The Podcast Advice Show: Make a Better Podcast

Is Podcasting Good for Your Mental Health?

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 17:41:48 GMT

If you’re an indie podcaster, when does something you love making start to feel like another job? In this mental health special in aid of CALM, Damien St John and Ant McGinley talk about the pressure to stay consistent, obsessing over podcast analytics, feeding the social media machine and knowing when it’s time to take a break. With insight from podcasting advocate and Hall of Famer Elsie Escobar, they explore what a healthier, more sustainable version of podcasting might actually look like, especially when you’re making your show alongside everything else in life.

Give £5, £10 or £20 now and help CALM in their fight against suicide: https://www.justgiving.com/page/podomedy-stay-tuned

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Making a Podcast? Start Here

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 12:00:01 GMT

Busy podcasting alongside work, family and everything else?

The Podcast Advice Show is back with practical advice, honest experience and useful conversations for independent podcasters.

Damien St John and Ant McGinley talk to podcasters like you about advice growth, audience, analytics, promotion, monetisation and workflow advice learned along the way.

Hear what’s working (and why), what isn’t and how you can make a better podcast without it taking over your life.

Give £5, £10 or £20 now and help CALM in their fight against suicide: https://www.justgiving.com/page/podomedy-stay-tuned

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AI-powered keywords

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 12:55:02 GMT

Tired of your podcast vanishing into the social media void? Discover how AI can revolutionise your keyword research and boost discoverability without the hefty price tag. Learn platform-specific strategies for TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts that actually work for indie podcasters. From trending hashtags to niche targeting, get actionable steps to make algorithms work for you, not against you. Hosted by Damien St John and Ant McGinley.

If you find this battle-tested insight is useful, why not buy us a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/podcastadviceshow

Affiliate: Bad internet ruining recordings? Riverside captures perfect audio and video, whatever your set up. Start recording with Riverside for free now at https://bit.ly/podomedy-riverside

Give £5, £10 or £20 now and help CALM in their fight against suicide: https://www.justgiving.com/page/podomedy-stay-tuned

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7 audio drama lessons from Sherlock & Co. creators

Thu, 22 May 2025 22:20:30 GMT

In this special episode recorded at the Podcast Show in London, Adam Jarrell and Joel Emery from Holy Smokes Audio discuss their journey from The Offensive to creating Sherlock & Co, the hit modern adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle's stories. They share insights on found-footage audio drama techniques, building passionate fan communities, effective Patreon strategies, and working with Goalhanger Productions.

The duo reveal how they balance writing with production, create authentic podcast-style storytelling, and develop sustainable creative partnerships in the competitive audio drama landscape. Special thanks to ⁠Spiritland Podcast Studio⁠ in London for providing the recording equipment for this episode.

Hosted by Damien St John and Ant McGinley. If you find our battle-tested insight is useful, why not buy us a coffee!

Affiliate: Bad internet ruining recordings? Riverside captures perfect audio and video, whatever your set up. Start recording with Riverside for free now at ⁠https://bit.ly/podomedy-riverside

Give £5, £10 or £20 now and help CALM in their fight against suicide: https://www.justgiving.com/page/podomedy-stay-tuned

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The impact of AI in podcasting

Wed, 21 May 2025 22:32:48 GMT

In this special episode recorded at the Podcast Show in London, Damien St John and Ant McGinley explore AI's impact on podcasting for UK creatives with Cliff Fluet of Lewis Silkin/Eleven Advisory. Topics include voice cloning, automated editing and legal concerns like copyright and deepfakes. Hit play to discover how podcast creators are blending human creativity with AI innovation. If you find our battle-tested insight is useful, why not buy us a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/podcastadviceshow

Affiliate: Bad internet ruining recordings? Riverside captures perfect audio and video, whatever your set up. Start recording with Riverside for free now at https://bit.ly/podomedy-riverside

Special thanks to Spiritland Podcast Studio in London for providing the recording equipment for this episode.

Give £5, £10 or £20 now and help CALM in their fight against suicide: https://www.justgiving.com/page/podomedy-stay-tuned

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Podcast artwork hacks

Sun, 04 May 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Award-winning podcasters Damien St John and Ant McGinley expose the make-or-break element most creators overlook: your podcast artwork. That tiny square is digital real estate making thousands of first impressions daily. While you obsess over content, potential listeners judge your show in milliseconds based on visuals alone. Is your artwork inviting new listeners or sending them scrolling?

