July 4th was supposed to be a festive day filled with fireworks, but instead, it turned into a disaster for me.

Picture this: I’m all set to enjoy the show, but as I step out, the sky starts drizzling. Naturally, I whip out my phone to scroll through social media, because who doesn’t love seeing what everyone else is up to while ignoring the world around them?

Fast forward a few moments, and bam! My foot hits an uneven sidewalk, my phone goes flying, and I’m face-first in the concrete. My knees did not fare well. Everyone around me thinks it’s a scene from a slapstick comedy, and I’m just trying to play it cool, you know?

But here’s the kicker: this little escapade has everything to do with podcasting. Yeah, you heard me right. Looking stupid while starting a podcast? It’s practically a rite of passage. We’ll dive into how to embrace that awkwardness and turn it into something valuable. So, buckle up; it’s going to be a wild ride!

I live near Cleveland Ohio and if I go into a room of 30 adults and scream, "Here we go brownies here were go!" they will answer with RUFF RUFF! Grown adulst will bark like a dog.

Also being Ohio means you must stand and spell your state when someone plays the song Louie Louie.

My favorite is the "Chicken Dance" at weddings how this tradition of some demonic polka got started I will never know, but again everyone is willing to look stupid.

When you venture into podcasting one of two things will happen. You will have a successful show that you love doing, you'll have that story about the time you started a podcast.

I Can Help

• So, if you're thinking about starting a podcast, brace yourself, because looking stupid is basically part of the package.
• People worry too much about looking dumb on a podcast; trust me, we all do it sometimes, and it’s totally fine.
• You can learn from your own mistakes, but learning from others is even better, so listen up, folks.
• In the end, podcasting is about having fun and sharing stories, not about being perfect.
• When you finally start your podcast, remember: you might end up with a great show or a hilarious story about your failed attempts.
• If you want to avoid looking stupid, just don’t do stupid stuff, but let’s be real, we all mess up sometimes.

Links referenced in this episode:

• schoolofpodcasting.com

I've been researching the current challenges creators are facing on YouTube, particularly with demonetization issues. I share my thoughts on why YouTube, as great as it is for discovery and stats, can be risky for creators—especially those who rely on it for income.

I spotlight the story of Steven song, a talented animator who invested hundreds of thousands of dollars and over a decade into his channel, only to be demonetized without warning. You’ll hear how the lack of human customer support at YouTube is affecting creators’ mental health, and why relying solely on YouTube revenue might not be the best strategy.

I talk about the importance of diversifying your income streams and caution against tying essential expenses to unpredictable YouTube payouts. I also offer some practical advice on making your content more discoverable, like focusing on great episode titles and eye-catching thumbnails, while reminding you that YouTube’s algorithm can be both a blessing and a curse.

If you’re thinking about starting a video or audio podcast, or simply want to learn about the realities of growing on YouTube in today’s landscape, this episode gives you valuable insights and honest advice from my years in the industry.

Ready to take your podcast to the next level? Visit schoolofpodcasting.com and use the coupon code “listener” for a special deal. I look forward to helping you succeed!

The secret reasons Youtube is demonetizing channels (video)

I got demonetized it's over. (video)

We're diving into the age-old question that plagues all budding podcasters: when should I drop my episodes? I mean, it’s not like we’re all sitting around waiting for the next serial to drop, right?

So, here’s the scoop: you could play the spreadsheet game, tracking when your competition releases their episodes. Picture it: you’ve got a spreadsheet with a bunch of podcast names and dates. You notice that Wednesdays are as empty as my fridge on a Sunday night, so why not slide in and claim that day?

But let’s be real here—does it even really matter? Most of us listen to shows whenever we feel like it, not at the crack of dawn on release day. It’s not like we’re tuning in live like it’s a radio show or something.

So, consistency is key, folks. Pick a day that works for you and stick with it. If it’s Thursday, then it’s Thursday. If you want to release on Wednesday but your life screams Thursday, record a few episodes in advance. The world won’t end if you miss a ‘prime’ day. So, in the end, just do what works for you, and let your audience find you.

• So, when should you launch your podcast? Honestly, it doesn't really matter all that much.
• Consistency is key, folks. Pick a day and stick to it like glue, alright?
• Wednesdays are golden! Everyone's back in the groove and looking for fresh content.
• Check out your competition, find the gaps, and seize the day—like a podcast ninja!
• Recording episodes ahead of time is a smart move. Get that backlog going, my friend.
• In the end, do what fits your life best. Your podcast should suit you, not the other way around.

• schoolofpodcasting.com/start

Mentioned in this episode:

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