How a Travel Podcast Survived Covid with Mark Bologna

Mark has been working on his podcast Beyond Bourbon St for years. He had 14 thousand of people in his Facebook Group. He had just gone over 1 million downloads and secure a publisher for a book on New Orleans.

And then a pandemic stopped everything. Today you will hear how Mark pivoted without losing his audience, and how he lost 90% of his sponsors without losing his mind. 

Sponsor: Focusrite Interfaces

• Focusrite has been at the forefront of audio technology since 1985
• Focusrite interfaces are great for all content creators
• Scarlett is the world’s best-selling range of audio interfaces with over 4.5 million sold to date
• Easy to use
• Great sound quality
• More info can be found at: www.focusrite.com/podcasters   

Everything Was Going Good Until it Wasn't

As many of his partners relied on tourists, when there are no tourists, the result is no partners (or at least 90% less). 

In this discussion, you will hear 

• How Did Mark Survive Covid
• How Mark Came Up With His Prices
• How Does Mark Find Partners?
• Secrets of a Good Community
• 1 Million Downloads
• How He Got a Book Deal
• Podcast Growth Insights
• Why Do We Struggle to Promote?
• Keeping Your Sanity

Check out Mark at beyondbourbonst.com and check out his book Beyond Bourbon St.: An Insider's Guide to New Orleans on Amazon (aff).

New Podcast Launched From a School of Podcasting Member

The tools and concepts of Quality are powerful instruments to make things better--products, processes, and services. This podcast explores those ideas plus concepts of psychology, social and cultural norms, strategy, and business to strengthen the capability of professionals motivated to make things better--the Quality Warriors.

wayofthequalitywarrior.com

Join the School of Podcasting

When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about:

Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want).

Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing)

It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks). 

I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving). 

Get access to:
Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one-on-one quick-fix calls as you like at no extra charge. 
Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee 

Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/workwithme

Download This Episode!

It's Not the Format - It's the Connection with Vincent Pugliese

I've known  Vincent a few years and we always bump into each other at podcast events. Scott Johnson had mentioned his episode "Doing It Wrong Right From The Start." So I looked into it, and I loved that Incent was having success and by some standards "breaking the rules" of podcasting. That sounded interesting, and that was just the start.

Sponsor: Focusrite Interfaces

• Focusrite has been at the forefront of audio technology since 1985
• Focusrite interfaces are great for all content creators
• Scarlett is the world’s best-selling range of audio interfaces with over 4.5 million sold to date
• Easy to use
• Great sound quality
• More info can be found at: www.focusrite.com/podcasters   

The Wealth of Connection

The Wealth of Connection is now one of my favorite books. It's filled with lessons and stories which leads to an entertaining read that leaves you thinking. 

Ignoring Standard Practices: Vincent Pugliese

Check out Vincent Pugliese's at totallifefreedom.com

Vincent did a TON of DAILY podcasts and released them to a private group before doing any podcasts for the general public. 

He has no intro or outro music. 

His only branding is his website which is also the name of his podcast Total Life Freedom. 

Vincent is doing what I always advise my clients to do. Focus on the reception - not the broadcast. 

He uses the "notes" app on his phone (again, it doesn't need to be fancy).

He focused on serving his audience, not on monetization.

He tried doing seasons and it just about wiped him out. So he focused on creating a podcast that works FOR HIM. It makes no sense to do a podcast that drains you to the point you don't want to do it. 

Vincent is always looking for the next challenge, and if it doesn't work, you take what you've learned and use it on the next challenge.

When you start something, your launch timeframe is not 5 months. It's 5 YEARS, and for the next five years, you spend time moving that project forward.

VIncent also shares hits thoughts on impostor syndrome.

Check out Vincent at totallifefreedom.com and his book on Amazon and Audible (aff link)

Because of My Podcast: Kamuela Kaneshiro

Because of my podcast, I was able to improve my writing effectively monetize my podcast through books, inspire podcast listeners to embrace their heritage and not be embarrassed for who they are, and bring broken families together

Check out his show at http://www.LegendsFromThePacific.com

Question of the Month

Want some free exposure for your podcast? Go to
Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question
Check out the question and share your thoughts and insights. I assemble these for the last episode of the month. 

Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question

Where I Will Be:

May 26-29 :Podfest Multimedia Expo   Orlando, Fl.
July 19-20: How to Make Real Money Podcasting Online
Oct 20-22 Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop Dayton, Oh

For the most up to date itinerary, go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/where

Mentioned In This Episode

Join the School of Podcasting

Vincent in the Paradise City VIdeo (do not blink, this link takes you to the 2:04)

 

Download This Episode!