We uncover the critical mistakes that kill discoverability, reveal what top-performing shows understand about visual psychology, and share free tools to transform your brand today. The truth? Your brilliant content means nothing if your artwork doesn't stop thumbs from scrolling.

Affiliate: Bad internet ruining recordings? Riverside captures perfect audio and video, whatever your set up. Start recording with Riverside for free now at https://bit.ly/podomedy-riverside

If our battle-tested insight is useful, why not buy us a coffee? Get started at https://buymeacoffee.com/podcastadviceshow

Give £5, £10 or £20 now and help CALM in their fight against suicide: https://www.justgiving.com/page/podomedy-stay-tuned

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How to crush your next podcast interview

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 17:26:57 GMT

Award-winning podcasters Damien St John and Ant McGinley reveal how to avoid a cringe-worthy car crash and make your next interview an all-time classic. Together with actor Craig Parkinson (Line of Duty, Two Shot podcast) and journalists Eva Krysiak (Everyone Else podcast) and Jon Weeks (Which?, Evening Standard), we explore the delicate art of drawing authenticity from guests. From pre-interview rituals that establish trust to recovery techniques when conversations hit walls.

Whether you're seeking opening strategies, hunting for revelation triggers, or navigating guarded responses, this episode unveils the counterintuitive truth: sometimes the most powerful questions aren't questions at all. Get ready to transform your interview approach forever.

Affiliate: Bad internet ruining recordings? Riverside captures perfect audio and video, whatever your set up. Start recording with Riverside for free now at https://bit.ly/podomedy-riverside

If our battle-tested insight is useful, why not buy us a coffee? Get started at https://buymeacoffee.com/podcastadviceshow

Give £5, £10 or £20 now and help CALM in their fight against suicide: https://www.justgiving.com/page/podomedy-stay-tuned

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How Headliner is changing listening times

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 22:26:47 GMT

Hosted by award-winning podcasters Damien St John and Ant McGinley, this episode dives into the world of content promotion with Oliver Wellington, Co-Founder of Headliner.

Learn how a new solution looks set to revolutionise how audiences discover and consume podcasts through snackable content - and what this means for indie podcasters looking to grow their audience. Plus the usual healthy dose of expert opinion that could level up your podcasting strategy in less 30 minutes. Try Headliner for yourself for free at https://www.headliner.app

Affiliate: Bad internet ruining recordings? Riverside captures perfect audio and video, whatever your set up. Start recording with Riverside for free now at https://bit.ly/podomedy-riverside

If our battle-tested insight is useful, why not buy us a coffee? Get started at https://buymeacoffee.com/podcastadviceshow

Give £5, £10 or £20 now and help CALM in their fight against suicide: https://www.justgiving.com/page/podomedy-stay-tuned

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The ethics of true crime podcasts

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 12:14:25 GMT

Hosted by award-winning podcasters Damien St John and Ant McGinley, this episode explores the ethical challenges facing true crime podcasters. Together with Adam Lloyd from the UK True Crime podcast, we examine when coverage becomes exploitation, whether creators should contact victims' families, how to ensure accuracy without journalism training, the ethics of monetising tragedy, and balancing engagement with dignity.

For independent podcasters navigating these moral complexities, we offer guidance on creating compelling content while maintaining ethical standards and respecting those affected by crime.

Subscribe to Adam's post for more True Crime coverage at https://www.uktruecrime.com

Affiliate: Bad internet ruining recordings? Riverside captures perfect audio and video, whatever your set up. Start recording with Riverside for free now at https://bit.ly/podomedy-riverside

If you find our battle-tested insight useful, you can buy us a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/podcastadviceshow

Give £5, £10 or £20 now and help CALM in their fight against suicide: https://www.justgiving.com/page/podomedy-stay-tuned

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The art of the podcast intro

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:13:13 GMT

Hosted by award-winning podcasters Damien St John and Ant McGinley, the Podcast Advice Show is your go-to place for the latest tips and takeaways. In this episode of we break down the essential elements of a perfect podcast introduction with Katie Paterson from The Podcast Host. Learn why your intro is critical for both new and returning listeners, discover the ideal length for maximum engagement, and explore practical techniques to make your podcast introduction stand out. From avoiding common mistakes to implementing effective sonic branding, this episode provides actionable advice for crafting introductions that hook listeners instantly. Whether you're launching your first show or refreshing an established podcast, these expert tips will help you create podcast introductions that build your audience and strengthen your brand.

