🎙️🌍 Podcasthon: A Global Podcasting Movement for Good! 🚀❤️

👋Hey there Podcaster!

🎙️ Podcasting is about community, impact, and sometimes it’s about breaking the so-called "rules"! This week, we’re diving into Podcasthon, a global movement uniting podcasters for charitable causes, and how you can be part of the change. Meanwhile, Matthew Bliss and I are busting podcasting myths—from AI show notes to SEO tricks, are these really rules we have to follow? Plus, in honor of Black History Month, we’re celebrating the 3rd anniversary of the Black Podcasters Association, a must-attend virtual event amplifying Black voices in podcasting. And, as always, the Podcasting Morning Chat is packed with expert insights, industry news, and fresh takes to keep your podcast thriving. Let’s dive in! 🎧👇

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🎙️🌍 Podcasthon: A Global Podcasting Movement for Good! 🚀❤️

Imagine thousands of podcasters uniting for one powerful mission: to amplify charitable causes and inspire action. That’s the heart of Podcasthon, an annual event where podcasters dedicate an episode to spotlight a nonprofit of their choice during the week of March 15-21. What started in 2023 with just a few hundred podcasts has grown into a global movement, with over 1,500 podcasters expected to participate in 2025—creating a wave of purpose-driven content heard around the world.

This year, The Podcasting Morning Chat, is joining the initiative, highlighting Hurricane Helene’s devastating aftermath and the ongoing relief efforts. I’m reaching out to encourage other podcasters to join and share a message for a charity that means something to you.

Podcasthon is a nonprofit, volunteer-led effort backed by major industry leaders like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Acast, and Ausha. Whether you're a podcaster or a listener, you can be part of the impact—one episode at a time.

🔗 Learn more & sign up today: https://podcasthon.org/ 

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🚀 Busting the Biggest Podcasting Myths – No More Guru Nonsense! 🎙️

If you know me, you know I like to keep things respectful, and let's be real—there are way too many so-called "rules" floating around in the podcasting space that may have some merit, but are really a ‘do-or-die’ situation? 🙄 These rigid "must-do" guidelines often come from self-proclaimed gurus, and instead of helping podcasters grow, they make the process more complicated than it needs to be.

That’s why Matthew Bliss and I sat down for a two-part Podcasting Morning Chat series to challenge some of the biggest podcasting myths out there. From AI-driven show notes to the truth about SEO and whether "ums" really matter, we’re breaking down the rules that podcasters blindly follow—and helping you decide what actually works for you.

🔥 The Podcasting Myths We’re Smashing

🎤 AI-Generated Show Notes: Lazy or Smart?
Some argue that AI-written show notes are ruining podcasting, but let’s be real… if AI pulls key details from your transcript and presents them in an engaging way, could that be efficiency at work? In my experience, after talking with and surveying many podcasters and their audiences, the vast majority don’t even read show notes. So is it a bad thing if AI can handle a task most listeners skip anyway?

🔍 SEO Tricks: Do They Actually Matter?
We’ve all heard the spiel: "Use every SEO trick in the book, or no one will ever find your podcast!" But does stuffing your show notes with keywords actually boost discoverability, or is it just another way for "experts" to sell you strategies that will ultimately require their services?

Listen, don’t get me wrong. I think there’s a lot of value in SEO for a boost podcast discoverability. I also think there’s a lot of value in choosing one, two, maybe three areas at a time. Get the hang of it first and then incorporate that next big strategy.

✂️ Cut Every "Um" and "Ah": Necessary or Overkill?
Some podcasters insist that every filler word must be removed to sound professional. Spoiler: Your audience likely prefers authenticity over robotic perfection. Editor hack: work on replacing those ums and ahs with silence. It will save you a TON of time editing later!

💡 Are You Making Content for Your Audience—Or the Algorithm?
Many podcasters stress over cracking the ever-changing YouTube and social media algorithms. But what if you focused on making great content instead of playing a guessing game with algorithms no one fully understands? If you make content that people like, comment and share, you’ll beat the algo everytime.

🎧 Listen In & Join the Conversation!

