Two Ear-Worthy Podcasts: In And Around Podcasting & The School Of Podcasting

Think of the podcasting industry like an assembly line. Every day, podcasts roll off the line. The line runs in three shifts -- 24/7. Some models are interview shows, others are informational, one-topic shows, still others deal in comedy or true crime. The most expensive models, not necessarily the best and most reliable, are the network-supported models where celebrities entice listeners into the audio and video showroom.

 Despite the recent focus on these elitist (not elite) podcast models, the foundation of the industry is in independent podcasts. Here, consumer choice and customer service are paramount. Want a show about the paranormal? We have a few hundred you can test drive. Want a politics show where hate, grievance, and intolerance are thankfully absent? We have shows that deal in fairness, factual purity, a sense of compromise, and tolerance.  

The continued vibrancy of independent podcasts translates into a healthy marketplace of podcasting shows that want to help these indie podcasts. These shows offer advice, guidance and step-by-step instructions on everything from sound design to content creation, and marketing to monetization.

Today, we will discuss two of those shows that aim to help podcasters achieve their goals. Keep in mind that not every podcaster wants to be a Joe Rogan (thank goodness) or Ashley Flowers (one's enough). Many podcasters have more modest and localized goals. Take, for instance, the Perrysburg Podcast by Kim Newlove. The show is intended for new and current residents of the town, which has a population of about 27,000. This is not exactly a ratings phenomenon, but it accomplishes its goal. 

First up is The School of Podcasting, which is a podcast that helps you discover the power of podcasting. Founder / host Dave Jackson says: "It helps you avoid the common mistakes that podcasters make. From planning, producing, and promoting your podcast along with all the tools and techniques. If you're looking to start a podcast or a veteran podcaster, you can catch some great insights with this free podcast."

Jackson has been involved in podcasting since 2005, and I always enjoy the OGs of the industry because they have that panoramic view of where the industry came from and where it is heading.

Jackson was involved before RSS feeds when listening to podcasts often involved downloading audio files directly from a website or specialized audio players. 

Jackson explains: "Unlike many other 'geeks' who know how to podcast, I've been a technical trainer for over 20 years. This means not only do I understand the technology, but I can explain it in a plain English “geek-speak free” environment. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Akron (Specializing in technical education). While there are other podcast consultants, I believe my experience sets me apart with regard to helping you make sense of the entire podcasting process. I not only help with the 'how,' but I also help explain the why, and make sure you avoid the common podcasting pitfalls. I have won awards at Fortune 500 companies for my customer service. In a nutshell, I care."

Listening to episodes of his show, it's obvious that Jackson cares. He can speak in technical terms, but his goal seems to be clarity and mutual understanding for his listeners.

Jackson's credentials are impressive, although I think his most significant achievement is that he cares about his listeners and students. He is the author of the book Profit From Your Podcast.

In 2018, he was inducted into the Academy of Podcasters Hall of Fame.

So what does Jackson talk about in his episodes. In a few words, anything related to podcasts. His episodes contain most eccentric titles, from Strike Up Your Podcast: Lessons from Duck Pin Bowling to Don't Get Bitten: Identifying Predatory Practices in Podcasting. 

One of my favorite recent episodes was his March 2nd show: Podcasting Gone Wrong: The Ultimate Pet Peeves List! My prayers were answered on this episode. I could just relax and listen to podcasters unspool their pet peeves that also drive me crazy. Ads that start and end in mid-sentence. Too much chitchat. Volume discrepancies between host and guest. You get the idea. It's a show that can cleanse any podcaster or podcast listener of those annoying practices that are part of podcasting.

 As a host, Jackson clearly has the benefit of years of experience. His pacing is seamless; his voice is deep and declarative; his tone is friendly and approachable. 

Check out The School of Podcasting. It is simply one of the best shows in the industry for aspirational podcasters, independent podcasters still willing to learn, and experienced podcasters who understand that leaning is a process, not a destination. When you read his testimonials on the website, you realize that Dave Jackson is the mentor for many successful podcasters. He is like the "Mr. Miyagi" of podcasting.