Read Katie's research into podcast introductions here https://www.thepodcasthost.com/business-of-podcasting/podcast-intro-formula

If you find our battle-tested insight useful, you can buy us a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/podcastadviceshow

Affiliate: Bad internet ruining recordings? Riverside captures perfect audio and video, whatever your set up. Start recording with Riverside for free at https://podomedy.com/riverside

Stay connected with the Podcast Advice Show at getpodcastadvice.com

Do your bit to save lives with CALM - The UK suicide prevention charity. Donate 12 GBP to help fund their helpline this September. Give now: https://tiltify.com/@podomedy/fundraiser-for-stay-tuned-2025

Give £5, £10 or £20 now and help CALM in their fight against suicide: https://www.justgiving.com/page/podomedy-stay-tuned

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Should you quit your podcast?

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Hosted by award-winning podcasters Damien St John and Ant McGinley, the Podcast Advice Show is your go-to place for the latest tips and takeaways. Before you quit, discover the 5 essential questions that could transform your podcasting journey. Vic Turnbull, Founder of Mic Media, explores how to reconnect with your audience, find your unique value proposition, and create sustainable production processes. Plus, get practical tips on gathering meaningful listener feedback beyond download numbers. Learn why successful podcasters view challenges as puzzles to solve rather than signals to quit.

If you find our battle-tested insight useful, you can buy us a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/podcastadviceshow

Affiliate: Bad internet ruining recordings? Riverside captures perfect audio and video, whatever your set up. Start recording with Riverside for free at https://podomedy.com/riverside

Give £5, £10 or £20 now and help CALM in their fight against suicide: https://www.justgiving.com/page/podomedy-stay-tuned

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Podcast awards: Are they worth it?

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 22:00:20 GMT

Hosted by award-winning podcasters Damien St John and Ant McGinley, the Podcast Advice Show is your go-to place for the latest tips and takeaways. Thinking about going for a podcast award? Brilliant! But have you considered what you really want to get out of it? Your answer will not only affect your chances of winning but might also change how you approach your podcast going forward. Today, we explore why awards matter to podcasters, whether winning one actually adds value, how independent creators can justify the entry fees, and we'll share some worthwhile awards you might want to consider.

If you find our battle-tested insight useful, you can buy us a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/podcastadviceshow

Affiliate: Bad internet ruining recordings? Riverside captures perfect audio and video, whatever your set up. Start recording with Riverside for free at https://podomedy.com/riverside

Give £5, £10 or £20 now and help CALM in their fight against suicide: https://www.justgiving.com/page/podomedy-stay-tuned

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A guide to listener data privacy

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 21:54:47 GMT

Hosted by award-winning podcasters Damien St John and Ant McGinley, the Podcast Advice Show is your go-to place for the latest tips and takeaways. In this episode, we dive into what happens to your listeners' podcast data when they press play. For UK iPhone users, Apple's recent removal of Advanced Data Protection means your podcast information stored in iCloud now has less security. Together with Colin Gray, Founder at the Podcast Host and host of the PodCraft podcast, we explore how podcast apps track your listening habits, what companies do with this information, and the surprising privacy gaps in how your data is handled. And while podcasts might seem harmless, your listening choices can reveal a lot about you. Join us as we unpack the hidden world of podcast data security.

If you find our battle-tested insight useful, you can buy us a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/podcastadviceshow

Affiliate: Bad internet ruining recordings? Riverside captures perfect audio and video, whatever your set up. Start recording with Riverside for free at https://podomedy.com/riverside

Give £5, £10 or £20 now and help CALM in their fight against suicide: https://www.justgiving.com/page/podomedy-stay-tuned

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How many listeners does the average podcast get?

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 23:56:38 GMT

Hosted by award-winning podcasters Damien St John and Ant McGinley, the Podcast Advice Show is your go-to place for the latest tips and takeaways. This episode of The Podcast Advice Show tackles the reality of podcast metrics, explaining that the median podcast gets fewer than 150 downloads per episode in a 30-day period, but raw numbers aren't everything.

