In this month's "Question of the Month," I wanted to explore the discrepancy between Spotify's perceived dominance and the actual listening habits of podcasters. Despite frequent headlines touting Spotify as the number one streaming platform, my personal statistics and community feedback tell a different story. By surveying my audience about their platform preferences, I uncovered that Apple remains the top choice for most listeners, challenging the narrative often presented in media reports about Spotify's market leadership.

Thanks to everyone who chimed in!

Gear Review: HollyLand Lark M2s Wireless Lavalier System

Quick Take:

I was genuinely impressed by the Holly Land Lark M2s - this tiny microphone packs a surprisingly warm sound. At around $150, it's a solid investment for podcasters and content creators.

Key Features:

• Compact wireless lavalier microphone system
• Versatile receiver with USB-C and headphone jack connectivity
• Compatible with phones and recorders (I used my Rodecaster Duo)
• Built-in noise reduction app
• Option to record two mics on separate channels for post-production editing

Pro Tip: Grab this from Sweetwater. They offer:

• Extended warranties
• Killer customer service
• Competitive pricing
• Free shipping (often cheaper than Amazon)
• FREE CANDY<<<<<

Noise Reduction: The app's built-in feature is decent - not perfect, but definitely helpful. Pro move? Set up both mics on separate channels so you can fine-tune your audio in post-production.

Bottom Line: The Lark M2s is a compact, versatile mic system that punches above its weight. Definitely worth checking out for podcasters looking to upgrade their audio game.

Takeaways:

• The new Hollyland Lark M2S microphone sounds surprisingly warm, which totally blew my mind!
• Spotify claims to be the number one podcast platform, but the real stats tell a different tale.
• Charging guests to appear on your podcast? Brace yourself, the FTC has some rules you need to follow!
• Using music in your podcast? Be careful, because Spotify's bots don’t care about your permissions!
• It's always a good idea to double-check the facts you find online, especially from big companies!
• Exercise is tough, but once you get through it, you'll feel so proud of yourself, like you just conquered a mountain!

Links referenced in this episode:

• Hollyland Lark M2S Wireless Lavalier System
• schoolofpodcasting.com
• thehoodratrecap.com
• createartpodcast.com
• findapodcastabout.xyz
• passacls.com
• tkbpodcaststudios.com

So, today I'm diving into the mess that can be podcast burnout. You know, that moment when your favorite hobby morphs into a job you dread? Yeah, we’ve all been there. We're chatting about big names like Marc Maron and others who decided to call it quits and how that’s not just okay, but totally legit.

Spoiler alert: sometimes stepping back is the best move you can make. I’ll sprinkle in some sarcasm and laughs as we explore the absurdity of it all—because let’s face it, if we can’t laugh at our struggles, what’s the point, right?

If you've been thinking about starting a podcast but feel it's too crowded, realize all those podcasters who started back in 2005 might be being pulled in new directions that have them thinking about podcast retirement.

Takeaways:

• Creative projects can sometimes feel like an endless cycle of stress and burnout.
• It's totally okay to step back from podcasting if it stops being fun for you.
• Many successful podcasters have experienced burnout, and it's a common issue in the industry.
• Managing expectations is crucial; don't expect overnight success when building an audience.
• Life changes, like welcoming a new baby, can drastically affect your podcasting ability and energy.
• Always remember: adding responsibilities means subtracting your fun, so be careful what you take on.

Mentioned In This Show

Marc Maron Announces He's Ending the WTF Show

Rob Walch Talks Marc Maron on the Feed

Erik K Johnson End Podcast Talent Coach

YouTuber Tom Scott Says Goodbye 6.5M Subscribers

YouTuber The Game Theorist Says Goodbye 19.6M Subscribers

YouTuber Caylus says goodbye to 18.7M Subscribers

What Makes This Show Ggreat? - Marc Maron Edition sop705

My Spouse Has Dementia Show with Zita Christian

Daniel J. Lewis is BACK!

Clockify Free Time Tracker

More insights at schoolofpodcasting.com/989

Mentioned in this episode:

Starting a podcast can be daunting. Fear of failure, uncertainty about where to begin, and doubts about your abilities can hold you back. But what if you had a guide? The School of Podcasting is here to help you confidently launch, grow, and monetize your podcast. With over 20 years of experience and tons of successful podcasts launched, I'll walk you through every step. From planning to promotion, you're never alone." Learn at your own pace with video courses, join a supportive community, and get unlimited coaching. Say goodbye to fear and hello to success." Start your podcasting journey today...

Ever wonder why some podcasts spread like wildfire while others wither on the vine? Well, it turns out that a whopping 60 to 80% of podcasts are discovered through good old-fashioned word of mouth.

Yeah, that means if your podcast isn’t getting shared, there’s a reason. So, what’s the secret sauce that makes people hit that share button? In this episode, I research the world of shareable content — you know, the kind that makes your friends feel like they need to hear it.

Spoiler alert: it’s all about that emotional connection and delivering value. Plus, I’ll throw in some advice on being a better podcaster and maybe even a better dad. We also take a listen to the Zoom Podtrak P2

Zoom Podtrak P2

Microphones Compatible with the Zoom Podtrak P2

Samson Q2U USB Microphone

Rode Podmic USB

Lean Learning: How to Achieve More by Learning Less from Pat Flynn (audible)

Voice of Greece Podcast

Castahead.net - Podcast Producing and More

Libsyn Ads Removes Limits (please note this IS programatic ads check the CPM)

Ask the Podcast Coach (free podcast consulting)

Pat Flynn on Episode 421

What Makes People Share Question of the Month 2021

Home Gadget Geeks

• Around 60 to 80% of podcasts are found through sharing, so that's a big deal.
• Good content isn't just about being decent; it has to be downright irresistible to share.
• We often share things based on the feels—if it hits us in the feels, we share it.
• To get people to share, your content should be emotionally engaging, practical, and visually appealing.

Mentioned in this episode:

Do You Need a Podcast Coach

Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, and many others have had COACHES to help them with an outside view to help them shape their content. I will start my 20th year in podcasting and would love to help you follow the best practices of podcasting, and avoid the common mistakes and avoid those steps that lead to burnout.

School of Podcasting

Live Appearances

I'd love to meet you in person, I'm currently coming to July 12th, 20025 Higher Ed Podcon, Chicago, Ill AUGUST 18-21, 2025 Podcast Movement, Dallas, TX. September 26-28, 2005, Empowered Podcasting Conference, Uptown Charlotte, NC For more information and links, click the link below. If you'd like for me to speak at an in-person or online event, go to schoolofpodcasting.com/contact