Ask the Podcast Coach

Dave talks about the joys of dealing with traditional phones, and we are not quite ready to go live video with a phone call in. We field some questions from Tina about how to align your show content. It's nice to have Jim back in the co-host chair. Jim talks about how live is not great for a brand new podcaster (and mix minus is confusing). Dave agrees, we are doing live so we can talk about it from a first hand position. We are going to be talking about this on next week's show in regards to how Jim does live without a mix minus. How to Adjust Your Show Flow and Ending the Show [11:15] Tina from http://savvyhomeschoolmoms.com/ (http://savvyhomeschoolmoms.com/) asks about closing the show. If we ask for everything, does it reduce its effectiveness? You need to try to figure out the ONE thing that you REALLY want your audience to do. She puts the main topic at the end of the show. Should she move it toward the top of the show. Where do you put the "meat and potatoes" type of information? Dave has been putting the interviews up front. Television shows put the big star at the end to keep you watching. In the end, its not a bad idea to use something like surveymonkey.com (http://www.surveymonkey.com) and ask your audience. Dealing With Negative Feedback [22:00 -ish] Don't be afraid to create channels for your audience to contact you. Yes, it won't all be positive. But you get a better understanding from your feedback. How will you know if they like it? You need to be able to Gary calls in at 23:36 and states that you need to do your show the way you want, and don't worry about what people think. You're not going to be able to please everyone. You are in control of your content. Creating a Standard Show [28:00] When you come up with your show format, do you best to stay consistent. Your audience will feel comfortable when they know what to expect. Podertainment is Live [30:15] Check out the Podertinment (http://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/podertainment) magazine in the iTunes newstand Soundcloud Thoughts [32:45] LOURDES WELHAVEN is having friends who say they are getting great downloads, and she wanted our thoughts. For me, I will put a show up for a few weeks and I get single (maybe double) digit downloads. I don't think there are a lot of people looking for podcasts on the site. I know I wouldn't use their feed for iTunes. Like anything else, if you have followers over there you might get better numbers. They do have some very cool players. If you use the free version, you can upload and download a show a week (they only allow 2 hours free). One of the reason Dave likes libsyn.com is you can leave any time (get a free month at Libsyn.com using the coupon code sopfree). Mentioned on Show Mike Phillips show on Saturday http://mixlr.com/rickshouse/showreel (http://mixlr.com/rickshouse/showreel) Chirbit.com (http://Chirbit.com) is a cool player for Facebook

Today we have Kenn Blanchard sitting in the co-host chair. Kenn is the man behind the Black Man With a Gun (http://www.blackmanwithagun.com) podcast, and is the author of Black Man with a Gun (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1618080873/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1618080873&linkCode=as2&tag=blmawiagu0b-20) Reloaded. Dave has fun figuring out that spreaker.com is listening to the microphone, and not Dave's USB interface. That caused Kenn to be MIA on spreaker for a while. Optimizing for iTunes [5:31] Keep in mind that nobody really knows what works in iTunes. I know that I can type in Podcasting and my show(s) don't always show up. People will use pipes like this Podcasting name | key word | key word You can try this, but there is no real stats to show this works. It would be better to make easy to remember links using the Pretty Link Plugin (http://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/prettylink). New Mixer [10:23] I purchased a Mackie 1202 VLZ3 (http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=74276&b=50722&m=9485&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Esamedaymusic%2Ecom%2Fproduct%2D%2DMAC1202VLZ4)off of ebay for $130. I could've got it new from Same Day Music for 2 payments of $135, but went for the used version (not sure I'm happy with that, there seems to be a slight buzz). The new version is the 1202 VLZ4 (http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=74276&b=50722&m=9485&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Esamedaymusic%2Ecom%2Fproduct%2D%2DMAC1202VLZ4) In researching this, the noise is from the iPad and it seems louder when the iPad is plugged into the computer. Using Libsyn.com as Your Website [15:44] Bill from the ywampodcast.com (http://www.ywampodcast.com )(Youth with a Mission) wants to know what I think about using Libsyn as not only a media host but also a web site (for those who are on a budget). The Libsyn website portion has very little options for those who don't know code. You need to know HTML to to any editing. For me I'd rather avoid the headache and either get a Wordpress (self hosted) blog with a company like Hostgator (use the coupon code podcastcoach to save 25%) . Another (free) option is to use Tumblr.com which now can be published to directly from Libsyn.com You can get a free month at Libsyn.com using the coupon code sopfree Mike Phillips on Microphones For People in the UK  - Samson Q2U[17:30] You can find Mike at www.computer2know.com  (http://www.computer2know.com ) Mike explains that there seems to be no service for phones that is 100% reliable. He mentions that Blog Talk Radio has horrible audio, but their phone interface easy to use. Getting an ATR2100 in the UK. Mike recommend that's the Samson Q2U (http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=74276&b=50722&m=9485&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Esamedaymusic%2Ecom%2Fproduct%2D%2DSAMSAQ2U) is fairly The Heil PR40 (http://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/pr40) is a nice microphone, but its fairly expensive by the time you get the stand and all. A better microphone in that price range is the RE320 from Electro Voice (http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=74276&b=50722&m=9485&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Esamedaymusic%2Ecom%2Fproduct%2D%2DELVRE320). It has a more accurate representation of your voice, and you don't have to be up on top of it (and if you are the tones don't change). Using Same Day Music (http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=74276&b=50722&m=9485&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Esamedaymusic%2Ecom%2Fproduct%2D%2DELVRE320)you can make two payments of $150 to get this microphone. BSW has a package (http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=74276&b=121649&m=17187&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Ebswusa%2Ecom%2FDynamic%2DMicrophones%2DElectrovoice%2DRE320%2DPackage%2DP7592%2Easpx) right now for the RE320 with a shock mount and pop filter for $399 (the pop filter alone is about $70 with shipping) Shout Engine Media Hosting - No Thank You [25:30] Shoutengine.com (http://www.Shoutengine.com) is a new media hosting that: Renames your files Changes the sample rate

