As 2024 draws to a close, the podcasting industry has experienced significant growth and transformation. This year has seen podcasts solidify their role as trusted news sources, platforms for celebrity storytelling, and integral components of the entertainment landscape. Let's delve into the key highlights that have defined podcasting over the past year.

Podcasting as News:

Podcasts became a trusted source for political and election news. Shows like The Daily and Pod Save America reached record listenership, with nearly 40% of Americans relying on podcasts for clarity in a crowded media space.

Celebrity Spotlights: This year, numerous celebrities turned to podcasts to share their stories authentically. Kristin Cavallari and Paige DeSorbo discussed personal milestones, while Selena Gomez opened up about mental health on On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Podcasts have become the go-to medium for raw, unfiltered storytelling. Podcasting Meets Hollywood: The entertainment industry embraced podcasting themes, with TV shows like Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building and the Sex and the City spinoff and just like that.., Nobody Wants You Here captivating audiences. Comedic series such as Welcome to the Neighborhood further highlighted podcasting's cultural relevance beyond audio.

Major Deals in 2024:

• New Heights: The Kelce brothers signed a deal with Amazon's Wondery worth over $100 million for their podcast. The Wall Street Journal
• Call Her Daddy: Alex Cooper secured a significant deal with SiriusXM for her podcast. The Wall Street Journal

By the Numbers:

• Over 300,000 new podcasts launched this year, though only 1% reached the milestone of 1 million downloads.
• Achieving 29 downloads in seven days places a show in the top 50% globally, highlighting the competitive landscape.
• More than half of listeners purchased products advertised on podcasts, underscoring the medium's influence.

Merch & Live Experiences:

• Podcast-related merchandise sales exceeded $250 million, with fans eagerly embracing branded items.
• Over 4,000 live podcast shows were hosted worldwide, with popular shows like SmartLess and My Favorite Murder leading the way.

Five-Minute Challenge: As we conclude the year, take five minutes to envision your podcast with unlimited time, resources, and money. Whether it's launching a merch line, hosting live events, or securing ad partnerships, identify one idea and adapt it to your current resources. Taking that first step can turn your vision into reality.

2024 has been a transformative year for podcasting, demonstrating that the medium is not just surviving but thriving. The possibilities are endless for creators ready to innovate and connect.

We’re diving into Business-to-Business (B2B) podcasting. Unlike traditional podcasts aimed at consumers, a B2B podcast focuses on building relationships with potential clients, collaborators, and industry leaders. Whether you’re a solopreneur or part of a larger team, this episode will show you how to create a podcast that works for your business.

Steps to Launch Your B2B Podcast

1. Identify Your Ideal Guests

   • Make a list of people you’d love to do business with. Think potential clients, collaborators, or decision-makers in your industry.
   • The goal is to highlight their expertise and stories, not promote your business directly.

2. Pick a Relevant Theme

   • Choose a topic that aligns with your guests’ interests and positions them as experts. Examples:

3. Set Up Your Studio

   Virtual Setup:

   • Riverside.fm: High-quality remote recording platform for audio and video. Learn more at http://riverside.fm.
   • Blue Yeti Microphone: Professional sound quality without breaking the bank. Details at http://bluemic.com/yeti.
   • Logitech C920 Webcam: Crisp and clear video for your remote interviews. Check it out at http://logitech.com/en-us/products/webcams/c920.
   • Descript: An easy-to-use tool for transcribing, editing, and polishing your podcast audio. Visit http://descript.com

   In-Person Setup:

   • iPad (Latest Model): Ensure compatibility with new iPhone cords for seamless integration. Available at your local retailer or http://apple.com/ipad.
   • iPhones: Required for Switcher Studio, a great way to record video podcasts. Learn more at http://switcherstudio.com.
   • Switcher Studio: A powerful tool for multi-camera video podcasting. Get started at http://switcherstudio.com.
   • BOYA Omnidirectional Lapel Microphones: High-quality clip-on mics for professional audio. Purchase at https://www.amazon.com/BOYA-Microphone-Smartphone-4-Channel-Omnidirectional/dp/B0CZ36XNWF.

4. Create a Follow-Up Process

   • Plan how you’ll stay in touch with guests after the recording:

5. Provide a Media Kit

   • Help your guests promote the episode with a media kit, including graphics, quotes, and links they can easily share with their network.

📝 This week’s challenge:

1. List 10 people you’d love to interview on your B2B podcast.
2. Brainstorm a podcast name and theme that highlights your potential clients’ expertise.
3. Choose whether to go virtual or in-person, and start assembling your studio.

B2B podcasting is more than just a marketing tool—it’s a relationship builder and lead generator. By creating a space for your guests to shine, you’re positioning yourself as a trusted partner and opening doors for collaboration.

Thinking About Starting a Podcast?
If you’ve been dreaming about starting a podcast—whether it’s a fresh idea or one that’s been marinating for months or years—this episode is for you. Steph, your Pod Savvy Guide, breaks down everything she’d do differently if she were starting her first podcast today. From overcoming fears to setting up an efficient workflow, she’s here to help you take that leap and hit publish!

Why Podcasting Can Change Your Life
Podcasting isn’t just about creating content—it’s a transformational journey. Steph reflects on her own experiences, from tackling fears about being judged to building a career as a podcast producer. She shares how interviewing inspiring guests has reshaped her perspective, helping her dream bigger and connect with people on a profound level.

Steps to Start Your Podcast (With Links!)

1. Start Simple with Riverside.fm

   • Forget about fancy gear. Use what you have—a phone, laptop, or basic webcam.
   • Download Riverside.fm at http://riverside.fm for an all-in-one recording, editing, and social media tool.
   • Pro Tip: With Riverside, you can create show notes, social clips, and export in 4K—everything you need to save time and produce professional-quality content.

2. Create a Home Studio

   • Find a quiet corner in your home or office. You don’t need a professional studio—Steph’s setup includes a folding card table and blackout curtains.
   • Recommended Gear: Desetech 4K Webcam at http://desetech.com for crisp video recording.

3. Automate Guest Booking with Calendly

   • Upgrade to the Standard Plan of Calendly at http://calendly.com to streamline scheduling and automate reminders for your guests.
   • Guests can reschedule easily, reducing no-shows and headaches.

4. Record Your First Solo Episode

   • Share your story, why you’re starting the podcast, and what listeners can expect. Keep it authentic and don’t overthink it.
   • Use this episode as a reference when reaching out to potential guests.

5. Send It to Friends and Family

   • Ask for support! Share your episode link and encourage reviews. Example text:
     “Hey, I just launched my podcast! I’d love for you to check it out and leave a 5-star review if you enjoyed it.”

6. Start Booking Guests

   • Reach out to people you admire—bloggers, professionals, even public figures. Use your Calendly link to make it seamless.

7. Publish and Promote

   • Use Spotify for Podcasters at http://podcasters.spotify.com to publish your show and leverage Riverside.fm for creating shareable social media clips.

Challenge of the Week: This week, your challenge is to record and publish your first solo episode. Follow these steps:

• Write down a few key points about why you’re starting your podcast and what listeners can expect.
• Use Riverside.fm (http://riverside.fm) to record and edit your episode.
• Share your episode link with friends and family, and ask for reviews.

By the end of the week, you’ll have taken your first big step into the podcasting world!

Your audience is waiting, and your voice is powerful. Don’t let fear or excuses hold you back. Start small, stay consistent, and remember—every podcaster begins somewhere. Take that first step today, and you’ll be amazed at the journey ahead.

Catch you next Saturday for another inspiring episode of Pod Savvy Guide!