Okay, so are you ready to talk about the future
of podcasting?
We're going deep on this one, a real deep dive
into where this whole industry is going.
We've got your notes, some really interesting perspectives
from the industry.
Get ready to explore because it's way bigger
than just microphones and apps.
Yeah, it's pretty amazing to see how podcasting went
from this like niche thing to something everyone
in their grandma seems to be listening to.
It really feels like we're at this point
where technology, creativity, and this whole idea
of community are all smashing together.
Yeah.
And it's really changing how we listen to and watch stuff,
how we experience information and entertainment,
I think in some really big ways.
It's like we're in the middle of this huge shift
and it's only getting more interesting, you know?
Absolutely.
I mean, remember back in the day, podcasts were like
this really scrappy DIY kind of thing.
Oh yeah, absolutely.
The early 2000s, it was basically the Wild West
of podcasting.
Yeah.
And then all you needed was a microphone and a prayer.
And maybe some soundproofing.
And soundproofing, right.
If your neighbor was like a heavy metal drummer
or something, but as more people started listening,
the expectations, they kind of changed.
Yeah, it's not enough to just have a good microphone anymore.
Not at all.
These days, you, me, everyone listening,
we all want some level of polish.
You know, it's about the whole package,
how well it's produced, how the story's told,
even just the sound design.
Think about it.
You wouldn't watch a movie with terrible audio.
Right.
Podcasts are kind of getting to be the same way.
So just having a great idea, that's not enough anymore,
is it?
You really need to bring it to life
with like this extra level of quality
and, you know, just make it really good.
It's true.
But wouldn't that also mean that there are even more
opportunities now for something truly great
to really rise to the top?
Exactly.
It is a double-edged sword.
Yeah.
The bar is higher.
But that also means there's more incentive
to make something really, really great.
Yeah.
The cream always rises.
Right.
And we can't forget how much technology has changed the game.
The tools that podcasters have available to them now
are incredible.
I mean, AI-powered editing.
It's wide open.
Creating a studio quality sound from your couch,
it's mind-blowing.
It really is.
And I think that's been one of the biggest game changers,
you know?
Yeah.
Imagine being able to edit out background noise,
or even adjust your audio levels with one click.
Yeah.
That's the kind of power that AI is bringing to podcasting.
And it's making it so much easier for people
to get that really professional sound.
Right.
And I think what that really means
is that now independent creators have more power than ever
to make amazing things.
It's like the playing field is being leveled.
Anyone with a good idea and the drive to learn
can potentially create something amazing.
You listening right now, you could
be recording a podcast episode from your couch
that sounds like a million bucks.
But it's not just about the recording side of things,
is it?
No.
Platforms like Spotify are making some pretty big moves
in the podcasting world.
Huge.
What kind of impact are you seeing that having
on the industry as a whole?
Oh, it's a seismic shift for the entire industry.
Spotify putting this much energy into podcasts,
especially like scooping up all these exclusive shows
and building all these new features,
it's really making everybody rethink how they do things.
Yeah.
It's shaking things up.
So does this mean that eventually we'll all
be listening to podcasts only on Spotify?
Like what happens to all the other platforms?
Yeah.
Feels like there are more questions than answers.
Yeah, it's the million dollar question.
It's really hard to say how it's all
going to play out in the long run.
But one thing's for sure, it's definitely
going to be interesting.
It's like the Wild West is suddenly
getting a whole lot more interesting.
Exactly.
OK.
So we've got this incredible technology that's
changing, these big players entering the arena.
But there's another piece of this puzzle, right?
The listeners.
100%.
What's the deal with listeners these days?
I think people are realizing that they want more than just
something to listen to.
They want to be part of the conversation.
They want to connect with the creators and with other listeners.
And I think that's where the power of community comes in,
which is bigger than ever.
It's like your favorite podcast isn't just a show anymore.
It's like a key to this whole community
that you can be a part of.
Exactly.
Podcasts are like building these really, really engaged
communities around what they're creating.
Yeah.
Facebook groups, live Q&As, all of it.
And it all kind of taps into that human need for belonging
and shared experience, which even in this digital world,
is a really powerful thing.
Oh, it really is.
Powerful.
And that feeling of connection, even if it's online,
kind of ties into this other trend
we've been seeing with podcasts becoming more and more niche.
Yeah.
It's like every interest has its own little corner
of the podcasting world now, right?
Totally.
It's crazy how much variety there is out there.
No matter how specific or how unusual you
think your interests are, chances are there's a podcast
out there that's perfect for you.
Oh, absolutely.
It's true.
I was just listening to this podcast the other day
about, get this, the history of office supplies.
I mean, who knew?
Staplers could be so fascinating.
Right.
And that's the beauty of it.
It's not about chasing the biggest audience anymore.
It's about finding your tribe, finding those people who get
just as excited about that obscure trivia as you do.
Totally. It makes you realize how much power there really
is in those niche interests.
And it's not just the listeners who benefit, right?
Like it's changing the game for podcasters, too,
especially when it comes to making money.
Oh, yeah.