Today we are joined by special guest co-host Ryan Park from FoodCraftsmen.com (http://www.foodcraftsmen.com) Sharing Your Podcast (http://askthepodcastcoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/embed-links-300x91.jpg) You can choose to make your show avail...

Feedback on New Mixlr Interface [2:20] We talk about a beta version of the new Mixlr site. We use that interface at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/live (http://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/live) Live Sound Test - Autonomic [4:30] Dave plays two sound tests for Jim to hear. One uses Dave's phone, and the other uses his phone (and iPhone 5) with the headset. The headset was slightly more "trebly". Dave was playing with the Auphonic smart phone app (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/auphonic/id575204274?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l5Go). This goes through Auphoinic that can level sounds, remove hiss, and more. It is also available on the Android. It then can be programmed to upload it automatically to Libsyn.com, Blubbry.com, Amazon S3, Dropbox (FTP, etc). It's pretty cool. You can add your meta data (ID3 tags) to your file right on your phone. There is a desktop app for the mac which speeds up the process (instead of being web based). Podertainment Magazine Podertainment (http://www.podertainment.com) will be a digital magazine in the iTunes newstand featuring articles by podcasters for podcasters. Currently we are waiting for Apple to approve the app. Was It Simpler Today than it Was Three Years Ago?[15:28] Yes. With great tools like the Audio Technica 2100 (http://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/2100) its super easy to get great audio quality. Expectations have changed. You can't just put crap out there and get people to listen. There is more competition. Dave mentions how when he first started he would record as an mp3, and edit, and edit and edit and the file would sound awful. (You want to record as a WAV file or AIFF) then mix down to mp3 when all the editing is done. The mixlr issue we are having is we get some clicking in the one channel. this has to do with the griffin imic usb device. Updates From Rich and His Private Podcast [24:35] Rich was able to get icatcher (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/icatcher!-podcast-app/id414419105?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l5Go) app that allows people to login and get his private podcast that he created using sharepoint. One thing you can do when you get a very long RSS feed location is put it through a URL shortener like pretty link lite for Wordpress. Spreaker Going to Non Flash Based Interface [31:00] Spreaker.com is going to a non flash based Podcasting with Family - Working with Co-Host[32:49] Kenn Blanchard wants to podcast with his son. Needs a quick simple mixer. Check out the Behringer Mixer XENYX 802. (http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=74276&b=50722&m=9485&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Esamedaymusic%2Ecom%2Fproduct%2D%2DBEHXENTX802) It simple and would work great for taking two microphones and getting them into your computer. You would also need an RCA to 1/8" cable (http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=74276&b=50722&m=9485&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Esamedaymusic%2Ecom%2Fproduct%2D%2DHOSCMR2) Be sure to determine who owns the show, and who is doing what on the show. Dave got in a sticky situation with his wife when we wanted to bring in additional people to work on "their" show. Technically it was "Dave's show." If you want to hear that show, it's the Podcast Review Show (http://www.podcastreviewshow.com). Things to Think About with a Private Business Podcast [42;30] If you are worried about a new "ex-employee" can still access the content - they can't. When you disable their login, you disable their access. The employees were thinking it was going to be "corporate", so making it too polished may work against the employees embracing the content. Nobody likes to be "sold to." Uberconference Drops Calls Too![45:45] This is our second service we are using to have calls come in live, and this service also is dropping people. Podcast Movement [48:14] A new podcast event that is PODCAST ONLY will be held in Texas in August. For details go to www.podcastmovement.com (http://www.podcastmovement.com) Dave will be speaking there, but hasn't picked his topic. Kathy from specialmouse.com

