Adding YouTube to your podcasting game? Well, grab a seat because Thomas Umstadt Jr. is here to share what works and what doesn't. We’re talking about the nitty-gritty of taking your audio-only podcast and slapping it onto the video platform that everyone and their grandma seems to be on.

Thomas recounts his journey from simple audiograms to full-blown video episodes, sharing the highs and lows of his transition. Spoiler alert: it turns out that just tossing your podcast audio onto YouTube won’t cut it. You need to think about titles and thumbnails—yes, those flashy little images that scream ‘click me!’ As he explains, those are your first impressions; if they’re not catchy, your content might as well be invisible.

He dives into the technicalities too, discussing everything from gear and lighting to the importance of having a good backdrop (hello, bookshelves!). Plus, he shares some gold nuggets about audience demographics that might just make you rethink how you approach your content. So whether you’re on the fence about YouTube or just curious about what the fuss is all about, this episode is packed with insights that might just give your podcast the boost it needs.

Novel Marketing.com (Thomas's website and podcast)

Author Update Show

Tube Buddy (YouTube tool that coaches you)

VidIQ (another tool to help you with YouTube)

Elgato Prompter

Pikzel YouTube Thumbnail Maker

1 of 10 YouTube Thumbnail Maker

Captivate and Buzzsprout Media Hosts with Dynamic Content Capabilities

School of Podcasting - Plan, launch, and grow your podcast

• Adding YouTube to your podcast can significantly boost audience engagement and visibility.
• Titles and thumbnails are crucial for YouTube success, unlike in traditional podcasting.
• The first 30 seconds of your video need to grab attention or viewers will bounce.
• Using your phone as a camera can yield better results than expensive gear for video.
• A strong opening is key for YouTube; don't dilly-dally with long intros like in podcasts.
• Experimenting with different content formats can lead to surprising audience growth on YouTube.

Did you get value from this show? You can give some of the value back and say thanks.

Mentioned in this episode:

Live Appearances

I'd love to meet you in person, I'm currently coming to July 12th, 20025 Higher Ed Podcon, Chicago, Ill AUGUST 18-21, 2025 Podcast Movement,...

Today, we are talking about keeping your audience listening after they press play. This starts with an opening hook. To have hooks that grab your audience and make them want to hear your episode, there are some common characteristics:

Relevance: A good hook connects directly to the theme or topic of your episode. It should hint at what’s to come without giving everything away.

Emotional Impact: Evoking curiosity, excitement, or even controversy can create an emotional connection with your audience, prompting them to stay tuned.

Clarity and Brevity: Your hook should be clear and to the point. Complexity can confuse listeners and cause them to lose interest.

Promises Value: Whether it’s information, entertainment, or inspiration, a strong hook promises something valuable to the listener.

All of this relies on you knowing who your target audience is. A hook that works on a business podcast may not work on your gaming show.

Ever wondered why some podcasts just suck you in while others make you want to run for the hills? Well, let’s break it down, shall we? The opening hook of your podcast can make or break your listener retention. You could have the most riveting content planned, but if your intro is as exciting as watching paint dry, good luck keeping anyone around.

We’re talking about how a killer hook can capture attention faster than a cat meme on social media. Dive into the psychology of why people stick around and learn five solid strategies to craft hooks that actually work. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about being clever. It’s about being relevant, emotional, and concise. So, grab your headphones, and let’s unravel the magical art of the podcast hook that’ll have your audience begging for more!

• A killer hook can make or break your podcast's first impression, so choose wisely!
• To keep listeners glued to your podcast, start with something that sparks curiosity and relevance.
• Your opening should promise value; otherwise, listeners might just hit the dreaded 'stop' button.
• Whether it's a shocking fact or a relatable story, your hook needs to resonate with your audience.

