We’re diving into the challenges podcasters face when it comes to understanding their audience beyond the flashy year-end summaries. While platforms like Spotify and Goodreads showcase a neat wrap-up of the year, we know that for creators, it often leaves us feeling frustrated because it only shows a fraction of the full picture.

That’s why we’re rolling out a six-step approach to help you create a comprehensive feedback document that digs deeper into your analytics. We’ll cover everything from establishing core numbers to identifying your best episodes and leveraging audience patterns to craft a solid plan for 2026.

By the end, you’ll have a clear strategy that goes beyond the surface and gets to the heart of what your audience really wants.

Takeaways:

• Every December, the Internet is flooded with wrapped summaries highlighting our past year.
• As creators, we often feel frustrated with how limited data from Spotify and others can be.
• It's essential to analyze not just total downloads, but also listener engagement on various platforms.
• Understanding geographic data can reveal unexpected opportunities for connecting with new audiences.

Products Used for Be a Better Podcaster

Note: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link.

Equipment:

• Google NotebookLM
• Hindenburg Pro
• Auphonic

Recommended resources:

• Captivate.fm
• Substack
• Boomcaster remote interviewing

Be a Better Podcaster is a tips and growth podcast brought to you by Jamie and Jaayne. These are AI hosts - their voices are auto-generated, reading content created by Danny Brown, host of One Minute Podcast Tips and 5 Random Questions.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favourite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, as well as their preferred podcast app, or online at Be a Better Podcaster.

We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of annual audits for content creators, especially as we head toward 2026. It's all about swapping that guesswork and gut feeling for cold, hard data.

We’ll outline a simple, structured process to help you review your 2025 goals and see what worked and what didn’t—because let’s face it, without this clarity, you're just flying blind into the new year. You’ll learn how to document your achievements and challenges, turning those insights into actionable plans.

By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped to not just reflect but to build a sustainable strategy for your content journey ahead.

Takeaways:

• As content creators, we often feel the pressure to coast into the holidays, but planning for the new year should happen now.
• An annual audit is crucial for leveraging past performance data, especially when setting goals for 2026.
• It's essential to document not just the numbers, but also the habits and energy levels that contributed to those results.
• Identifying gaps between your goals and actual performance helps you make better strategic adjustments going forward.

Products Used for Be a Better Podcaster

Note: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link.

Equipment:

• Google NotebookLM
• Hindenburg Pro
• Auphonic

Recommended resources:

• Captivate.fm
• Substack
• Boomcaster remote interviewing

Be a Better Podcaster is a tips and growth podcast brought to you by Jamie and Jaayne. These are AI hosts - their voices are auto-generated, reading content created by Danny Brown, host of One Minute Podcast Tips and 5 Random Questions.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favourite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, as well as their preferred podcast app, or online at Be a Better Podcaster.

Camping - the perfect escape from life, into a moment of solitude. The calming, cathartic sound of rain and a breeze on your tent, as you listen from inside.