Today on "Ask the Podcast Coach" Dave celebrates 49 years of living and hangs out with his podcasting friends. Today we are testing an new setup. Instead of connecting via skype, and doing a conference call with callinstudio.com and Jim on skype. I am connecting to Jim on a Google Hangout, and we are using Uberconference. Retraction From Last Week [6:00] Last week we talked about a great tip for using Amazon affiliates. This included using amazon.yourwebsite.com Well thanks to a listener we found out that Jeremy Barlow found that article 2G states we can't use that tactic. We apologize for everyone, both Jim and I had looked into this, and somehow this got by us. Thanks so much for Jeremy for pointing us to the right spot. We talk about getting a live call into a hangout (if possible) and we have a few people who call in using their computer, and in the end the person who used their house phone sounded the best. Here is the link to the terms. (https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/gp/associates/agreement?ie=UTF8&pf_rd_i=assoc_footer_content_newlogin&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=&pf_rd_r=&pf_rd_s=assoc-center-1&pf_rd_t=501&ref_=amb_link_359035362_10) Export to WAV on Mac Computer [39:00] You can export to an AIFF file on a mac. You can't export to a WAV on a MAC (you can on a PC).  Gear Talk Broadcast Studio Microphone Mic Suspension Boom Scissor Arm Stand with Shock Mount (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AK7SKL4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AK7SKL4&linkCode=as2&tag=sop-20) (http://www.shareasale.com/image/bsw_shareasale_logo_150x150.gif) Cool package for Heil PR40 (http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=74276&b=121649&m=17187&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Ebswusa%2Ecom%2FDynamic%2DMicrophones%2DHeil%2DSound%2DPR40%2DPackage%2DP7628%2Easpx) Heil PR2 Arm (http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=74276&b=121649&m=17187&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Ebswusa%2Ecom%2FMicrophone%2DBooms%2DHeil%2DSound%2DPL2T%2DP2565%2Easpx) 46" Boom Arm (http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=74276&b=121649&m=17187&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Ebswusa%2Ecom%2FMicrophone%2DBooms%2DOC%2DWhite%2D52900B%2DP4187%2Easpx) According the Mike and John from the chat room Gemini recorders (http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=74276&b=50722&m=9485&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Esamedaymusic%2Ecom%2Fproduct%2D%2DGMNDRP1) should be avoided. Stick with a known name like Tascam (http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=74276&b=50722&m=9485&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Esamedaymusic%2Ecom%2Fproduct%2D%2DTASSSR100)   Put Your Camera on A Boom Arm [52:00] Ryan Parker from foodcrafsmen.com (http://www.foodcraftsmen.com) uses a boom arm for his camera. He save money purchasing a desk lamp from Walmart and converting it.

