YouTube is stepping up with its most powerful features yet, offering podcasters collaboration tools, flexible ads, auto dubbing, and smarter testing options. In this episode, we also look at Apple’s new podcast features, Vimeo’s acquisition by Bending Spoons, and the impact of Amazon teaming up with SiriusXM. Riverside’s latest marketing guide sparks debate on strategy versus burnout, while the role of SEO comes into question yet again. With TikTok facing big changes in the U.S., creators are reminded that the only constant is the fight for visibility.

Episode Highlights:

[03:49] Podcast Data and Trends

[05:17] Top Podcasts on Apple and Spotify

[11:06] Webby Awards and Other Events

[15:00] Apple Podcasts iOS 26 Updates

[21:33] Riverside's Podcast Marketing Guide

[25:04] YouTube's Major Creator Upgrades

[29:47] Discussing Collaborations on YouTube

[30:58] Gary V's Investment in Social Media

[38:56] TikTok's Future in the US

[49:44] Podcast Authority Score

Links & Resources:

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Get Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:

www.empoweredpodcasting.com

Podnews:www.podnews.net

30th Annual Webby Awards:

https://podnews.net/class-click/3046/2025-09-12

The Power of Collectives:

https://podnews.net/event/the-power-of-collectives-exploring-the-benefits-of-community-and-collaboration

Meet & MatchUp Event Use Promo Code PMC

https://bit.ly/3KoOTjU

The Future of YouTube:

https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/colin-samir-favorites-made-on-youtube

PodEngine:

https://www.podengine.ai/podcast-authority-score?u=515146796&ch=P9n56gyX

Stempede Social:

https://www.stampede.social

StanStore:

www.stanstore.com

Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.

Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠

Or Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d

Live on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠

Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠

Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!

--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠

Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here:

⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

Is copying in podcasting a cardinal sin or a necessary step towards finding your unique voice? Today, we’re plunging into the murky waters of inspiration vs. imitation. We explore how new podcasters can learn from established shows without becoming carbon copies, and when 'borrowing' ideas crosses the line. Featuring a thought-provoking clip from Matt Bliss's 'Rethinking Podcasting,' we dissect what makes content truly original in a medium where 'there's nothing new under the sun.' We challenge the notion of prescriptive advice and discuss how pushing through the discomfort of learning leads to authentic creativity. Regardless of your experience with podcasting, this conversation will make you rethink how you approach your craft. Ultimately, we find that the path to podcasting success isn't about avoiding all influence, but about transforming those influences into something uniquely you.

Episode Highlights:

[02:19] Upcoming Empowered Podcasting Conference

[09:07] Amanda Yoa's Magazine Feature

[13:08] Discussion on Copycat Culture in Podcasting

[34:28] Incorporating Best Practices from Other Podcasters

[40:44] The Continuous Process of Growth and Learning

[42:27] The Value of Sharing Knowledge and Free Advice

[44:01] The Uniqueness of Personal Delivery in Podcasting

[53:04] Exploring New Questions and Strategies for Engagement

Links & Resources:

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Get Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:

www.empoweredpodcasting.com

Rethinking Podcasting with Matthew Bliss:

https://open.spotify.com/show/39Vd4K2xuzj85EP1FqVWrE

FAIK:

https://bit.ly/4gKw9b3

Amanda Yoa’s Feature in Philly Current:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOopWq6Ek4E/?igsh=MW9tdzc1c2h5NHoxag==

Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.

Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠

Or Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d

Live on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠

Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠

Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!

--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠

Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here:

⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠

Why did you start your podcast? Was it for money, passion, or both? Today, we play a TikTok clip from the Okay Sister Pod that lays out three honest tips for launching a show. Their takes sparked a lively debate. Some agreed that podcasting shouldn’t begin with money as the goal, while others argued that it is possible to earn if you approach it with a clear plan and treat it like a business. We also discuss the reality of low early downloads, why consistency matters more than a weekly schedule, and how to reframe your analytics. To close out the week, we keep our Friday tradition alive by sharing and celebrating wins from our community.

Episode Highlights:

[03:21] TikTok Clip: Okay Sister Pod Launch Tips

[06:00] Don’t Do It for the Money Debate

[09:00] Business Plans, Sponsorships, and Monetization

[13:00] Why Podcasting Is Harder Than It Looks

[26:00] Slow Growth and Managing Expectations

[36:00] Consistency and Communication

[41:00] Friday Wins

Links & Resources:

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Get Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:

www.empoweredpodcasting.com

Clip From Okay Sister Pod:

www.tiktok.com/@okaysisterpod/video/7362940797903310122

It’s Amanda Yoa:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-amanda-yoa/id1646444562

ReThinking Podcasting by Matt Bliss:

https://rethinkingpodcasting.com/episode/alive-internet-theory-and-actually-seeing-your-listeners

Late Bloomer Living by Yvonne Marchese:

https://www.latebloomerliving.com/

Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.

Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠

Or Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481d

Live on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠

Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