Big Podcast Playbook - Grow Your Podcast. Build Your Audience.

Big Podcast Playbook is the marketing podcast for podcasters! How to grow your podcast audience, better connect with listeners, and spread your message through podcasting with podcast marketing tips from media marketing expert David Hooper, author of Big Podcast – Grow Your Podcast Audience, Build Listener Loyalty, and Get Everybody Talking About Your Show.

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Episodes 81

More Human Podcast Recordings
22h ago · 7:05
Perfection isn't the goal. It's the real, imperfect moments that make podcasts matter, and why you should leave the flaws in your episodes in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Perfection kills the magic—embrace raw moments Your podcast's flaws make listeners obsess Leave the breath in ... AI copies the real Chasing perfect? You're missing gold on tape Record now ... your guest could die tomorrow National radio stumbles? Your mistakes build loyalty Paper rustles, dogs bark Why You Should Listen The dark secret behind why perfection is killing your podcast — and
Dolly and Your Podcast Audience
3d ago · 7:35
When a legendary figure like Dolly Parton passes, joining the conversation quickly and authentically can set your podcast apart. How to do it and why it matters in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Jump on big events for instant attention Tiny podcasters: outspeed massive media giants How SiriusXM built a Dolly Parton radio overnight Get in the media club—skip the velvet rope Use other people's content—grow wildly, effortlessly Turn raw emotion into shareable podcast gold Why You Should Listen The under-the-radar "instant reaction" hack that gives independent p
Never Let a Guest Take Control of Your Podcast
3d ago · 6:25
Find out why letting guests or their compliance departments approve your podcast edits is a no-go—and how to keep full control of your show in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Never let guests control your final edit Why compliance departments ruin your creative flow Guests demanding pre-approval? Show them the door Outsourcing trust destroys your authority How "talking points" secretly become a script The power move: produce for your audience, not your guest Jealously guard your mic—and your show's soul Why You Should Listen The cold, hard reason you must nev
Lessons From Boy Bands to Boost Your Podcast Audience
6d ago · 12:48
Struggling with flat podcast growth? David Hooper reveals why Instagram clips and guest swaps aren't moving the needle ... and the music industry secret that will ... in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode The boy band secret to podcast growth nobody uses Why Instagram and TikTok clips rarely convert listeners Most podcasters are just replaceable "pretty faces"—break out Borrowed audiences: why guest swaps won't save you Listeners want their edge ... don't expect them to share your show Harness envy: make fans want your exclusive podcast advantage Live events: tr
Don't Let Bad Guests or Publicists Sabotage Your Podcast
13d ago · 7:02
What happens when a guest tries to do a podcast interview entirely via email, and why you should always stay in control of your show in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode The guest who tried to do a podcast interview via email Publicists "spray and pray" guests—are you just content fodder? You are the gatekeeper, never cede podcast control One bad guest can ruin your show's credibility Why ditching demanding guests boosts your status Churn and burn guests? Why quality trumps quantity Publicists need you more than you need them Why You Should Listen The lazy podc
How to Handle Demanding Guests and Pushy Publicists
1mo ago · 11:11
What do you do when big name guests and their publicists try to script your show and control the narrative? Why you should stay in charge and how to handle it in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Secret scripts: when guests control your questions Are you running the show ... or is your guest? Publicists gone wild: relentless follow-ups exposed Podcast credibility destroyed by letting others script How big name guests risk your authenticity "Softball questions" ruin your listener's trust Guard your mic: publicists crave the power Why You Should Listen Why lettin
Stop Wasting Time on Difficult Podcast Guests
1mo ago · 12:14
When a publicist makes booking a guest harder than it should be, David breaks down why you should never settle for difficult guests or bad processes and how standing your ground keeps your podcast strong in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Never give guests advance interview questions—take control Publicists begging for access: who really holds the power? Beware "experts" with weak email credentials The silent killer draining your podcast booking sanity Dropping high-maintenance guests guilt-free: pure freedom Your small audience is a weapon—use it Behind ever
Real Podcast Growth From the Trenches
1mo ago · 39:54
Why shortcuts like AI might make your podcast easier but could cost you your unique voice—and why embracing the grind matters in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Seth Rogen's process obsession: embrace your craft AI shortcuts: boost output, but kill your edge Volume vs. quality: don't confuse busywork for greatness "One-man" content machine—envy or exhaustion? Unfiltered stories: only real rep counts Outwork "celebrity" podcasters with gritty interviews Make fewer things, earn deeper impact Why You Should Listen The secret all successful podcasters have and ho