Today Dave and Jim talk about helping people with special needs, and special circumstances.  Stump the Podcast Coach [3:00] Dave has a client who: 1. Doesn't have a computer 2. Wants to sounds good and not cut corners. 3. He's blind.  It's going to be a challenge but Dave is going to see if we can get him podcasting. Dave is thinking using an iPhone with Boss Jock Studio. You Need To Learn Some Tech [6:00] So many people don't podcast because they think they need to be an uber geek. While you don't have to be a geek, you do have to have some technical skills. Many you already have (uploading images to Facebook is like uploading a media file to Libsyn).  Don't be afraid of the technology. We so often panic when we see things for the first time. Take it in bite size chunks Internal Podcasts for Companies [11:25] Rich is creating a podcast and wants to use Sharepoint.  It turns our that since you would have to log in to hear it you would not be able to list this in iTunes. Having a private podcast can be a huge savings over sales meetings and such. But if its not public, it can be a challenge.  Make sure the mp3 file is exposed to the world.  What Happens When There is No Topic For Your Show? [31:02] Easy to Fix Mistakes that Podcasters make.  (http://schoolofpodcasting.com/common-podcasting-mistakes-that-are-easy-to-fix-creating-and-selling-a-book/) Tools for helping create content.  Feedly (http://www.feedly.com) Google Docs (http://docs.google.co) Google Alerts (http://alerts.google.com) Voice Memo Tool on Phone ATR2100 Microphone Prices [40:00] This microphone is going up in price due to supply and demand. Even though this microphone is still $59 its still worth it. The Samson Q2U is the same microphone. Amazon Closed My Account I use Pretty Link pro and used the "Pretty Bar" option to make a link (accidentally) and this (according to Amazon) puts the link in the iFrame. This goes against their policies.  I also found out from talking to the Amazon Associates support that you can't put affiliate links in newsletters.  Please note the tip on making a subdomain that starts with the word "amazon.yourpodcast.com" is also against their policy. (I found this out after this was recorded).  Jim is Using Chat Wing for Chats on his Live Calls Jim is happy using Chatwing.com because it works on an iPad (non flash), and people can login via twitter, facebook, or guest.     

Today Dave has a question for you. How much do you spend on your hobbies? It seems everyone wants to podcast for free. They will spend $20-$50 on a night at the movies, but when they are asked to spend $30 a MONTH to podcast they go, "I can't afford it..." You can see at the 51:49 mark Ray asks a question, Daniel gives his opinion, and then Dave can't take it anymore.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQRJTfIa-1U&feature=share&t=51m47s So how much do you spend on your hobbies? How Many People Should You Have on a Single Episode? [3:00] Tina from www.savvyhomeschoolmoms.com (about:blank) wants to know how many people we recommend being on a panel? Things to keep in mind are: 1. How long is your show? As you need to have enough time to let people contribute 2. You need a strong moderator to keep people on task, and in some cases you need to set it up so people are called on.  3. Video makes it easier as you can see people and you can do video cues. How Fast An Internet Connection Do You Need for Skype? [13:00] You can see what Skype recommends at https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA1417/how-much-bandwidth-does-skype-need (https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA1417/how-much-bandwidth-does-skype-need) Things to keep in mind when doing a Skype call: 1. Turn of any program you don't need. 2. Turn of anything that uses bandwidth (dropbox, backup programs). 3. If you're on a network, tell you family not to download during this time.  4. Allow your computer to focus on skype, and if you're using one, and whatever you are using to record skype. Google Hangouts on Air is an alternative to Skype Practice, Practice Practice [26:00] There is no rule that says you need to release your first episodes. They are typically "rough," so remember you don't have to release them.  Also when you are promoting your show be sure to have a call to action (ONE).  http://youtu.be/qV-rTdqnQOU Be very careful about using music in videos on youtube THEY WILL PULL IT DOWN. What Sample Rate? Reverb? 36:00 Dave records at 44.1 kbps at 16 bit as most everything I use is in 16 bit and why you mix different files with different bits things need converted.  Explaining Your Podcast to Non Geeks [37:00] There are some things you can use instead of "podcast." "On Demand Radio" (or video) "It's like youtube, only video.." "It's like Tivo, but its audio Find something that person understands and try to bring them from their understanding point to your point. Don't get hung up on the delivery method, and get them hooked on your content.  What Was the Last Podcast you Reviewed? [45:30] I was on the Start Talking and Recording Today show, and was asked what was the last podcast I reviewed. I couldn't remember. This is something we all ask everyone to do, and here I was and I'm not doing it myself. It doesn't cost you anything and it helps the podcaster be seen in the rankings.  You can review the Ask the Podcast Coach show by clicking here (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-podcast-coach/id767655864?mt=2)  