That's such a good point.
This whole thing, this focus on authenticity and niche
communities, it's like completely changing the game
when it comes to how podcasts even generate revenue.
And for creators, especially finding your niche,
it can really be the key to building an actual income,
a real career.
So let's talk about the money, because you really
can make a living from podcasting now, which just seemed
crazy a few years ago.
It really did.
It's not a pipe dream anymore.
We're seeing it more and more.
Podcasters building legitimate careers
through sponsorships, through listener support,
premium content, all sorts of really creative avenues.
Yeah.
And platforms like Patreon have been really interesting to follow.
It's like this virtual tip jar where fans can just directly
support the creators that they love.
So instead of crossing your fingers
and hoping that some big company is going to sponsor your show,
you can actually build a connection
with the people who really value what you create.
And I think that's one of the really cool things
about this whole shift towards these more creator-funded models.
It really creates this sense of partnership
between creators and their audience.
Like both sides feel valued, and they're both invested
in seeing the show succeed.
Yeah.
It's like building your own little media empire,
one passionate listener at a time.
OK.
But let's be real.
It's not always easy, is it?
Like with so many podcasts out there,
trying to get yours heard, trying to make it stand out,
it can feel like you're shouting into the void.
Oh, 100%.
It's true.
The podcasting world is definitely
getting more and more crowded, which means being
able to stand out, it's more important than ever.
So what's the secret?
Like how do you break through all that noise?
I think it comes down to authenticity, right?
Like that's your secret weapon.
Oh, OK.
In this world, it's just saturated with content.
Yeah.
You know?
It's your unique voice, your perspective, your take on things.
That's what's really going to connect with people authentically.
Yeah.
Don't try to be everything to everyone.
Right.
Just focus on what makes you and your podcast special,
and what you're truly passionate about.
I love that.
So it's not about being the loudest voice.
It's about being the realest you.
Exactly.
And don't get caught in that trap of comparing yourself
to everybody else.
Yeah.
Focus on making something that you're excited about that's
exceptional quality and the right people, they'll find you.
It might take time, but it's about the journey.
You got that right.
Speaking of the journey, we've talked about the technology.
We talked about the content, the community aspect.
But what about the bumps along the road?
What are some of the biggest challenges
that you're seeing podcasters face today?
I mean, discoverability is a huge one.
With literally millions of podcasts out there,
it can be so hard to cut through the noise
and really connect with listeners.
And it's not enough to just create amazing content.
You have to be strategic about it.
You have to get it out there in front of the right people.
Yeah.
It's almost like you have to be your own marketing team
on top of everything else.
100%.
That's a really good way to put it.
And then there's the ever-present challenge
of monetization.
Even though, like we were saying,
there are more opportunities than ever
to actually make money from podcasting,
it's still a tough business.
It takes a lot of work, a lot of dedication.
And let's be honest, a little bit of luck
doesn't hurt to be able to make it sustainable.
And then on top of all of that, we
can't forget about how quickly the landscape itself
is changing constantly all the time.
New platforms are popping up, new tools, new trends
to keep up with.
It's a lot.
It's sure, yeah.
For sure, this industry really doesn't slow down much, does it?
But I think that's also part of what makes it so exciting.
It's like this constantly moving landscape.
And it feels like there are always
new opportunities popping up.
That is a great way to put it.
There's never a dull moment, that's for sure.
So we've talked about some of the challenges,
but what about the flip side?
What are you personally most looking forward to when
you think about the future of podcasting?
That's a great question.
I think for me, I'm really interested to see
how this whole idea of niche communities evolves.
How deep can that connection between people making
the podcast and the people listening really go?
And I think we're just starting to figure that out.
I think we're just scratching the surface.
It seems like there's so much potential there.
There really is.
I think we're going to see more interactive things,
like formats and stuff, maybe more live events,
even more ways for people to actually participate
in the podcasts that they're listening to.
Wow, yeah.
Not just passively listening anymore.
Exactly, exactly.
Really making it a two-way street.
Like taking that whole community aspect
to a whole other level, that's exciting.
Yeah, and then of course, I'm always
excited to see what happens on the tech side of things too.
Oh, for sure.
How are all these new advancements
going to change how we make podcasts
and how we experience audio?
It feels like there's still so much potential waiting
to be unlocked.
From things like AI-powered editing to immersive sound
design, it does feel like we're right
on the edge of this revolution in how we even
use audio to tell stories and share ideas.
Wow, this whole conversation has been incredibly eye-opening.
It really, really does feel like the future of podcasting
is just wide open.
There's so much potential.
It really does feel that way.
And I think at the end of the day,
what it always comes down to is that basic human need
to connect with each other.
It's about being real.
Like we were talking about before, finding your people.
It's about the power of actually hearing
another person's voice.
It's powerful.
It can move you.
It can inspire you.
That human connection is at the heart of it all.
Absolutely.
Well, you've given us all a lot to think about.
So for everyone listening, what's
resonating with you most in this whole big world of audio?
What kind of podcast would you make?
What kind of community would you want to be a part of?
I want to hear from you.