Ripped From The Podcast Headlines: The Latest Scoop in Podcasting
What’s new in the world of podcasting, from fun product ideas to the challenges of AI-generated content.
Hey there, podcast enthusiasts! Welcome back to The Circle Sessions. In this episode, Brett Johnson sits down with Don The Idea Guy to chat about some of the latest trends and issues in the podcasting universe. From quirky product highlights to the nitty-gritty of AI in podcasting, there’s a lot for us to unpack. Grab your headphones and let’s get into it!
The Problem with Spamcasts
Don introduces us to the term “spamcasting,” or spamcasts, and wow, does it paint a picture. It’s all about those low-quality, AI-generated podcasts with robotic voices that are flooding platforms like Audible and Spotify. The lack of good storytelling and engaging content makes these spamcasts a real buzzkill. Both Brett and Don agree that listeners deserve way better and call for platforms to step up their quality control game.
Audible and Amazon’s Quality Control Issues
Speaking of quality, Don doesn’t hold back when criticizing Audible for mixing in low-value content with their top-notch audiobooks. Amazon’s Kindle marketplace isn’t off the hook either, with its slew of spammy ebooks. It’s clear that both platforms need to tighten their quality control to give users a smoother, more enjoyable experience.
Fixing Platform Content: User-Driven Quality Control
Another hot topic: the lack of effective ways for users to flag bad content on platforms like Spotify and Amazon. Don and Brett stress how important it is for these platforms to have better ways for listeners to highlight the good stuff and weed out the rest.
AI Tools: Potential with a Side of Caution
Despite the problems with spamcasting, AI can be a game-changer if used right. Brett and Don discuss CaptivateFM’s new Spark AI podcast assistant, which helps you analyze stats, suggest topics, and even optimize where to place your ads. Tools like these can really help podcasters improve their craft and reach their audience more effectively.
Making Ads Smooth with Chapter Markers
Let’s talk about ads. Brett shares some top-notch advice on using chapter markers to make your ads less jarring. By giving listeners a heads-up with audio snippets before the ads roll, you keep the listening experience smooth and enjoyable.
The Eye Contact Debate in Videocasting
Switching gears, Don’s not too thrilled about the growing trend of video in podcasting, specifically the need to maintain eye contact with the camera. Tools like Descript’s ‘Eye Contact’ aim to make this easier, but it can come off as a bit “uncanny valley.” Both hosts agree that more natural interaction always wins out.
Google’s NotebookLM: A Peek into AI’s Future
Last but not least, Don shares his experience with Google’s NotebookLM, a tool that generates NPR-like audio content from documents. While it’s promising, there are concerns about how long it’ll stick around given Google’s habit of sunsetting projects. Still, it’s something worth checking out if you’re into experimenting with AI in podcasting.
Wrapping up this episode of The Circle Sessions, it’s clear that the podcasting world is buzzing with both opportunities and challenges. From battling spamcasting, or spamcasts, to tapping into the potential of AI, there’s a lot to navigate. Whether you’re just starting your podcasting journey or are a seasoned pro, Don and Brett’s insights are sure to give you some food for thought. Keep tuning in for more tips, strategies, and expert advice to take your podcast to the next level. Happy podcasting!
MEET DON THE IDEA GUY!
Possessing creative powers beyond those of mere mortals, DON THE IDEA GUY rescues those in need of innovative ideas through his brainstorming sessions, articles, and websites.
DTIG (DEE-tigg) has been featured in Small Business News, interviewed by the New York Times, quoted in Fast Company magazine, and served as the first president of the International Idea Trade Association.
Don is a proud member of the BzzAgent community, and is featured in BzzAgent.com founder Dave Balter’s book “Grapevine: The New Art of Word-of-Mouth Marketing.”
His Innovation Channel on the Duct Tape Marketing Blog has been recognized as a Forbes Favorite.
Don is the author of the book “100-WHATS of CREATIVITY“, one-hundred ‘what if?’ questions to spur your creativity, unmuck your mind, and break through your mental blocks and has written dozens of articles and hundreds of blog postings on the subject of increasing innovation and adding creativity to your personal and professional life.
You are invited to explore additional innovative possibilities by choosing one of your favorite ideas from this (or any) Five Buck Brainstorms and purchasing a more in-depth custom idea generation session from Don The Idea Guy on that (or any other) subject. Visit the Brainstorm page on the Don The Idea Guy website for more details.
Each week, one of The Circle of Experts talks about critical aspects of growing your podcast. We focus on marketing, social media, monetization, website design, and implementation of all of these to help you make the best podcast possible.
Have a question or an idea for one of our episodes? Send us an email at podcasts@circle270media.com.
The Circle of Experts are:
Yasmine Robles from Robles Designs
Tonnisha English-Amamoo of TJE Communications
Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy, from Circle270Media Podcast Consultants
Copyright 2024 Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy™