Today we answer the question, "Do I need a mixer?" as the likely answer is NO! Yet more and more people are starting off the year mixer shopping without asking the question, Do I need one? When Does a Podcaster Need a Mixer? 1. If you have more than one person in the room with you, you need a mixer. 2. If you are mixing in sounds while you record, you need a mixer. 3. If you are recording skype calls and you are not using an Audio Technica 2100 microphone (if you have this microphone - you don't need a mixer).  If you're looking for a mixer, here are some recommendations.  (http://astore.amazon.com/sop-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=3) When You Do Podcaters NOT Need a Mixer? 1. When you are podcasting solo. 2. When you are putting in all music and sound effects in "Post production" via Audacity, Garageband, Audition, etc. 3. When you own an Audio Technica 2100 microphone and a portable recorder, or a device that's not your computer to handle the recording. (see video) New Media Expo Reflections I was bummed that Michael Hyatt and Pat Flynn were on at the same time. I can only assume this was done to sell virtual tickets. I was bummed that the booths had very little value for a podcaster. I wouldn't know where to start in terms of "best in show." The Sessions were either really, really, really, (and by that I mean) really good. Or horrible.  The networking was awesome, and I love meeting TONS of people. It made my day.  The Show Must Go On Jim was battling a cold this week, and explained that the show must go on. He did his coaching call (with a ton of live viewers) and made it through. In some cases you just have to push through.  NOTE: Dave's Podcasting in Six Weeks Class starts THIS SATURDAY. SIGN UP NOW (http://www.howtopodcast.com)  

Today we get a caller who is trying to leave another media host (podomatic), and I explain the struggle he has in front of him. In general you are looking for the following when choosing a podcast media host: 1. Unlimited storage 2. Unlimited bandwidth 3. Stats 4. The ability to leave. This is why I recommend Libsyn.com and Blubrry.com. If you choose Libsyn.com use the coupon code " sopfree " all one word, to get a free month. Call in every week at 10:30 am for free podcast consulting. Listen at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/live  

Today Dave and Jim have fun with their phone system today as it keeps hanging up with people.  Adding Images to Your Sidebar The way you can add images to your sidebar is to start a post, upload the image, and add a link to that image. Then switch to the text view and copy the code that all your previous steps created. Delete that post, and go to appearance > Widgets > and drag a text widget to your sidebar and paste that code. There is a tutorial at the School of Podcasting (http://www.schoolofpodcasting.com) that will walk you through this entire process.  News While the show will be recorded on Saturday morning, the show will be posted on Monday nights.  Jim got a new webcam for Christmas. The C920 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006JH8T3S/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006JH8T3S&linkCode=as2&tag=sop-20) and some Cowboy Lighting (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001P7CAZ0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001P7CAZ0&linkCode=as2&tag=sop-20) for Christmas.  Keep it Simple Dave explains how he is building the Logical Losers membership site for his Logical Weight Loss Podcast, and he is not using optimizepress  (http://nanacast.com/vp/97647/219691/)on the new site and it seems to make things EASIER. Yes it doesn't have all the bells and windows, but I don't need them. Getting Live Calls Into a Google Hangout We use CallinStudio.com currently. We use a laptop to call Jim and the CallinStudio.com line at the same Skype call. I then run my microphone into a mixer. I could then send the output of the mixer into the Google Hangout. We don't see where Google Voice ties in directly to a Google hangout. Dave is investigating a Magic Jack (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0062P7ISY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0062P7ISY&linkCode=as2&tag=sop-20) option to have a phone in the studio.  In some cases you can reduce the time of your episodes so you can keep your publishing schedule.   Juggling Multiple Podcasts Have dedicated days for podcasting. While this appears as less time than 7 days a week, you come in more focused. Also if you are editing audio for other people train them to leave 10 seconds of space to make it super easy to spot and edit. You can get super focused to maximize your time.  You might consider reducing the length of your podcast as well if you get in a time crunch. If you are doing post production create a "Blank" version of your podcast with your intro and outro and any transition music and save that so that the only thing you have to add is your talking . Keeping Wordpress Safe Make sure you keep up everything up to date. Jim is using a plugin called backupwordpress plugin to backup his site. Jim is also looking into mover.io and copy.com Also make sure to NOT use the default user name of admin.  Delete any plugins you are not using. Save 25% at Host Gator (http://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/hosting) using the coupon code podcastcoach (all one word) Manage up to Five websites for free with MainWP (http://www.weeklywebtools.com/mainwp)