Defining Boring

I always say that an episode should make you laugh, cry, think, groan, educate, or entertain. If it doesn't - t's boring. Is this too harsh?

SPONSOR: PodcastBranding.co
If you need podcast artwork, logos, or a full website (or a branding audit) reach out to Mark at podcastbranding.co not only is Mark an award-winning graphic artist, he is also a podcaster.  He has made the artwork for my last few shows. 

Mugshot: Based On a True Story Podcast
Ever watch a movie that is based on a true story and wonder how much of the movie is true, Go to basedonatrustorypodcast.com and listen as they compare holly wood to history.

MVP: Dog Podcast Network
In a dog eat dog world . . . we’ve got you covered. Dog Podcast Network (DPN) is your premiere source for unique content related to our love of dogs. Check out dogpodcastnetwork.com

Mentioned In This Episode

Become an AWESOME SUPPORTER

The Wealth of Connection: A New Approach to Making Business Personal

Find Your Red Thread: Make Your Big Ideas Irresistible

Rodecaster Pro I

Bizchix.com

Balancing the Christian Life episode 100

Dan Miller Mastermind Course

Get Feedback on Your Podcast

School of Podcasting Use the Coupon Code "coach"

TOPICS

00:01:22 Sponsor:podcastbranding.co
00:02:34 Mugshot:basedonatruestorypodcast.com
00:03:19 The Wealth of Connection
00:06:02 Is My Boring Criteria Too Harsh?
00:14:36 Mastermind
00:21:04 Getting Feedback From Dave
00:21:41 Rodecaster Pro II Leaked
00:32:17 Awesome Supporters
00:33:33 If We are Safe Are We Boring?
00:38:36 Why Don't We Curse?
00:49:17 Do you create a new podcast or add it to the current one?
00:54:22 Podcast Trailer Show Trailer
00:55:15 Bad Trailer Habits
01:01:44 How Long Do You Give a Podcast To Find It's Legs?
01:07:41 Jim is battling an Internet issue today
01:09:49 Apple News
01:14:58 Podping? and Podcasting 2.0 Value
01:22:30 Paula Joins
01:25:13 Quick Review of Website

Every week Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting and Jim Collison from the Average Guy Network answer your podcast questions.
This episode 392 is part of the Power of Podcasting Network

Download the Episode!

Danny Peña: Keep it Fun and Master Your Craft

Danny Peña is one of my favorite guests. We started his story on episode 506, got an update on episode 633 and now he has a ton of "Because of My Podcast" stories for episode 827.

Danny is an award-winning, 2015 Podcaster Hall of Fame inductee and one of the hosts of Gamertag Radio. He is also the Game Editorial Lead at G4.

Gamertag Radio (GTR) is an independent online gaming website dedicated to the gaming community that was founded in 2005, and intended to help to unite all gamers. Over the past few years, GTR has grown from a small website to one of the largest and most respected gaming information sites on the Internet. Every week GTR records and distributes new episodic content recapping the news of the past week, including discussions about what is happening in the online gaming community along with interviews and a weekly custom soundtrack highlighting up & coming Hip Hop artists.

Sponsor: Focusrite Interfaces

• Focusrite has been at the forefront of audio technology since 1985
• Focusrite interfaces are great for all content creators
• Scarlett is the world’s best-selling range of audio interfaces with over 4.5 million sold to date
• Easy to use
• Great sound quality
• More info can be found at: www.focusrite.com/podcasters   

In This Episode You Will Hear

How Danny continues to take advantage of opportunities, which then lead to more opportunities.

How Danny ended up on a billboard in Time's Square

How he got to interview Keanu Reeves

How his persistence lead to scoring a large guest (Reggie Fils-Aime).

His conversational interviews based on his curiosity lead to six news outlets promoting his interview.

Reggie insisted Danny interview him at a large event as part of the opening keynote. 

Danny once had access to a new Microsoft product MONTHS before anyone else. Instead of enjoying the new item, he allowed one of his listeners to enjoy it and the video went viral.

Join the School of Podcasting

When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about:

Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want).

Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing)

It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks). 

I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving). 

Get access to:
Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one-on-one quick fix calls as you like at no extra charge. 

Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee 

Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start

Where I Will Be:

May 26-29 :Podfest Multimedia Expo   Orlando, Fl.
July 19-20: How to Make Real Money Podcasting Online
Oct 20-22 Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop Dayton, Oh

For the most up to date itinerary, go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/where

Podcast Launch Checklist

You want to start a podcast, but you're not sure where to start. This free checklist outlines which step to take first and why.

www.schoolofpodcasting.com/checklist

Mentioned In This Episode

Building a Better Dave - recreational Outrage

Download This Episode!

Podcast Launch Discussion

James Rose and Kim Krajci are both launching new shows and want Dave and Jim's opinions. We also talk with Ross from Live Stream Universe about having multiple shows in one feed.

SPONSOR: PodcastBranding.co
If you need podcast artwork, logos, or a full website (or a branding audit) reach out to Mark at podcastbranding.co not only is Mark an award-winning graphic artist, he is also a podcaster.  He has made the artwork for my last few shows. 

Mugshot: Based On a True Story Podcast
Ever watch a movie that is based on a true story and wonder how much of the movie is true, Go to basedonatrustorypodcast.com and listen as they compare holly wood to history.

MVP: Dog Podcast Network
In a dog eat dog world . . . we’ve got you covered. Dog Podcast Network (DPN) is your premiere source for unique content related to our love of dogs. Check out dogpodcastnetwork.com

Become an Awesome Supporter

www.askthepodcastcoach.com/support

Mentioned In This Episode

School of Podcasting

Trypodpage.com

learnpodpage.com

Book: The Wealth of Connection: A New Approach to Making Business Personal

Music Radio Creative

Media Voice Overs

Writing Again

Podcast Launch Checklist

TOPICS

Sponsor:podcastbranding.co
Mugshot:basedonatruestorypodcast.com
Thanks to livestreamuniverse.com
Launching a New Show
Overthinking?
Going Back to School
Interview Tips
Do I Need An Audio Branding Sound?
Domains and Podpage
Teachers Pet: dogpodcastnetwork.com
Repurposing Articles
Panel Interviews with Narrative Delivery
Should I have all of my shows in One Feed?
What's Coming Up?

Download the Episode!

9 Tips to Make Your Podcast Binge Worthy

We all want to grow our audience. We want to become their favorite show so they just want more. In some cases, you may actually be someone's favorite podcast and they would listen to another episode except you've made it hard to binge. So today we look at nine tips to help your show be Bingeworthy.

Sponsor: Focusrite Interfaces Make You Sound Amazing

• Focusrite has been at the forefront of audio technology since 1985
• Focusrite interfaces are great for all content creators
• Scarlett is the world’s best-selling range of audio interfaces with over 4.5 million sold to date
• Easy to use
• Great sound quality
• More info can be found at: www.focusrite.com/podcasters   

 

Making Your Podcast Binge-Worthy

Something to think about:
What are you offering your audience that they should spend their time-consuming? Not just one but several episodes. That statement is a little scary.

1. It has to be GOOD, actually very good.

2. Create click-attracting titles. I use a tool called Headline Studio

3. Get your audience asking, What Happens Next??

4. Give them multiple points of insight.

5. Make it EASY to Binge (by making it easy to subscribe/follow). See this plugin

6. Add an element of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO).

7. Get Your Best Content In Front of Your Audience

8. Teasing Your Audience 

9. Have a Show that Walks Through a Process

Make your content relevant. Be YOURSELF. 

Free Zoom Reduces Amount of Time

Check out Squadcast(my favorite). If you must use something free there is zencastr and cleanfeed. You can just upgrade your zoom account ($15)

Join the School of Podcasting

When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about:

 

Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want).

 

Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing)

 

It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks). 

 

I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving). 

 

Get access to:

Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one-on-one quick fix calls as you like at no extra charge. 

Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Use THIS LINK to get a discount

 

Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start

Mentioned In This Episode

Siskel and Ebert

Howard Stern Private Parts

Link Whisperer Plugin

Podcast Branding.co

Jordan Harbinger Start Page

Libsyn.com Media Hosting (use the coupon code sopfree to get up to 2 months free)

The Messengers Podcast

The movie "The Messengers: A Podcast Story"

Presonus Revelator Dynamic microphone

Why Free Media Hosts Don't Work on YouTube

Download This Episode!

Does Listening at 2X Indicate That Show is Bad?

Today we have many interesting discussions ranging from Spotify's video offering, does listening to a podcast at a faster signal the podcast is boring? We see a new software meant for TV writers but could easily be used for podcasters, and Dave has a new microphone coming. 

