Feeling pulled in a million “shoulds”? In this refreshingly real conversation, PR & marketing pro Melanie Whittaker (joining us from Spain) talks about ditching comparison, showing up as your full self, and building an audience that actually cares. We unpack why personality beats polish, how to choose platforms you genuinely enjoy (hello, Threads), turning episodes into shareable soundbites, and keeping your message crystal-clear across your site and socials so listeners know exactly how to work with you. We also get into compounding visibility, asking guests and your community to share, and giving yourself permission to promote your own offers on your own show. If you’ve been stuck in your head or second-guessing your strategy, this one’s your nudge to take up space and keep going.

Website: https://www.youareyourmarketing.com

If you’ve ever wondered how to get more people listening to your podcast without dancing for the algorithm, this episode is for you. Steph sits down with Michelle Pippin, a business strategist who’s been featured on Good Morning America Weekend and Forbes.com, to talk about three old-school methods of growing your podcast audience that still work better than most modern tactics.

Michelle shares her behind-the-scenes experience from the media world helping women entrepreneurs land features, get noticed, and build what she calls “bank-building media” instead of “ego-building media.” From finding visibility in forgotten places to remembering that conversations create cash, this is a refreshingly real episode that will help you rethink how you grow your show.

Download Michelle’s free “Get Featured Guide” and “Forgotten Channels Directory” at:
https://www.michellepippin.com/featured

Connect with Michelle and learn more about her work:
https://www.bmichellepippin.com/

In this episode of Pod Savvy Guide, Steph shares a deep dive into the latest major updates with Riverside.fm from publishing videos directly to YouTube, to using Google’s VO3-powered AI B-roll generation, to the upgraded Co-Creator editing tool that trims clips, adds titles and transitions automatically, and syncs layouts across scenes. Whether you’re a solo podcaster or managing multiple shows, these features are designed to streamline your workflow, reduce edit time, and keep you focused on creating great content rather than chasing downloads and uploads.

Riverside.fm – http://www.riverside.fm

In this episode of Pod Savvy Guide, Steph walks you step-by-step through how to add audio messages to your podcast the perfect way to let your listeners share stories, questions, or advice right from your website or social media.

Steph tests out a free tool called Telbee, showing how easy it is to set up your own voice inbox and start collecting one-minute listener recordings you can feature in future episodes.

Steph also shares creative ways to use this feature from listener shoutouts to themed story submissions and encourages you to keep experimenting with new tools that help your audience feel seen and heard.

Telbee: http://www.telbee.io

It’s the 100th day of my 100 podcasts in 100 days challenge, and this marks the 100th episode of Pod Savvy Guide. In this milestone episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what it really took to get here. Last fall, I finished with 60 episodes in 100 days and thought that was a huge accomplishment. This time, I made it all the way to 100.

I share the five biggest lessons I learned from this challenge: why you should never leave episodes sitting on the back burner, how to book guests quickly even without a traditional social media presence, how to keep podcasting from taking over your life, the confidence that comes from sticking to big goals, and why focusing on one priority is better than trying to juggle everything at once.

I also give a sneak peek at my next 100-day challenge: creating 10 podcasting courses in 100 days, including Pod Five, a program that teaches you how to record five solo episodes in just five days.

If you have ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure if you can commit to a big goal, this episode will show you what is possible when you stay consistent, simplify the process, and keep showing up.

In this episode of Pod Savvy Guide, Steph dives into the wild rise of Inception Point AI, a startup aiming to flood the podcasting world with over 5,000 AI-generated shows and 3,000 episodes a week. These programs don’t just use AI tools they feature fully artificial hosts, voices, and scripts designed to mimic real personalities. Some call it the future of podcasting, while others call it spam. Steph explores what this means for creators, listeners, and the industry as a whole asking the big question: is podcasting about content, or connection?

YouTube just dropped its biggest updates yet, blending AI tools with powerful live streaming features and podcasters should pay attention. From automatic highlight reels and dual-format streaming to AI editing, brainstorming assistants, and even likeness detection, these changes are designed to save time, boost engagement, and keep creators on-platform. In this episode of Pod Savvy Guide, Steph breaks down what’s new, why YouTube is making these moves, and how podcasters can experiment with these tools while staying true to their authentic voice.

Amazon just dropped a surprise move Travis and Jason Kelce’s New Heights podcast is now streaming on Prime Video. But here’s the twist: Prime Video doesn’t even have a “podcast” category. Instead, they’ve quietly added New Heights, Mind the Game with LeBron James, and Baby, This Is Kiki with Keke Palmer all hosted directly on the platform.

In this episode, Steph breaks down what this means for the future of podcasting on streaming services, why keeping listeners on-platform is so valuable, and what DIY podcasters can learn from these big-name moves. Even if you’re not landing on Prime Video anytime soon, these shifts prove one thing: podcasting is becoming an essential skill for businesses and creators everywhere.

Tune in for a fun breakdown of the latest trend and a reminder that your audience needs your voice whether it’s on Spotify, YouTube, or your own corner of the internet.

Hulu and Disney+ are officially in the podcasting game and they’re doing it with style. From Dancing with the Stars to Only Murders in the Building, streaming platforms are rolling out companion podcasts that feel like a backstage pass. Fans get exclusive interviews with cast members, crew, and even eliminated contestants the very same night episodes air.

In this episode of Pod Savvy Guide, Steph dives into why companion podcasts are becoming the new “rewatch trend,” how mobile studios are changing behind-the-scenes content, and why even DIY podcasters should pay attention. With upcoming companion pods tied to Paradise, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, this is just the beginning of a streaming shift that blends TV with podcasting like never before.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to keep creating this is it. Podcasting is here to stay, and your audience needs your voice.

