehensive discussion centered on Dave’s new role at PodPage, the significance of having your podcast website, and the changing landscapes of podcast advertising and revenue streams. The conversation commences with casual banter about recent personal updates, including Todd’s relocation … Continue reading Dave Jackson’s New Role at PodPage and the Value of Podcast Websites #595 →

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In this episode, hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee engage in a detailed discussion with Dan Franks, co-founder of Podcast Movement. Dan is the featured guest, discussing the upcoming Podcast Movement event in Washington, D.C.

The episode begins with what’s new for Podcast Movement, Dan, who delves into the preparations and expectations for the nearing Podcast Movement event, emphasizing the event’s logistical and content planning stages. Dan highlights the gathering’s evolution, noting the diverse set of attendees and tailored content that caters to varying interests within the podcast community. He mentions crucial logistical adjustments and promotional strategies to enhance the attendee experience.

A significant portion of their conversation explores how the event’s location in Washington, D.C., influences the types of attendees and what they might expect regarding keynote speakers and sessions, especially the ones involving NPR. Dan also details an uptick in governmental attendees.

The talk transitions into broader discussion topics within the podcast industry, including the impact of AI technologies on podcast production and ethical considerations surrounding AI-generated content. The hosts explore potential implications of AI integration, from content creation to legal challenges regarding copyright issues and disclosure.

Toward the end of the episode, discussions briefly cover Podcast Movement’s role in facilitating educational opportunities through its event programming and ‘Braindates,’ sessions designed for focused peer learning among attendees. Dan concludes with remarks on Podcast Movement’s continuous growth, its role in the podcasting ecosystem, and the event’s future.

Finally, Todd and Rob summarize the discussion, reflecting on Dan Franks’ comprehensive insights about the upcoming Podcast Movement and its significance to the podcast community at large.

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In this podcast episode, hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee discuss various topics related to the future of podcasting and the use of new technologies in the field. The episode begins with casual banter about their current setups and upcoming changes in their recording schedules. They also delve into their anticipation for the forthcoming Podcast Movement event, noting that they have scheduled an interview with Dan Franks to discuss further details.

The discussion transitions into updates about the podcasting app Overcast. Todd and Rob commend the app’s developer, Marco Arment, for his updates on the app’s tenth anniversary, highlighting the improved user interface and accessibility. They express their admiration for Marco sustaining the app as a solo operation over the years.

Rob and Todd also touch upon the value4value model and podcasting 2.0 features, discussing podcasters’ challenges and future potentials, especially concerning monetary contributions and audience engagement through technology like cryptocurrency. They ponder the implications of recent disruptions in crypto services and emphasize the importance of ensuring all participants in the podcast value chain benefit.

The conversation shifts to the podcasting industry’s broader trends and possible future trajectories. They discuss artificial intelligence’s role in content creation and analytics, which could significantly impact how podcasts are produced and consumed. Moreover, they delve into concerns about AI, such as ethical considerations and the importance of transparency in content creation influenced by AI.

Todd and Rob also review the implications of certain podcasting practices and technologies on user privacy and content authenticity. They highlight the importance of maintaining open communication channels free from excessive regulation and underscore the value of straightforward, honest podcasting practices.

The episode wraps up with further insights into upcoming changes in their podcast schedules and a reaffirmation of their commitment to discussing vital topics within the podcasting community. Throughout the episode, Todd and Rob blend industry-specific analysis with lighter, more personable commentary, offering depth and accessibility to their listener discussions.

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In this episode of Todd and Rob’s podcast, the conversation primarily revolves around whether the podcast industry has reached its peak or not. Rob Greenlee starts by reflecting on recent research indicating a slowdown in podcast growth, suggesting that the medium might be reaching a maturation phase in the U.S. He points out high awareness and … Continue reading Peak Podcasting: Reality or Myth? Exploring Industry Trends #592 →

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In this episode of the podcast, hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee discuss a variety of topics centered around the podcast industry, mainly focusing on the desired shift from downloaded content to streaming and the battle for control, the implications of this change for podcasters, and broader issues regarding podcast monetization and the relationship between advertisers and podcasters.

The conversation starts with Todd and Rob reflecting on common themes in podcasting news and revisiting the debate over streaming versus downloading in podcast distribution. They highlight the pros and cons of each method, discussing how downloads have traditionally benefited listeners who face bandwidth issues. Todd shares an anecdote about his experiences with limited data access while traveling, reinforcing the value of downloaded content in certain situations.

The discourse transitions to a more detailed exploration of podcast advertising and monetization strategies. Todd introduces a new advertising model he recently learned about. It could allow podcasters more control over their advertising deals and increase their revenue, offering an alternative to traditional advertising networks that take significant cuts from ad revenue.