Today Dave and Jim answer a slew of questions from the phone line and chat room. Join us every Saturday Morning at 10:30 AM at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/live (http://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/live).  Ask the Podcast Coach is Now in iTunes If you haven't already, subscribe to Ask the Podcast coach in iTunes, please do so and never miss another episode. We are also available in Stitcher (http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=40876&refid=stpr). How Do You Isolate Tracks in Audacity While Recording? 6:00 Michael Kicking Bear Johnson of www.singlefeathermedia.com (http://www.singlefeathermedia.com) One way to do this is to use a USB mixing console like Alesis MultiMix 8 USB FX (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00404E7VK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00404E7VK&linkCode=as2&tag=sop-20)(http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=sop-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00404E7VK) which goes for about $139. Where this mixer differs from others in the lineup is in its USB 2.0 technology. This enables you to send 10 channels (8 input channels plus the 2-Track input) individually to the computer, at up to 24-bit, 96 kHz resolution. Because each channel is sent individually, you can use virtually any DAW or other music software for mixing and editing the incoming audio. Jim notes that this is the mixer he uses and it only shows one channel coming into Audacity. Potentially more complex software like Garageband, or Logic, might be able to identify the mixer channels coming from the mixer. Growing Your Audience You want to grow your audience, and one way to do this is to put your website on everything. Dustin from Www.definingmomentstv.com (http://www.definingmomentstv.com) asked about iTunes stats vs libsyn.com stats. iTunes does not furnish stats to podcasters in regards to the number of downloads or the number of subscribers. It is a directory of podcasts (think of it like a phone book). If you are using a media host like Libsyn.com or Blubrry.com when someone listens on a website, phone, tablet, your media host will track your download. It tunes (if it tracks downloads) does not share this information with the public).  One thing you can do is make it easy to play your podcast. You can find one if you have a blubrry.com account (even if you're not using them as a host). Another one is at player.podtrac.com (http://player.podtrac.com )which is what I use on my Podcast Review Show (http://www.podcastreviewshow.com) website. How Do I Know My Downloads Are People 18:20 Chris Drake from the Nocturnal Podcast (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nocturnal-podcast/id519924589) while everyone that downloads a podcast may not listen to it. In general there is no "spam" in podcasting. People are choosing to consume your podcast because they want it (and if they don't its easy to unsubscribe). The only way to see how long people are listening is through your stitcher stats. They are reporting that the average completion rate is 48%. You can sign up for stitcher, but going to stitcher.com and using the Partner Signup (http://www.stitcher.com/content-providers) link at the bottom of the page. Getting Rid of Echoes on Skype 22:20 George Jackson from www.scifisuperfriends.com (http://www.scifisuperfriends.com) asked about solutions for when your guest is hearing themselves echo back to them on a skype call. There are a few things to check 1. Make sure that everyone is wearing headphones to avoid voices bleeding into the microphone. 2. In Skype make sure that the input for the microphone is just listening to your microphone (and not the "stereo mix"). Something else you can do is get your guest on the line before the actual event. Do a precall. Jim as a checklist at http://theAverageguy.tv/guest (http://theaverageguy.tv/guest)  (32:00) In some cases Jim will actually ship them out an Audio Technica 2100 microphone (as they are plug and play on both Mac or PC) and they are only $40

Today Jim and Dave celebrate their first five star review in iTunes (http://schoolofpodcasting.com/askcoach). We answer the question, "Is podcasting worth it?" (it meaning the work it takes to create one). This is why everyone who is podcasting says to pick a topic you are passionate about as it will take some time to build that audience, and the easier it is to talk about your topic, the easier it is to create episodes. Key Point: If you're not sure what to podcast about - you're not ready to podcast. Don't waste your money on equipment. It's time to sharpen your axe before trying to cut down the tree. Should Ask The Podcast Coach have It's Own Website? Typically shows that have completely different topics are on different websites. That's why the Logical Weight Loss, Weekly Web Tools, and Marketing Musician podcast on their ow sites. With this in mind Ask the Podcast Coach could live on the School of Podcasting, but I want to be able to point people to an exact post and it sounds weird if I direct them to the School of Podcasting website. How Do You Define Worth? You need to ask what do you want from your podcast? What will make it a "success"? There are many ways to benefit from your podcast that make it worth it. For Dave the fact that he helped someone lose 100 lbs makes it worth doing the Logical Weight Loss podcast. Other Questions Answered: How do you count subscribers? You can count downloads, you can get information from Google Analytics, but the only listener stats are in Stitcher. Is there a bad side of sending out direct links to the audio or video using social media? Mike Phillips (who knows audio like nobody else) opinion on lavalier microphones and the blue yeti microphone. In general if a piece of technology is working for you then by all means keep using it. Find mic at www.computers2know.com (http://www.computers2know.com)and mixlr.com/rickshouse (http://mixlr.com/rickshouse) We also talk some podcast promotion, and releasing your podcast over time. Check out www.podcast411.com (http://www.podcast411.com) for their directory of directories. Wordpress SEO Webinar on SEO Plugin (by Yoast) webinar (http://yourwebsiteengineer.com/webinars/optimize-site-seo/) More Information Find Jim at www.theaverageguy.tv (http://www.theaverageguy.tv) Contact Dave HERE (http://schoolofpodcasting.com/contact)