SPONSOR: PodcastBranding.co
If you need podcast artwork, logos, or a full website (or a branding audit) reach out to Mark at podcastbranding.co not only is Mark an award-winning graphic artist, he is also a podcaster.  He has made the artwork for my last few shows. 

Mugshot: Based On a True Story Podcast
Ever watch a movie that is based on a true story and wonder how much of the movie is true, Go to basedonatrustorypodcast.com and listen as they compare holly wood to history.

MVP: Dog Podcast Network
In a dog eat dog world . . . we’ve got you covered. Dog Podcast Network (DPN) is your premiere source for unique content related to our love of dogs. Check out dogpodcastnetwork.com

Join the School of Podcasting

Join the School of Podcasting
When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about:
 
Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want).
 
Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing)
 
It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks). 
 
I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving). 
 
Get access to:
Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one-on-one quick fix calls as you like at no extra charge. 
Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee 
 
Save 20% with the coupon code " coach ".
 
Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start 

Mentioned In This Episode

Profit From Your Podcast Book

Zoom Podtrak P4

Samson Q2U

Writers Room Pro

00:01:13 Sponsor: Podcastbranding.co
00:02:25 Mugshot: basedonatruestorypodcast.com
00:04:11 Spotify Video?
00:10:43 Can't Get listed In Directory
00:14:36 Writers Room Pro Software
00:17:43 Embracing Different Opinions
00:21:18 Sharing Download Numbers
00:27:51 Robot Readers
00:35:51 Tom Webster Joins Speeding Up Podcasts
00:44:21 As Always Tom Makes Dave Think
00:49:15 Chartable Details
00:55:58 Replacing a File the Correct Way
01:00:19 Awesome Supporters
01:02:07 Facebook Has Pulled Out of Podcasting
01:07:32 Dating the Hot Crazy Person
01:10:05 Recording 2 Different USB Microphones
01:13:22 New Presonus Microphone
01:15:24 Magents On Your Desk
01:16:26 Pick Cherries
01:17:39 Captain Curmudgeon
01:19:46 Jims Clipping Story
01:21:50 Popular Episodes
01:25:04 Private Shows
01:26:34 Wrap Up

Every week Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting and Jim Collison from the Average Guy Network answer your podcast questions.
This episode 390 is part of the Power of Podcasting Network

Download the Episode!

Opportunities Wait on the Other Side of Your Fears

I met Connie at an event two years ago. I see her at a conference two years later and ask if she has any "Because of my podcast ____" stories. She not only has one, she has quite a few (TV, Radio, and more). So listen to what can happen when you find someone who can help you avoid the common podcasting mistakes. 

Connect With Connie at

conniealbers.com

Connie's book, "Parenting Beyond the Rules: Raising Teens with Confidence and Joy."

Connie's Podcast, "Equipped To Be."

SPONSOR

Focusrite Interfaces

• Focusrite has been at the forefront of audio technology since 1985
• Focusrite interfaces are great for all content creators
• Scarlett is the world’s best-selling range of audio interfaces with over 4.5 million sold to date
• Easy to use
• Great sound quality
• More info can be found at: www.focusrite.com/podcasters   

Mentioned In This Episode

Live Well and Flourish Podcast

ATR2100 Microphone

Rodecaster Pro

Neweer Ring Light

Start Ugly Book

Nervous about podcasting? Check out Podcast Baby Steps (free course)

Nervous about Podcast Gear check out this free webinar (no email address needed)

Trypodpage.com (a great way to make a podcast site). You can learn podpage for free at www.learnpodpage.com

Libsyn.com media hosting (use the coupon code sopfree) 

#Question of the Month
Want some free exposure for your podcast? Go to
Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question
Check out the question and share your thoughts and insights. I assemble these for the last episode of the month. 

Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question

Where I Will Be:
Podfest Multimedia Expo  May 26-29 Orlando
How to Make Real Money Podcasting Online July 19-20
For the most up to date list see www.schoolofpodcasting.com/where

Join the School of Podcasting

Join the School of Podcasting
When you join the School of Podcasting you can quit worrying about:

Are people going to listen to me? (Yes, cause I'll show you how to see what they want).

Am I going to sound stupid? (No, as I'll show you the magic of editing)

It will cost a million dollars (No, I'll have you sounding like a million bucks without spending a million bucks). 

I don't anything about this technology (You said the same thing about driving). 

Get access to:
Step-by-step tutorials, live group coaching, a mastermind group filled with brilliant podcasting minds,  and the ability to schedule as many one on one quick fix calls as you like at no extra charge. 
Join worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee 

Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/start

Download This Episode!