Rob then shifts the conversation towards podcasters maintaining control over their content and monetization, aligning their efforts more directly with the interests of their listeners rather than advertisers. They discuss how the current marketplace dynamics often favor advertisers at the expense of content creators and how new models and technologies could potentially shift this balance.

Furthermore, Rob and Todd delve into the broader impacts of podcast industry trends, such as the decline of Apple Podcasts’ market share and the respective rise of other platforms. They speculate on future industry directions, discussing how shifts in platform dominance could affect podcast producers and their strategic choices.

The conversation concludes with practical advice from Todd and Rob based on their extensive experience in the field. They discuss potential business models, the importance of valuing creator control, and strategies for podcasters to align closely with their audience’s interests.

In summary, this episode covers a comprehensive range of topics relevant to current trends and issues in the podcast industry, providing deep insights into the impact of technology changes, advertising models, and platform dynamics on podcast creators.

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In this episode of the podcast hosted by Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee, the focus was primarily on Spotify’s recent implementation of video on their platform and the ramifications for podcast RSS feeds. The episode begins with a scheduling update, then delves into the main topic regarding Spotify’s new capability to replace audio files from RSS feeds with a video file for podcasts on their platform, sparking industry controversy.

Rob initiated the discussion, pointing out that Spotify’s change is similar to what YouTube has been doing with audio files, though Spotify’s impact on podcast distribution and monetization could be significantly different. Rob described Spotify’s history of not fully trusting the bandwidth and performance of smaller hosting services. This led to them caching and serving episodes independently to ensure performance quality, bypassing the hosted podcast’s direct feed. This historic move, he notes, sets a precedent for the current video implementation.

Todd emphasized the serious implications for podcasters, describing Spotify’s actions as detrimental and referring to them as an “abomination.” He stressed that this change could disrupt podcast analytics and monetization, primarily because the changes could prevent podcast hosts from reporting accurate download and engagement data if Spotify serves the video files instead. Todd also proposes that this could fundamentally alter how ads are served and monetized, especially concerning dynamically inserted ads.

Both hosts then discussed the broader implications of this move by Spotify, touching on how it could drive a wider adoption of video podcasts even though there’s apparent hesitance among some podcast creators about moving into video. They also explore the larger industry perspective, questioning whether the industry’s response to video content is adequate and if more could be done to integrate video into podcasting without losing the essence of what podcasts traditionally offer.

Throughout the episode, Todd and Rob revisit the core issue of how Spotify’s changes challenge the open nature of podcasting via RSS feeds and express concerns about the future of podcast hosting and distribution if such platforms continue to make unilateral decisions that could potentially harm the openness and accessibility of podcasts.

The episode concluded with both agreeing on the potential need for podcasters to educate themselves about these developments and consider carefully how they host and distribute their content in light of these changing dynamics in the podcast industry. They implore podcast creators to weigh the benefits of platforms like Spotify against the potential loss of control over their content and audience connection.

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In this episode titled “From Studio Eviction to Industry Speculation: A Podcasting Journey,” Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee discuss their personal experiences and broader developments in the podcasting industry.

The episode starts with Cochrane recounting his recent studio eviction, describing the frantic move he was forced to organize over a holiday weekend. He details the sudden termination of his lease and the logistics of relocating his studio’s equipment into storage and a makeshift setup in his loft. He contemplates potential challenges, like acoustics and bandwidth, that he might face while setting up a new studio in his loft.

Next, the conversation shifts to Greenlee touching on recent trends and rumors swirling within the podcasting space. The hosts speculate about potential acquisitions in the podcast-hosting arena, mentioning companies like Libsyn, ACast, and Buzzsprout. They also discuss the global footprint of various podcasting platforms and the strategic business maneuvers these entities might prepare for.

Cochrane and Greenlee continue to explore the technical side of podcasting, expressing concerns over the underdevelopment of certain features in popular platforms and the efficacy of upcoming AI integration in video and audio modifications. They deliberate on the ethics and disclosure necessary when AI alters content, comparing it to traditional editing techniques.

Towards the latter part of the episode, the discussion veers into the implications of podcast metrics and listener behaviors, especially concerning ad load and audience retention. Both hosts emphasize the need for transparency and accurate reporting in podcast analytics to maintain trust and deliver value to creators and advertisers.

The episode wraps up with a look at the evolving nature of podcast consumption, noting a trend toward communal listening experiences, such as families listening together at home or during car rides. The hosts reflect on how these shifting patterns might impact future content creation and audience engagement strategies.

Throughout the episode, Cochrane and Greenlee share their personal anecdotes and professional insights, providing a comprehensive overview of current challenges and opportunities within the podcasting industry, underscored by Cochrane’s immediate challenge of rebuilding his studio and adapting to new realities.

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New Media Productions
365 N Willowbrook Rd
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Coldwater, Mi, 49036

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