In this episode of Ask The Podcast Coach Jim has some questions about Chatwing which is a free chat system that you can use if you're doing something live. I had previously used rumbletalk, but couldn't afford the 32 a month fee. Google Chrome Requires a Double Opt In for Flash If you are a regular listener to the live show you know we are always testing new technology. Last Dave couldn't even get spreaker.com to recognize his microphone. This week he seemed to be having a problem with it again. Then he saw at the top of the page ( a gray background with dark gray text) that spreaker.com wanted to access my microphone and video (even though I had just given it permission). When I click on "Approve" (for the second time) it worked. So this week we were able to broadcast on spreaker.com and mixlr.com at the same time. We prefer mixlr.com for their chat service. Whatever service we are using you can always catch us at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/live (http://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/live) Chatwing Features [8:05] Jim uses livestream for his events. Jim had been approached by Chatwing to replace his chat system. He had some questions and since I use it for my group chat (http://chatwing.com/podcastcoach), I answered some questions. Free Service Able to be used on a ipad (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G2X1VIY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00G2X1VIY&linkCode=as2&tag=sop-20)(will double check this) Can play music in the chat and video Premium versions are somewhat confusing (as you buy tokens, and then you buy premium features). Chat is hosted on their site so no bandwidth issues. There are Network you can join in the event that your website doesn't generate enough users to fill up a chat room. Media Hosting Explained I love both Libsyn.com and blubrry.com because you can have an unlimited catalog. They only limit the amount you can upload per month. If you are doing talk, count on half a megabyte per minute so an hour long podcast would be about 30 megs. If you do a weekly show you need (roughly) 120 M per month By having a back catalog you can create an "Audio Business Card" where people can connect with you and hear your expertise. Microphone Bleeding Issues [33:15] Dan is having issues with "Microphone Bleeding." Here are some tips 1. Verify this is an option. Make sure the background noise can be heard under normal circumstances 2. Make sure you and your co-host are looking in opposite directions. 3. You may invest in a portable microphone isolation booth (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G2KP10G/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00G2KP10G&linkCode=as2&tag=sop-20). 4. In some cases you can put a moving blanket (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008LXR0UQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008LXR0UQ&linkCode=as2&tag=sop-20) between you and your co-host to help isolate you Ask The Podcast Coach Now in iTunes Be sure to subscribe in iTunes and never miss another episode, and we are also on Stitcher.   (http://cloudfront.assets.stitcher.com/promo.assets/stitcher-banner-120x90.jpg)

This show is a fun way for Dave and Jim Collison to test technology and you will hear us go through getting everyone mixed in.  Dave shares some insights into the new beta version of mixlr.com and Jim talks about moving away from Feedburner (there is a tutorial on how to move away from Feedburner inside the School of Podcasting).  Join us every Saturday at 10:30 AM at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/live (http://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/live)

Today we are using a [easyazon-link asin="B003Y5D776"]Griffin Technology 7725-IUAI iMic USB Audio Interface[/easyazon-link] to connect to both Spreaker and Mixlr streaming platforms. Soundation seems like a cool intermediate tool for people to record skype calls. We talk about services that are popping up to help people edit their podcasts like Authority Engine (http://www.authorityengine.com), and PodcastFastTrack.com (http://www.PodcastFastTrack.com) Jim shares how his corporate podcast is getting some traction and he is getting great response from his audience and is getting 5 to 10 leads PER EPISODE. Join Dave and Jim every Saturdays at 10:30 am - 11:30 am at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/live (http://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/live)