PodMov Daily: Wednesday, July 22

Episode 247: Your Midweek Update

Announcing Podcast Movement Virtual: The World's Largest Virtual Podcasting Event

Since 2014, Podcast Movement has brought together thousands of you from around the world each summer to celebrate all things podcasting. In light of this year’s new circumstances, we announce that Podcast Movement 2020 in Dallas is officially canceled. However, when one door closes, another opens.

Podcast Movement Virtual will be the world's largest ever virtual podcasting event. Over two weeks, October 19 through 29, we’ll be bringing you over 100 live breakout sessions, panel discussions, and keynotes. After hard work and tough decisions, we’re so excited to launch a safe option for the community we love. 

You'll be able to choose from three different live session stages throughout, and we’ll be hosting events specifically designed for our international attendees. Check out more details here. Need more good news? Podcast Movement 2021 is set for August 3-6 in Nashville, Tennessee. Cheers, y’all!

Wednesday Guest Feature: James Rose on Starting Your Podcast Strong

Today’s guest article from James J. Rose covers the big picture of podcasting for beginners. Rose currently hosts and produces two shows, Who Kicked the Corner Flag?! and The Bros and Blokes Lifestyle Academy. “Of course I’m always keen to be on this journey,” he says, “but boy has it tripped me up a few times along the way.”

Since 2017, Rose has created over 130 episodes. What does he wish he’d have known going in? From networking to keeping equipment costs realistic, he shares important questions to consider off the bat. Namely, “Will your show’s premise last at least 100 episodes?” Tough love is one of the best gifts a new creator can give their ideas. 

“Expect the unexpected. Guests may cancel at the last minute. Background noise may interrupt your best interview,” Rose writes. “But continue on, knowing that every episode you make contributes to getting your message out there. The love of the craft should drive you to create more, learn more and build on what you have.”

Earn and Learn with Supercast’s Paid to Podcast Competition

Adding a paid membership to your podcast is simply the easiest way to unlock sustainable, recurring revenue. Supercast’s Paid to Podcast Competition is awarding over $100,000 in cash and prizes to prove it. 

Running through December 31, it’s a race to generate the highest Monthly Recurring Revenue with Supercast’s subscription-based model. Each participant receives a package valued at over $500, including discount codes, months of free hosting, and a chance at an investment offer from Tiny Capital.

With regular AMAs from experts like Jessica Cordova Kramer and Matty Staudt, Paid to Podcast is more than a challenge. It’s an opportunity to learn from world-class mentors, connect more deeply with listeners and build your own sustainable podcast business.

Curious about the Grand Prize? (Hint: It starts with $40,000 in cash and lunch with Pat Flynn in San Diego.) Register by October 31 to get started.

Here's what else is going on:

• Sight unseen: Spotify now supports video podcasts, setting it up to compete with YouTube. Ashley Carman of The Verge explains that creators “can promote Spotify as a place to not only download or stream their show but also to watch it, giving the platform a leg up.”

• On target: Podcasting has finished strong in the first half of 2020, says Max Willens of Digiday. “Over the past two months, podcast downloads have returned to their pre-COVID levels,” and advertisers are “more focused than ever on justifiable investments.”

• Good question: How (and when) can publishers and freelancers tell when it’s safe to record in person again? Caroline Crampton of Hot Pod speaks with professionals from the BBC, AIR, Talkhouse, and others about a sanitized, masked “tiptoe” into a new normal.

• No contest: The Independent's Isobel Lewis writes that as star-powered podcasts become more ubiquitous, emerging voices shouldn't shy away. “Celebrities may wield a lot of power, but the platform has always been about the people who make, edit and listen.”