 In & Around Podcasting is a podcast brought to you by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown, focusing on podcasting as an industry with a spotlight on independent podcasters.

The show's strength is its two hosts, Mark Asquith and Danny Brown

  Known as "That British Podcast Guy", Mark is one of the United Kingdom's original podcasting experts. He is Managing Director & co-founder of podcast hosting, analytics & monetization platform Captivate.fm which was acquired by Global in 2021 and is known worldwide as an insightful, thought-provoking and actionable podcast industry keynote speaker. Mark's stated focus is on helping people to achieve their own podcasting goals and on improving the podcasting industry for the long-term.

In 2013, Mark started a hobby blog called Two Shots to the Head to fuel his creativity which led to his first podcast, a DC Comics podcast of the same name.

 In 2018, Mark unveiled Captivate.fm, Productivity and Podcast Success Academy to the industry, along with bringing these under the group company, Rebel Base Media. Captivate.fm is a podcast hosting and management platform that offers tools for creating, growing, and monetizing podcasts, including features like unlimited podcast hosting, advanced analytics, and podcast website creation.

Danny Brown has hosted and co-hosted (and appeared on) so many podcasts, if you called him a serial podcaster, you wouldn't be wrong! He's been in the podcasting space for over 10 years, and has the scars to prove it.

He's the Head of Podcaster Support and Experience at Captivate.fm, the podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetization platform for the serious indie podcaster. He lives in beautiful Muskoka, Ontario, Canada with his wife and two kids, where he spends winters in front of a cozy fire and summers by the lake. Well, when he finds time away from podcasting, of course...  

I know Danny, and he is truly one of the great gentlemen of podcasting. His podcast, One Minute Podcast Tips, probably offers more valuable guidance for independent podcasters in 60 seconds than other similar shows that have a runtime 30 to 60 times longer. In short, Danny knows his stuff. Danny also has a popular and unique podcast called 5 Random Questions, which just completed its second season. On the show, Danny uses a random question generator to put his guests on the spot. I was on his show and not being able to prepare and answering questions like it's an improv show, causes panic, perspiration, and prattling. Yet, Danny makes sure his guests are comfortable and supported.

As co-hosts, Mark and Danny make an excellent team, having each other's back like Liverpool's outstanding defense in the Premier League. In almost every episode I listen to, I find myself saying, "That's a great point." Then I say: "Why didn't I think of that?"

Episode topics include one of my favorite shows in January 2025 about video podcasting. Their June show --Apple, Spotify, YouTube: Are Platforms Making It Harder to Start and Grow a Podcast? -- references a March Podnews Report Card that asks podcasters to complete a scorecard on podcast platforms, and where they're doing well, and where they're doing not so well.

Across the board, all main platforms - Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music - had a lower score than last year when it came to helping listeners discover and follow a podcast. On the show, special guest co-host Genevieve Hassan helps to break down this report, and what the bigger podcast platforms need to do to when it comes to helping podcasters start and grow a podcast.

In April 2024, the episode -- Do Small Podcast Apps Really Have a Future? -- Danny, Sam Sethi (host/producer of Podnews Weekly Review), and Garry Aylott discuss the current state of podcasting apps and the recent closures of several apps. They explore the challenges faced by podcasting apps in terms of monetization and discoverability, and question whether this means some podcast apps have a future.

As the industry consolidates and grows more vertical, opportunities for independent podcasters narrow and indie shows morph into "long-shot bets" for success, or even sustainability.

Here's a quote from Podnews: "In & Around Podcasting has been designed to respect and live alongside those shows and to be an accessible, inclusive podcast for every single podcaster; a show that allows everyone with an interest in the medium to have a fair, open and transparent view on the podcasting industry and how it affects them - this is your place to be heard." Podnews then spills some essential truths about podcasting: "The podcasting industry belongs to us all, not just the elite, and it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in the industry, your voice is valuable."

 These two shows --  The School of Podcasting and In & Around Podcasting complement each other like fish and chips or chicken fingers with honey mustard sauce.  The School of Podcasting can help podcasters build their show and get it running at optimum efficiency. In & Around Podcasting can help podcasters understand what route to follow and where the road leads.