This is just the beginning—we’re tackling video podcasting and other industry myths in Part 2! If you love a good deep-dive (with a little Socratic questioning and some industry venting), then you don’t want to miss this one.

💬 What podcasting rule have you always questioned? Hit reply and let’s bust some myths together!

👉 Listen to the full episode here: Breaking the Rules of Podcasting: Myths, SEO & AI with Matthew Bliss (Part 1)

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🎉 Celebrating Black Voices in Podcasting: The Black Podcasters Association Turns 3! 🎙️

As we honor Black History Month, it’s essential to recognize the impact of Black voices in media—especially in the world of podcasting. That’s why we’re thrilled to celebrate a major milestone: The Black Podcasters Association’s 3rd Anniversary Virtual Celebration! 🎉

On Friday, February 28, 2025, at 8:00-10:00 PM EST (that’s tonight!), the BPA is hosting an epic online event to celebrate three years of empowering, elevating, and amplifying Black voices in podcasting. This event isn’t just a look back—it’s a conversation about the future of Black-led media, storytelling, and industry leadership.

🔥 Why You Should Tune In

Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster, an aspiring creator, or a fan of dynamic storytelling, this event is a must-attend! Here’s what you can expect:

🎤 Keynote Speakers & Industry Leaders – Gain insights from experienced podcasters and media professionals who are shaping the industry.

🌍 Community Networking – Connect with fellow podcasters, creators, and industry experts in a space built for collaboration and support.

💡 Exclusive Announcements & Insights – Hear what’s next for the Black Podcasters Association and how they’re continuing to make an impact.

🎶 Entertainment & Fun! – Because no celebration is complete without good vibes and engaging conversations.

✊🏾 The Power of Black Voices in Podcasting

Podcasting has become one of the most influential platforms for Black creators to share unfiltered stories, uplift communities, and challenge narratives. From cultural deep-dives to political discourse, comedy, and entrepreneurship, Black podcasters are leading conversations that educate, inspire, and entertain.

The BPA has been a game-changer in providing resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for Black podcasters—and this event is a chance to celebrate those achievements.

🎟️ Reserve Your Spot!

The event is FREE, but spots are limited! Secure your ticket now and be part of this powerful celebration.

👉 Register here: Eventbrite Link

This Black History Month and anytime of year, let’s continue to amplify and support Black voices in podcasting.🎙️🎉

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🎙️Podcasting Morning Chat Highlights🌅

Welcome to your essential morning brew of ideas and insights, the "Podcasting Morning Chat" is a daily show that's by creators, for creators. A dynamic team of experienced podcasters, entrepreneurs, and producers hosts the PMC. Each episode peels back the curtain on the art of podcasting and content creation. The conversation is a mix of insights, stories, and strategies, tailor-made to keep your content fresh, your audience engaged, and your creative spark alive. 

Recorded live every weekday at 7 AM EST on Clubhouse and available via podcast at 7 AM PST, our show has become a cornerstone for podcasters worldwide, offering a unique blend of expert advice, real-world success stories, and innovative ideas. Whether you're here to enhance your content, expand your audience, or just soak in the collective wisdom of fellow content creators, the PMC is your source for inspiration, empowerment and connection in the podcasting world. 

Catch up with the latest episodes and join our global community of creators to kick-start your day with creativity, strategy, and insight.

• February 20, 2025: Episode #246: LinkedIn Newsletters & Best Practices: Q&A with Coach Rich Perry
• February 21, 2025: Episode #247: Content Creation Without the Guilt & Celebrating Our Wins
• February 24, 2025: Episode #248: Podcasting Dilemmas: Stats, Reviews & When to Walk Away
• February 25, 2025: Episode #249: Breaking the Rules of Podcasting: Myths, SEO & AI with Matthew Bliss (Part 1)
• February 26, 2025: Episode #250: Podcast News: Listen Notes Sets Limits, Upcoming Podcasting Events and Job Opportunities

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I’m so grateful to be connected with you and a part of your podcast journey. 

All My Best,

👋Marc Ronick

This content was composed with assistance from OpenAI

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