Audacity 4 is Out ... Sort of: Hands-On with Cloud, Spectral Editing, and More
2mo ago · 7:17
Is paying for podcast recording software eating into your budget? Discover the latest features of Audacity 4 Beta, how it compares to pricier options, and whether it's ready for your show in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Stop wasting $360/year on software now Free, pro-level Audacity 4: disrupt the paid giants Audacity's colorful new look—envy your workflow Power move: cloud editing unlocks remote collabs Sneak VST plugins into your free setup Legendary podcasters still love "entry-level" gear Why You Should Listen A zero-dollar recording secret: why most p
Stop Wasting Time on Useless Podcast Guests
2mo ago · 16:57
What happens when publicists pitch the wrong guests for your show (and how to protect your podcast and audience from off-topic interviews) in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode How bad guests ruin your podcast's reputation Publicists will twist any guest Don't let desperate guests hijack your show Resist the urge to fill slots with "anyone" Saying yes puts you on the "sucker list" Why most "number one" books are a scam (and other guest tricks) Loyalty to your audience beats pleasing guests Why You Should Listen Why saying "yes" to bad pitches could destroy your
How to Eliminate Scheduling Confusion
3mo ago · 8:01
Time zones can make or break your remote podcast sessions, and David shares the simple broadcasting trick that keeps interviews and collaborations running flawlessly in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Beat your competition with a single time zone Avoid calendar chaos—never miss another deadline Why national networks trust Eastern time only The deadly half-hour time zone trap Unify your crew for flawless remote interviews Schedule like the President—control your clock Eliminate confusion, command your podcast workflow Why You Should Listen The "single referenc
Cheap Mic Episode
3mo ago · 6:28
David shares why you don't need expensive gear to sound pro, reveals a behind-the-scenes radio launch, and dishes out quick audio upgrade tips in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode $100 mic hacks: sound rich on a budget Presidential secrets: steal POTUS-level audio Audio cleanup tools pros don't want you using Why I ghosted this podcast (and why you might, too) Behind the curtain: launching a national radio show The daily show grind: pressure that breaks creators Make your podcast so good, sponsors beg you Why You Should Listen Why a $100 microphone can sound be
How to Turn Podcast Listeners Into Subscribers
4mo ago · 18:13
Why your podcast's "one-and-done" listeners aren't sticking around, what thumbnail tweaks and audiograms get wrong, and the real strategy for building a loyal audience in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Why most guests won't make your audience stick Is "YouTubey" clickbait ruining your growth? The brutal truth about social media conversion The 3% rule: why fans rarely follow Live events: your secret weapon for addicted listeners Are you pretending to work or actually growing? Become the authority founders trust—ditch the algorithm Why You Should Listen The un
How to Record Powerful Stories From Any Live Event
4mo ago · 25:05
When a big trucking show demanded on-the-fly pivots, David ditched dozens of quick clips for deeper interviews and story-rich moments ... How that shift brought better tape and what it means for your podcast in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Pivot like a pro ... ditch shallow, go deep Instantly build "podcast envy" with event energy Steal live event urgency for maximum exclusivity Unlock hidden stories behind the polished facades Leverage diversity (make your show sound huge) Turn fleeting moments into lasting podcast gold Get listeners lusting after untold,
Decoding the Manosphere Playbook: Podcast Lessons on Authority, Audience and Impact
5mo ago · 34:58
How the rise of manosphere creators reveals the podcast growth tactics (and traps) of new media, plus what podcasters like you can learn (and avoid) from their success in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Why clarity trumps caution in building authority Outrage sells—how the manosphere exploits resentment Steal the art of "us vs. them" community Emotional triggers: your secret growth weapon One core message, repeated relentlessly, wins trust Absolutes over nuance: power moves podcasting Parasocial power: listeners want to be you Why You Should Listen Why you sh
What to Do When Your Podcast Guest Goes Hostile
5mo ago · 33:30
Ever had a guest who shuts down or turns hostile? How to handle tough interviews, keep your cool, and still get great content for your audience in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Hostile guests: opportunity or total disaster? Rockstar interview meltdown—how to flip the script Jerry Lewis: masterclass in soul-crushing answers Turn tension with guests into listener gold Secrets of A-list rapport: homework beats fame Control the interview pace, not the guest Walk away: why ditching bad interviews wins Why You Should Listen The single biggest mistake that top pod
The Secrets to Long-Term Podcast Success
5mo ago · 21:28