• Engaging Questions: Drawing listeners in by voicing their struggles or curiosities
• Personal Anecdotes: Using brief, vulnerable stories that are directly relevant
• Shocking Facts: Leveraging surprising statistics or statements (without clickbait)
• Intriguing Scenarios: Creating hypothetical situations that spark imagination
• Relatable Problems: Addressing common issues faced by the audience

School of Podcasting

Ask the Podcast Coach

Power of Podcasting Network

Podcast Review Show

Podcast Hook Example Cheat Sheet

Audience Survey: schoolofpodcasting.com/survey25

Mentioned in this episode:

Check Out Dave's Newsletter

What if I told you that most interviews are mind-numbingly boring, and you're probably doing them wrong? Today I interview Tracy Johnson, and after decades in radio and working with countless shows, he's written a book, Mic Drop Moments, that shares the secrets to transforming mediocre conversations into absolute "Didya Hear That?!" moments.

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on selecting guests that will electrify your audience, ask questions that make people lean in, and tell stories that keep listeners hanging on every word. Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, what we share will completely change how you approach interviews forever. So if you're ready to stop settling for bland, forgettable conversations and start creating audio magic, hit play right now.

1. Familiarity

- How well-known is the guest to your audience?

- A familiar guest brings built-in interest and recognition

- More famous guests typically make better interview subjects

- Provides an immediate connection for listeners

2. Relevance

- Does the guest's story or background matter to your audience?

- Must align with your podcast's theme and target listeners

- Simply being famous isn't enough if the content doesn't resonate

- The guest should provide value specific to your show's focus

3. Interest/Entertainment

- Can the guest tell a compelling story?

- Ability to be engaging, dynamic, and captivating

- Brings unique perspectives or unexpected narratives

- Makes the host look good by providing memorable content

Aim to have at least two out of three criteria met. If you lose two out of three, the interview will likely be challenging to make interesting. The ultimate goal is to leverage the guest's story to enhance your podcast's entertainment value.

1. Enhance

- Add extra details to make the story more interesting

- Go beyond the basic facts

- Ask questions like "What were you thinking at that moment?"

- Create additional context that wasn't initially present

- Make the story more vivid and engaging

2. Exaggerate

- Slightly amplify the story's impact

- Turn a small moment into a bigger narrative

- Example: A small fish becomes "the biggest catch of the season."

- Create dramatic tension without losing the core truth

- Make the story more memorable and exciting

3. Embellish

- Add creative storytelling elements

- Stage the story for maximum entertainment value

- Take a brief moment and turn it into a full narrative

- Example: A simple backstage conversation becomes an epic ping pong challenge

- Use creative license to make the story more compelling

As audiences crave authenticity, Tracy isn't saying to lie, but you can bring in adjectives that trigger the theater of the mind.

Mic Drop Moments Book

Tracy Johnson Media Website

School of Podcasting

Episode 677 The Ultimate Guide to Hosting and Guesting Podcast Interviews

Money, money, money! Yeah, I know, we’re all rolling our eyes thinking, "Ugh, not another boring finance chat!" But hold onto your wallets, because this isn’t your grandpa’s finance talk.

Our buddy Ray Edwards, a top-notch copywriter, shares a jaw-dropping story about how he made a cool million but ended up in bankruptcy—wait, what? How does that happen?

I spill the beans on my own bankruptcy saga, sharing how emotional decisions can lead us down a slippery slope. And hey, we’re not just here to mope; we’ve got Steve Stewart from the Podcast Editors Academy joining us to sprinkle in some wisdom about putting profit first. Buckle up, because we’re throwing in some sarcastic humor while we unravel the absurdity of our financial choices!

Takeaways:

• Ignoring your finances is like playing with fire while blindfolded—eventually, you'll get burned.
• Being bankrupt after making millions is the ultimate plot twist—stay alert or face the absurdity!
• Don't let emotions rule your financial decisions; logic over feelings keeps the money in your pocket.
• Track every penny if you want to keep your business afloat; otherwise, expect to sink!

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Ray Edwards
• Steve Stewart
• Podcast Editors Academy (get the free download)
• Profit First book
• Novo (get $40 off once qualified)
• Relay
• Wave Apps
• Acorns
• Sofi
• Gordon Firemark
• Ralph Estepp
• Cronometer Fitness Tracker
• School of Podcasting

Mentioned in this episode:

Question of the Month: Got a Question For the Question of the Month?

