PodMov Daily: Monday, April 11

Episode 622: Your Monday Mix

Now Open: A Podcast Promo Swap Database

“It is my life mission to get more podcasts swapping promos and working together in creative ways,” says Lauren Passell (Podcast the Newsletter, Podcast Marketing Magic). On Friday, the Tink Media founder opened a swap database open to indie creators. 73 shows have joined as of Monday.

To be featured, podcasters need to provide basic information including average episode downloads, category tags, and goals (promo/ad swaps, guest/interview swaps, social media swaps, or other). “The more people who fill out the form, the more robust and helpful the database will be.”

This isn’t just a nifty resource. As a passionate consultant, creator, instructor, and listener, Passell is serving the big picture of independent podcasting. Things are getting tricky, she reminds indie creators — this is how podcasters work together. Anyone can browse, search, and submit to be added.

A New Hip-Hop Album Exclusive to…Luminary?

The hip-hop duo Black Star will release its latest album as a Luminary exclusive. yasiin bey and Talib Kweli have deep ties to the subscription podcast service. Kweli’s interview show lives there, and the two co-host The Midnight Miracle with Dave Chapelle. But why put music behind a podcast paywall?

It’s possible that Black Star’s most dedicated fans are already there. Since November 2019, bey and Kweli have been “trying to figure out when and how to release” the album, their first since 1998. Chapelle is a new investor in Luminary, and a recent Midnight Miracle episode serves as pre-drop bonus material.

Per TechCrunch, Black Star’s decision comes “after years of failed attempts to drive subscriptions with album release exclusives.” Bundling the album with other in-depth content makes sense for listeners. On Luminary, it becomes part of the show of one of hip-hop’s most influential pockets.

Focusrite: Outstanding Audio Gear for Every Podcaster

Great audio doesn’t just polish your podcast. It defines your voice. Focusrite specializes in best-in-class equipment for every podcaster. Known for the world-leading Scarlett range of USB interfaces, Focusrite empowers creators from professional studios to closet recording booths.

Scarlett fan Pat Flynn says it best: “The things it lets you control are the things that are important to me as a podcaster: sound quality, volume control, portability, and reliability.” Focusrite interfaces are affordable, easy to use, and offer a wide range of input/output options to fit the way you work.

Not every podcaster is an audio engineer. With Focusrite, intuitive features and award-winning support let you concentrate on your passion. Ready to share your true voice with the world? Learn more and stay tuned – the next big thing in podcasting is coming this summer.

Here's what else is going on:

• Knowledge=power: Tomorrow at 12:00 pm ET is “A Primer on Podcast Legal Issues” from Radio Boot Camp. Media lawyer Jonathan Lyons will discuss and demystify key concepts for podcasters: copyright law, IP protection, contract negotiation, fair use, publicity rights, and more. $100 registration.

• Stay fresh: Tomorrow at 4:00 pm ET is “Using Dynamic Ad Insertion to Benefit Your Bottom Line” from Podbean. Sounds Profitable editor Bryan Barletta will discuss using emerging adtech to make the most of your back catalog and answer questions on YouTube and LinkedIn. Free registration.

• Big picture: This Wednesday at 4:00 pm ET is “Starting a Podcast: Concept to Launch” from Podcasting, Seriously. LWC Studios producer Virginia Lora will join the weekly Twitter Spaces meetup to discuss conceptualization, scripting, audience development, and more. No account needed.

• Thoughts count: Through the month of April, Podchaser’s #Reviews4Good event is benefiting World Central Kitchen’s efforts in Ukraine. 25 cents will be donated for every show and episode review left on the platform. When a podcaster replies to a review, Podchaser will double the donation.