What really keeps podcasters from quitting, and how you can build personal sustainability, master self-editing, manage momentum, process feedback, and adapt to an evolving audio world in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Flawless is overrated: when imperfection goes viral Self-editing: release envy-worthy episodes faster Burnout-proof systems the podcast elite use Why feedback can ruin your unique power Envy the legends? Here's their real sustainability trick Adapt or die: gluttony for latest tech exposed The one upgrade even veteran podcasters fear Why You Sho
Growth and Marketability Skills for Podcasters Who Want Real Opportunities
6mo ago · 21:45
Want your podcast to go from just a show to a platform that attracts more listeners, sponsors, and lasting impact? How clear positioning, real audience engagement, and standout marketability make it happen in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Steal clarity: why defining "not" matters more Fame offers: reject celebrity guests for loyalty Burnout-proof: why fan engagement beats virality Binge-able content: outshine forgettable podcasters instantly Never beg: how recognition turns fans to superfans Power moves: grow faster with live events Unlimited recording bree
Podcast Update, New Book Launch, and What's Next
6mo ago · 4:30
Big updates are on the way as David wraps up his upcoming book and shares the behind-the-scenes journey of perfecting the Big Podcast Launch Plan in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... That's it! No other episode notes, since the episode itself is under five minutes. You want these links ... Subscribe to Big Podcast Playbook See Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistance The Newsletter for Podcasters Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here
How to Keep Your Podcast Rolling ... Even in a Crisis
6mo ago · 26:31
What keeps the podcast machine rolling when ice storms, guest rejections, and burnout threaten your production? How to book better guests, maintain your standards, and plan for resets in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Reject generic pitches; stand out and win guests I got rejected by Seth Godin ... Why to never start interviews with "Tell me about yourself" Ditch TikTok-style guest audio Steal Hollywood's high-output secret Reset your podcast brand Don't let your audience trap you forever Why You Should Listen How to book A-list podcast guests—even if you ha
Key Production Skills Every Podcaster Needs
7mo ago · 18:44
A snowstorm threatened to derail his live show ... David breaks down exactly what production skills podcasters need to stay independent, keep their shows on track, and never miss an episode (even when things get wild) in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Build addiction: listeners willing to haul you through snow Podcasters crave loyalty, not just listeners Snowmageddon: Would your podcast survive? Control your sound, control your fate Envy-inducing: pro radio tools you can steal Quitters lose ... how to master your personal sustainability edge Editing for clar
What Makes Forgettable Podcasts Bingeable
7mo ago · 22:58
What separates a forgettable podcast from a bingeable one? David dives into the secrets of great content, writing strategies, and connecting with your audience in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Launch with 25 episodes: binge culture hack Ditch vague intros ... cold opens hook fast Segment secrets: radio's "Demo Derby" grabs sponsors Write podcast titles that earn obsessive clicks Get specific ... paint mind-pictures, win loyalty Only one call-to-action: avoid "Aesop's Donkey" paradox Speak insider language—create envy and exclusivity Why You Should Listen Wh
Core Podcasting Mic Skills
7mo ago · 27:35
Master the five essential on-mic skills every podcaster needs, from hosting and interviewing to storytelling and voice control, in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Why "one-trick podcasters" get left behind Outsmart big studios: master every podcast skill NPR advice that flops for independents Be the hired gun clients envy and chase Ignore "radio land" and make listeners feel chosen Rambling guests? Here's how to wrestle control Death, dedication, and the power of pacing Why You Should Listen Why mastering "core on-mic skills" gives you instant status and resp
Returning After a Long Break: What Happens?
8mo ago · 24:51
Can podcast awards really boost your reputation, and what happens when you return to podcasting after years away? David Hooper shares stories, listener letters, and hard-won insights in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Game podcast awards for envy-inducing credibility Micro-fame: win an award with only 50 votes Awards hype: open doors, but hollow inside Quit for years? Return with even more power Feel like a beginner again ... and win Old podcast kings return: threatened or inspired? Your fans crave glory too ... give it to them Why You Should Listen The hidde
The Truth About Podcast Awards
8mo ago · 16:27
Can paying for podcast awards actually help you grow your audience, or is your money better spent elsewhere? Why most trophies aren't worth chasing in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode The ugly truth behind paid podcast awards Trophy chasing: envy fuels empty victories Sponsors don't care about your shiny award Award-winning? Listeners don't care Judge panels: old, out of touch, easily bought Why $300 is better spent on gear, not glory Make your podcast irresistible Why You Should Listen Why "award-winning" bragging rights could mean less than you think ... and