We've done this before. What would you ask if you were me? What question would you ask a group of podcasters? Be sure to say a little bit about your show and your website so we can give you a shoutout. I need you to answer by May 23rd, 20225.

Question of the Month

Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes Content

In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community

Podcasting Observations

Worry Free Podcasting

Are you ready to take your podcasting dreams to the next level? Look no further than the School of Podcasting. With over 19 years of experience, I’ve helped countless individuals plan, launch, grow, and monetize their podcasts the right way. My comprehensive courses cover everything from content...

Normally, I try to stay positive and encouraging. Maybe I still am, as I encourage you not to fall for these Podcast Tools (often based on AI) that promise great success and wealth without doing any work. Here are some of the things this company (who will remain nameless) promised:

• A chart-topping podcast in minutes
• You don't even need a microphone (think about that)
• Just let AI clone your voice, make an AI video version of you, and make six figures.
• Podcasting is expensive (it's not -you can get started for $80)
• Instant money from advertising (when big sponsors need 10-20,000 downloads per episode)
• It quotes successful podcasts that aren't using their system (and sell their own products, not advertising).

Takeaways:

• You don't monetize a podcast - you monetize an audience.
• If it were this easy, everyone would do it - and all podcasts would be the same.
• Many podcasting scams prey on the uneducated, making it sound easy to succeed.
• Building a podcast audience takes time, typically around three years, so be patient.
• Don't fall for the hype that you can create a podcast in minutes without effort.
• You can't skip the hard work of podcasting and expect to succeed; it requires consistency in schedule and consistency in quality content.

Mentioned In This Episode

Conan O'Brien Needs Some Cash

Podnews Weekly Review

Podnews Daily

Will “Verified” Downloads Ruin Podcast Advertising

School of Podcasting

Video of Fake Countdown Timer

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the School of Podcasting and Get Access to Step by Step Courses

When you join the School of Podcasting you get UNLIMITED one-on-one coaching, an awesome community and courses like: Planning Your Podcast Podcasting Gear Growing Your Podcast Podcast Monetization and many more - all for one low price.

School of Podcasting

Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes Content

In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community

Podcasting Observations

Question of the Month: Got a Question For the Question of the Month?

We've done this before. What would you ask if you were me? What question would you ask a group of podcasters? Be sure to say a little bit about your show and your website so we can give you a shoutout. I need you to answer by May 23rd, 20225.

Question of the Month

Ever find yourself staring at a blank screen, just waiting for the podcast gods to drop some divine inspiration in your lap? Yeah, me too. But don’t worry, we’re exploring the world of podcast ideas today!

I asked you, the wonderful listeners, how you come up with your brilliant episode topics, and trust me, some of the answers are pure gold. From scavenging through old notes to eavesdropping on pharmacy conferences, we’ve got tips and tricks to keep those creative juices flowing. So, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned podcaster struggling for content, jump in and let’s figure this out together—because who doesn’t love a good brainstorming session, right?

Participants

Kim Newlove

https://www.thepharmacistsvoice.com/

https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/

Dan LeFebvre

https://www.basedonatruestorypodcast.com

Justin Blackett

https://www.shipshapepodcast.co.uk/

Takeaways:

• When you're stuck for podcast ideas, sometimes it's easier to think about what not to discuss.
• Finding inspiration for episodes can come from anywhere, even from the most mundane situations.
• Engaging with your audience directly can help generate content ideas that resonate with them.
• Using tools like feed readers can streamline how you gather information and find inspiration for your show.
• Podcasts often draw content from current events, books, or personal experiences that resonate with the audience.
• The key to successful podcasting is staying curious and always looking for new perspectives and stories.

