What happens when you go from feeling like an outsider to being named Community Hero? We’re reflecting on last week’s Podfest 2026 in Orlando, Florida. After five years of walking through those doors, unsure of where I fit, receiving an unexpected award caught me completely off guard. But this isn’t just my story. It’s about what happens when podcasters show up for each other. Many of us from the Empowered Podcasting community were there, sharing the moments that mattered most and why Podfest continues to feel like a family reunion even for first-timers. Whether you attended or followed along from afar, this conversation brings you right into the room with us. Maybe it’s time you showed up and let the community meet you where you are.

Episode Highlights:

[02:08] PodFest recap begins

[03:42] Memorable moments and awards

[08:01] Networking and community building

[10:31] Full-circle moments and collaborations

[13:22] Challenges and overcoming obstacles

[17:35] Surprising moments and early reflections

[28:16] Navigating PodFest with practical tips and experiences

[31:26] Reflections from a podcasting veteran

[38:58] Advice for first-time conference attendees

[43:31] Areas for improvement and constructive feedback

Links & Resources:

The Podcasting Morning Chat:

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Empowered Podcasting Conference Course with Recordings:

https://ironickmedia.com/courses/epc2025/

Empowered Podcasting Conference 3: Use discount code ‘Podfest26’ to get your ticket for under $200:

https://empoweredpodcasting.com

Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=header

Podfest:

https://podfestexpo.com

Anika Jackson:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anikajackson

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

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

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

Most podcasters don’t quit because they fail; they quit because they stop recognizing their progress. Today, we take a closer look at what real wins actually look like when you’re in the work week after week. While our lead host, Marc, is at PodFest, Ralph Estep takes the wheel and guides us through a poignant discussion on recognizing wins beyond the numbers and not taking your accomplishments for granted. We share heartfelt examples of progress that are easy to overlook: showing up on a hard day, helping one listener, or simply staying consistent when motivation dips. Momentum isn’t always loud; in fact, it can be quiet. Redefining progress is one of the best ways to avoid burnout and stay in the podcasting game.Sometimes, staying in it is the win.

To honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day, there will be no show on Monday, January 19th. Join us on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026, for more conversations on podcasting.

Episode Highlights:

[03:18] Recognizing wins we often overlook

[16:55] Self-talk and breaking negative habits

[23:16] Overcoming self-sabotage

[24:59] Why motivation and knowledge both matter

[27:20] Making a positive impact on others

[36:41] Sharing personal wins from the community

[41:55] Repeating intentional wins and releasing what drains you

[42:40] Consistency, mindset, and sustainable momentum

Links & Resources:

The Podcasting Morning Chat:

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Empowered Podcasting Conference Course with Recordings:

https://ironickmedia.com/courses/epc2025/

Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=header

Podfest:

https://podfestexpo.com

What to Say When You Talk To Yourself:

https://a.co/d/dNFxaQU

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

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

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

Have you ever received feedback on your podcast that just didn’t sit right, but you couldn’t tell if it was something to fix or something to ignore? While our fearless leader, Marc, is at Podfest, co-host Ralph Estep steps in to guide a thoughtful conversation about feedback and how podcasters can take it in without getting defensive or second-guessing everything they’re building. This episode centers on one key idea: not everyone gets a vote in your podcast. We explore how feedback often shows up messy, or wrapped in someone else’s opinion, and why that doesn’t mean it all carries the same weight. We talk about how to ask for better feedback, how to separate useful information from personal reaction, and how to test small changes without blowing up your entire show. If you care deeply about your work and want to grow without spiraling, this conversation offers clarity, perspective, and reassurance. You’re not alone in figuring this out. And it’s worth asking: who does get a vote in your show?

Episode Highlights:

[02:44] Personal experiences with feedback

[06:00] Handling negative feedback

[16:15] Asking effective feedback questions

[23:20] Deciding who gets a vote in your show

[27:16] Soliciting feedback from your audience

[29:03] Building relationships with guests

[31:45] Why pre-interviews lead to stronger podcasts

[33:15] Leveraging peer groups for growth

[39:10] Investing in podcast SEO

[44:55] Measuring podcast success

Links & Resources:

The Podcasting Morning Chat:

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Empowered Podcasting Conference Course with Recordings:

https://ironickmedia.com/courses/epc2025/

Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=header

Podfest:

https://podfestexpo.com

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

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

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

Walking into your first podcast conference can feel exciting and overwhelming all at once, especially with Podfest right around the corner. You’re scanning the schedule, wondering who to talk to, what sessions to attend, and whether you’re really “ready” to be there. Today, we’re talking openly about what it’s like to show up to a conference, how to navigate the rooms, conversations, and social energy mentally. We’re sharing our real experiences along with thoughtful guidance on setting intentions, managing overwhelm, and finding your footing without trying to do everything at once. Whether this is your very first Podfest or just your next one, this episode helps you walk in ready. We will see you there!

Jonathan Howard takes the wheel and leads us for a close look at another obsession-worthy podcast, Diary of a CEO. Why do some interviews stay with you long after they end? What makes a conversation feel human instead of rehearsed? And what happens when a host stops chasing the right question and starts listening for what’s being said? Using a powerful episode featuring Simon Sinek, we revisit how trust, presence, and active listening create interviews that feel unforgettable. We unpack why great conversations aren’t built from clever prompts, but from curiosity, and the courage to follow the moment. This episode is for podcasters and interviewers who rely on question lists and feel something’s missing. You may find yourself noticing where you rush, where you steer, and where deeper moments are waiting if you slow down. You’re not alone in figuring this out. We’re learning it together.

Episode Highlights:

[01:45] What makes Diary of a CEO special

[03:34] Intimacy and vulnerability

[06:44] Steven Bartlett’s interview style

[15:12] Balancing exploration and focus in interviews

[26:33] Asking the right questions

[29:57] Leadership and loneliness

[32:18] Strength found in truth

[40:43] Serving your audience with intention

Links & Resources:

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Empowered Podcasting Conference Course with Recordings:

https://ironickmedia.com/courses/epc2025/

Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=header

Podfest:

https://podfestexpo.com

Diary of A CEO: How to Deal with Loneliness:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=D46zvJI-njU

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

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

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

If your podcast workflow feels messy, layered, or harder than it used to be, this episode is for you. Today’s conversation was fueled by a Facebook post by producer, Ashley, and a feeling many podcasters quietly recognize: production workflows can become intensive, tools multiply, and suddenly your process feels like it’s slowing you down instead of helping you move forward. We talk openly about how workflows evolve as podcasters gain experience, and why friction doesn’t mean failure! Often, it's graduation that leads to progress. To wrap up the week, we share weekly wins and celebrate successes throughout our community.

Episode Highlights:

[02:03] Upcoming events and personal reflections

[02:50] Empowered Podcasting Conference on demand

[04:05] Diving into production workflows

[09:34] Choosing the right tools for your workflow

[11:35] Having a workflow system

[22:46] Exploring all-in-one solutions

[27:49] Transitioning to new tools

[47:09] Celebrating wins from the week

Links & Resources:

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Empowered Podcasting Conference Course with Recordings:

https://ironickmedia.com/courses/epc2025/

Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=header

Greg Edits Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PK1NmZ40RXM

PodGlue:

https://app.podglue.com

Jim Polito Show:

https://wtag.iheart.com/featured/the-jim-polito-show

MTown Forever:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3D4qqDyiYXo

Podfest:

https://podfestexpo.com

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