Episodes

Reading the feed…

More Business shows

Big Podcast Playbook - Grow Your Podcast. Build Your Audience.

Episodes 81

More Human Podcast Recordings

Dolly and Your Podcast Audience

Never Let a Guest Take Control of Your Podcast

Lessons From Boy Bands to Boost Your Podcast Audience

Don't Let Bad Guests or Publicists Sabotage Your Podcast

How to Handle Demanding Guests and Pushy Publicists

Stop Wasting Time on Difficult Podcast Guests

Real Podcast Growth From the Trenches

Audacity 4 is Out ... Sort of: Hands-On with Cloud, Spectral Editing, and More

Stop Wasting Time on Useless Podcast Guests

How to Eliminate Scheduling Confusion

Cheap Mic Episode

How to Turn Podcast Listeners Into Subscribers

How to Record Powerful Stories From Any Live Event

Decoding the Manosphere Playbook: Podcast Lessons on Authority, Audience and Impact

What to Do When Your Podcast Guest Goes Hostile

The Secrets to Long-Term Podcast Success

Growth and Marketability Skills for Podcasters Who Want Real Opportunities

Podcast Update, New Book Launch, and What's Next

How to Keep Your Podcast Rolling ... Even in a Crisis

Key Production Skills Every Podcaster Needs

What Makes Forgettable Podcasts Bingeable

Core Podcasting Mic Skills

Returning After a Long Break: What Happens?

The Truth About Podcast Awards

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Episodes 81

More Human Podcast Recordings

Dolly and Your Podcast Audience

Never Let a Guest Take Control of Your Podcast

Lessons From Boy Bands to Boost Your Podcast Audience

Don't Let Bad Guests or Publicists Sabotage Your Podcast

How to Handle Demanding Guests and Pushy Publicists

Stop Wasting Time on Difficult Podcast Guests

Real Podcast Growth From the Trenches

Audacity 4 is Out ... Sort of: Hands-On with Cloud, Spectral Editing, and More

Stop Wasting Time on Useless Podcast Guests

How to Eliminate Scheduling Confusion

Cheap Mic Episode

How to Turn Podcast Listeners Into Subscribers

How to Record Powerful Stories From Any Live Event

Decoding the Manosphere Playbook: Podcast Lessons on Authority, Audience and Impact

What to Do When Your Podcast Guest Goes Hostile

The Secrets to Long-Term Podcast Success

Growth and Marketability Skills for Podcasters Who Want Real Opportunities

Podcast Update, New Book Launch, and What's Next

How to Keep Your Podcast Rolling ... Even in a Crisis

Key Production Skills Every Podcaster Needs

What Makes Forgettable Podcasts Bingeable

Core Podcasting Mic Skills

Returning After a Long Break: What Happens?

The Truth About Podcast Awards

Podcast 森辺一樹のグローバル・マーケティング〜すべてはアジアで売るために〜