Links referenced in this episode:

• schoolofpodcasting.com
• thepharmacistsvoice.com
• perrysburgpodcast.com
• shipshapepodcast.co.uk
• basedonatruestorypodcast.com
• inoreader.com
• feedly.com
• Notejoy (affiliate link)

Data is like your podcasting superpower, folks! If you want to grow your show, you gotta get your hands on the right stats. Seriously, knowing what’s working and what’s not can save you from wasting your time. We dive into the nitty-gritty of how to collect and use data from places like Apple and Spotify to figure out your audience and their habits. Don’t worry, we’ll also have a laugh or two about how confusing all this can be, because who doesn’t love a good irony sandwich? So, buckle up, and let’s turn those numbers into something that actually helps your podcast shine!

podcastsconnect.apple.com

You can see how many Apple followers you have, and how far they are listening (and compare episodes to median and best numbers.

podcasters.spotify.com

You can see how many Spotify followers you have as well as demographic data of your audience. You can also see how far people listen. You can also see how often your show was shown, and how that lead to people listening.

podcasters.amazon.com

You can see how many people on Amazon Music are following you, how many downloads you get and how far people listen

Your Media Host

This could be Captivate, Buzzsprout, Blubrry, Transistor, Libsyn, etc (I do not recommend Spotify). Here you can see how many downloads you get per episode, and see the location of your audience.

Google Analytics

Here you can see the top pages of your website, among many other things. You can find it at analytics.google.com

YouTube

YouTube statistics are impressive and show you an insane amount of detail. The stat I look at is how far people watch. Keep in mind a video on a YouTube short is anything above zero

Audience Survey

When in doub,t ASK YOUR AUDIENCE. This is the #1 way to get direct feedback from your audience. Check out the book, "The Audience in Listening" by Tom Webster, regarding creating a survey (or use the one built into Podpage).

• Data is your podcasting superpower; it helps you know what's working and what's not.
• If you're seeking sponsors, understanding your audience demographics is absolutely essential.
• Start with the end in mind; knowing your goals helps you get the right data.
• Don't just hope for feedback; ask your audience directly with surveys for better insights.
• Using platforms like Google Analytics can reveal hidden gems about your podcast's online performance.
• Remember, marketing your podcast is as essential as creating it; be strategic about your approach.

So, let’s dive into the wild world of podcasts on YouTube, shall we? This episode is all about the big question: should your podcast even be on YouTube? Spoiler alert: I don’t have a definitive answer, but I’m armed with some juicy facts to help you figure it out. I tackle the age-old debate between audio and video, and you'll learn that while YouTube has a gigantic audience, audio podcasts have a much better chance of getting discovered. I mean, who wouldn’t want 564 listeners to hunt down their content instead of just 38 viewers? So, grab your favorite snack, kick back, and let’s get into the absurdity of the podcasting landscape—because why not?

We are talking about put video (actual video not a static image).

For this discussion, a podcast is audio (even though it can be video).

• Podcasts on YouTube? Yeah, it's a thing, but don't kid yourself into thinking it's the only way.
• The audio side of podcasting has way more potential listeners than video. Like, a LOT more.
• If you want to grow your podcast, focus on audio first—it's cheaper and has less competition.
• Joe Rogan and Mr. Beast didn't just pop up overnight; they hustled for years before their success.
• Most folks prefer to listen rather than watch, so give the people what they want—audio content!
• YouTube's algorithm can help, but if you want real connections, audio is where it's at.
• If you have the time, budget and desire - by all means BE ON YouTube!

How to Podcast Like Joe Rogan video.

Samson Q2u Microphone

Audio Tecnica ATR2100 USB Mic

Zoom Podtrac P4

Sonzy ZV-E10 II DSLR Camera

Mentioned in this episode:

Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes Content

In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community

Podcasting Observations

Question of the Month: Where Do You Get Ideas For Your Podcast?

I saw this in a Facebook Group and thought it would be a question for all of us to chime in on. "What do you use... "How do you ... ...come up with ideas for your podcast? I need your answer by 4/25/25 Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question

Question of the Month

Worry Free Podcasting

Are you ready to take your podcasting dreams to the next level? Look no further than the School of Podcasting. With over 19 years of experience, I’ve helped countless individuals plan, launch, grow, and monetize their podcasts the right way. My comprehensive courses cover everything from content creation to tackling technology, ensuring you sound professional and confident. Join our supportive community of podcasters, access weekly group coaching, and receive unlimited one-on-one consulting. Don't let fear hold you back. With my 30-day money-back guarantee, you can start your podcasting journey risk-free. Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/join and be on your way to podcast success.

School of Podcasting