Our expert guest, Charles Commins from Vibrant Sound Media, offers practical tips for platform visibility and growth. If you find our battle-tested insight useful, you can buy us a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/podcastadviceshow

Affiliate: Bad internet ruining recordings? Riverside captures perfect audio and video, whatever your set up. Start recording with Riverside for free at https://podomedy.com/riverside

Give £5, £10 or £20 now and help CALM in their fight against suicide: https://www.justgiving.com/page/podomedy-stay-tuned

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Monetisation secrets: When brands actually want your show

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 22:07:46 GMT

Hosted by award-winning podcasters Damien St John and Ant McGinley, the Podcast Advice Show is your go-to place for the latest tips and takeaways. This episode, featuring Sam Sethi of TrueFans, cracks the code of podcast monetization. We debunk myths about quick riches and explore the evolving world of brand sponsorships.

Learn why engagement beats downloads, how brands demand ROI, and how to leverage authentic integrations, affiliate marketing, and platforms like Patreon. Discover how your podcast can build your brand and generate income through speaking, courses, and more, plus the importance of presentation and negotiation. If you find our battle-tested insight useful, you can buy us a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/podcastadviceshow

Affiliate: Bad internet ruining recordings? Riverside captures perfect audio and video, whatever your set up. Start recording with Riverside for free at https://podomedy.com/riverside

Give £5, £10 or £20 now and help CALM in their fight against suicide: https://www.justgiving.com/page/podomedy-stay-tuned

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Niche or die: Finding your unique podcast voice

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 21:35:57 GMT

In "Niche or Die," award-winning podcaster and presenter coach Kate Cocker reveals why niching down is essential in today's crowded podcasting world. With millions of podcasts, finding your unique voice is key.

Discover how to pinpoint your expertise, audience needs, and market opportunities to become a go-to authority and attract loyal listeners. If you find our battle-tested insight useful, you can buy us a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/podcastadviceshow

Hosted by award-winning podcasters ⁠Damien St John⁠ and ⁠Ant McGinley⁠, the Podcast Advice Show is your go-to place for the latest tips and takeaways.

Affiliate: Bad internet ruining recordings? Riverside captures perfect audio and video, whatever your set up. Start recording with Riverside for free at https://podomedy.com/riverside

Stay connected with the Podcast Advice Show at getpodcastadvice.com

Give £5, £10 or £20 now and help CALM in their fight against suicide: https://www.justgiving.com/page/podomedy-stay-tuned

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zero listeners? Here's why

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 21:55:48 GMT

Hosted by Damien St John and Ant McGinley. Tired of pouring your heart into episodes only to see minimal download numbers? You're not alone. In this episode, we reveal the real reasons why most podcasts struggle to scale - and how to make changes.

Featuring insider strategies from Jim Salveson, Director of Sport, Sport Social Podcast Network, to help you navigate today's algorithm-driven landscape. Whether you're just starting out or stuck in a growth plateau, this episode will give you actionable steps to boost your visibility and build a loyal listener base. Stay connected with the Podcast Advice Show! Visit getpodcastadvice.com.

Affiliate: Bad internet ruining recordings? Riverside captures perfect audio, whatever your set up. Start recording with Riverside for free at https://podomedy.com/riverside

Give £5, £10 or £20 now and help CALM in their fight against suicide: https://www.justgiving.com/page/podomedy-stay-tuned

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Trailer: The Podcast Advice Show

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 14:22:36 GMT

Hosted by award-winning podcasters Damien St John and Ant McGinley, the Podcast Advice Show is your go-to place for the latest tips and takeaways. Whether you're a seasoned pro hitting a plateau or just starting your journey, the Podcast Advice Show talks to industry leaders who've cracked the code to podcasting success. From mastering audio quality to growing your audience, we uncover techniques that actually work. If you find our battle-tested insight useful, you can buy us a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/podcastadviceshow

Affiliate: Bad internet ruining recordings? Riverside captures perfect audio and video, whatever your set up. Start recording with Riverside for free at https://podomedy.com/riverside

Stay connected with the Podcast Advice Show at getpodcastadvice.com

Give £5, £10 or £20 now and help CALM in their fight against suicide: https://www.justgiving.com/page/podomedy-stay-tuned

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.