If you're hesitating to start your podcast, this episode is for you. Join Steph as she chats with Suzanne Preston from 'Keeping It Real with Suzanne' about her journey from hesitation to launching her own podcast. Discover how Suzanne overcame imposter syndrome, embraced her passion for storytelling, and found confidence in sharing her voice. This episode is packed with insights on investing in yourself, the power of community, and the transformative experience of podcasting. Tune in for inspiration and practical advice on taking that first step towards your own creative journey. Don't wait any longer start your podcast today and share your unique voice with the world!Listen to Suzanne's Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BCB61JyzC3Qw31DfN2Imt?si=ec91fb4aeedf47c9

Are you wanting to get booked on a bunch of podcasts? Well, your Pod Savvy Guide, Steph, is here to guide you through the process! In this episode, learn how to set up a compelling guest profile on PodMatch, a tool designed to connect you with podcast hosts eager to feature your voice. Discover the steps to showcase your expertise, amplify your message, and get booked on more shows without the hassle of editing. Whether you're a seasoned host or new to the podcasting scene, this episode offers valuable insights to expand your reach and share your story with a wider audience. Tune in and take the next step in your podcasting journey!PodMatch: https://podmatch.com/

Ever felt the pressure of keeping your podcast schedule full? Steph your Pod Savvy Guide is here to tackle one of the toughest challenges in podcasting booking guests. Discover how PodMatch, an innovative tool, can revolutionize your guest booking process by connecting you with the perfect guests for your show. Whether you're looking to expand your network or streamline your workflow, this episode offers valuable insights into leveraging PodMatch to enhance your podcasting experience. Don't let the challenge of booking guests hold you back your audience is waiting for your voice and stories!Sign Up for PodMatch: https://podmatch.com/

Join Steph, your pod savvy guide, as she introduces her newly revamped course, "Pod Five," designed to help aspiring podcasters create five solo episodes in just five days. Discover how this course breaks down the podcasting process into manageable, bite-sized chunks, removing the guesswork and making it accessible for everyone, especially women looking to dive into the DIY podcasting world. With a focus on building confidence and embracing creativity, Steph shares her passion for empowering others to share their stories and experiences. Tune in to learn more about this exciting opportunity and how you can become part of the podcasters club

For podcasters who have already released 25 or more episodes, keeping the excitement alive can be a challenge. Join Steph as she reveals how to reignite your passion by inviting guests who push your boundaries and bring fresh perspectives. Learn the benefits of involving family and friends to add personal touches and new dynamics to your episodes. Embrace creativity by experimenting with innovative formats like live podcasts or webinars, ensuring your content stays vibrant and engaging. This series is packed with insights to help seasoned podcasters breathe new life into their shows and keep the thrill of podcasting alive.

In this episode of Pod Savvy Guide, I do a quick drive-home case study on Amy Poehler’s podcast Good Hang, which launched in March and quickly climbed into the top 10 charts. What makes it so compelling is Amy’s ability to highlight her guests with humor and curiosity rather than keeping the spotlight on herself. She opens each episode with questions submitted by friends, family, or superfans of her guests, creating a fresh and personal way to kick things off. The production is seamless yet playful, complete with quirky set design and a catchy theme song, and her conversations strike a balance between lighthearted fun and meaningful moments. For DIY podcasters, the takeaway is clear: you don’t need celebrity status to learn from Amy’s approach—inviting audience participation, staying curious, and letting your personality shine are strategies that can elevate any show.

Netflix is stepping into podcasting in a big way Kill Tony: Mayhem at Madison Square Garden, a recorded live podcast filmed at Madison Square Garden.

In this short drive-home voice memo, I share my unfiltered reaction after pressing play on the special. The setup was huge: a live band, stage effects, “ring girls” with signs it wasn’t your typical podcast set. The format? Audition-style mixed with comedy. People get one minute on stage, the crowd cheers or boos, and pros from a second bucket step in when someone flops to keep the energy high.

Watching it was brutal at times harsh crowd reactions but what’s exciting is what this means for where podcasts are headed. If Netflix is investing in live podcast content, that’s a hint of what the future might look like for creators big and small.

So whether you’re thinking about doing a live show, filming your podcast, or turning moments into clips for social media, there are ideas here you can use even with a small setup.

Kill Tony: Mayhem at Madison Square Garden on Netflixhttp://www.netflix.com/title/82014056

Description: In this episode of PodSavvy Guide, Steph shares a deeply personal story about a financial mistake that taught her invaluable life lessons. From co-signing a car lease to navigating the aftermath, Steph opens up about the challenges and growth that came from this experience. Tune in to hear about the importance of caution, the power of forgiveness, and the silver linings found in life's toughest moments.

In this inspiring episode of "Pod is Savvy Guide," Steph delves into the personal motivations that keep her moving forward, even on the toughest days. Discover how envisioning her future self fuels her drive, and learn about the simple joys that bring her happiness, from comedy to running. Steph shares her journey of self-discovery, the power of setting goals, and the importance of being true to oneself. Tune in for a heartfelt exploration of what it means to be inspired and motivated in everyday life.

In this episode, Steph, your pod-savvy guide, dives into the transformative power of modern technology in podcasting. Discover how tools like Riverside FM have simplified the process, making podcasting more accessible than ever. From seamless editing to AI-driven features, learn how these advancements can save you time and money, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: connecting with your audience. Whether you're a solopreneur or a seasoned professional, this episode will inspire you to embrace the ease of podcasting today.

In this episode of Pod Savvy, Steph dives into the origins of the podcast, sharing the pivotal moment in Alaska that sparked the idea. She discusses the audience she envisions, the challenges podcasters face, and her mission to empower women in podcasting. Steph also shares her future goals, including a 30-day ad challenge and aspirations to reach the top 1% of podcasters.