The Audacity to Podcast® - tips and how to start and grow profit in podcasting

Hosted by Daniel J. Lewis

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Episodes

451

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-US

About the show

I believe podcasting is the BEST way for YOU to share a message to change the world! I give you the guts and teach you the tools to launch and improve your own podcast for passion and P.R.O.F.I.T. (popularity, relationships, opportunities, fun, income, or tangibles)! Through each episode, I strive to help you communicate better, fully leverage audio and video gear, use podcasting tools for higher quality and efficiency, become an engaging interviewer, improve your podcast website, grow your podcast, and more! My goal is to help you and your audience get P.R.O.F.I.T. from your podcast: popularity, relationships, opportunities, fun, income, or tangibles. From each episode, you’ll get inspiration, learn easy-to-follow steps, and discover resources to help you podcast better. Please join me, Daniel J. Lewis, and I will give you THE AUDACITY to podcast!

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60 recent

October 21, 2026Episode 45246 min

452. Why You Should Use PodChapters to Chapter and Transcribe Your Podcast

PodChapters makes it easier for you to produce more impactful and engaging podcast episodes with chapters and transcripts. Here's how. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/usepodchapters Introduction [00:00] 1. Drive action with PodChapters [01:44] Join me at PodINDY on November 7 with promo code "AUDACITY" Why and How to Use Podcast Chapters 2. Boost impact and engagement with chapters [08:03] 3. Use transcripts to make your podcast accessible for people and AI agents [13:46] How to Use Podcast Transcripts Try the new transcript editor in PodChapters 4. Drastically speed up your production workflow [25:58] PodChapters 5. Ensure compatibility for automations with proper metadata [32:24] 6. Leverage multiple modern and legacy standards better than your competitors [33:59] 7. Share multiple things in each chapter with chapter resource pages [36:25] Podcasting 2.0 Chapters standard My proposal for "super chapters" Try PodChapters to make your own chapter resource pages! ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ Add podcast chapters that drive engagement in seconds! https://podchapters.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

October 14, 2026Episode 45116 min

451. Four Reasons You Should Try Audacity 4 for Podcasting

Audacity 4 brings a cleaner interface, smarter editing tools, redesigned effects, and plugin support, and it's still free. Here's why it's worth another look for podcasters. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/audacity4 Introduction [00:00] Introducing Audacity 4: New tools & a new look (video) What's new in Audacity 4 Download Audacity 4 1. A drastically improved interface [03:54] 15 years of Audacity: interview with creator Roger Dannenberg 2. Better editing tools [07:08] Chapter your next episode with PodChapters! [08:16] PodChapters 3. Redesigned effects [09:16] Redesigned effects 4. It is still totally free [12:31] Give Audacity another try [14:06] Introducing Audacity 4: New tools & a new look (video) What's new in Audacity 4 Download Audacity 4 ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ Add podcast chapters that drive engagement in seconds! https://podchapters.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

September 30, 2026Episode 45019 min

450. What Value Is Podcasting?

Is your podcast still worth the effort? Discover six ways podcasting can reward you (and your audience) beyond downloads. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/whatvalue Happy International Podcast Day! [00:00] Celebrate International Podcast Day 1. You can get popular [01:34] 2. You can build relationships [03:24] 3. You can discover new opportunities [05:54] Try Northflow to improve your podcasting operations 4. You can have lots of fun [07:18] 5. You can earn more income [09:22] Give back to The Audacity to Podcast whatever this is worth to you 6. You can receive tangibles [14:41] ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ Add podcast chapters that drive engagement in seconds! https://podchapters.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

September 23, 2026Episode 44945 min

449. Is It Time to Leave WordPress?

Should you leave WordPress for your podcast website? Consider its costs, speed, security, and maintenance, plus practical alternatives for your show. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/leavewordpress Introduction [00:00] 1. WordPress uses outdated technologies [03:11] 2. WordPress gets slow [08:03] 3. WordPress can have security risks [16:23] 4. WordPress doesn't connect well with AI [21:59] 5. Free WordPress can get expensive [23:55] 6. WordPress's founder is hurting his own ecosystem [27:01] Recommendations for a podcast WordPress website [34:32] (As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases through these links. But I recommend things I truly believe in, regardless of earnings.) Pretty Links Pro Blubrry + PowerPress SecondLine Themes All in One SEO Elementor AAWP WordFence Gravity Forms Darkify SearchWP Alternatives to WordPress for podcast websites [38:06] (As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases through these links. But I recommend things I truly believe in, regardless of earnings.) Your hosting provider, especially Captivate , Transistor , Buzzsprout , or Blubbry Podpage or Beamly My plan to replace WordPress with Payload CMS [40:00] Payload CMS ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ Add podcast chapters that drive engagement in seconds! https://podchapters.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

September 16, 2026Episode 44846 min

448. Why You Should Use Podgagement with Your Podcast

Introduction [00:00] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/usepodgagement?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap448&utm_content=chapter_1-introduction 1. Aggregate your international podcast ratings and reviews [03:24] Join a free Podgagement Success Session [06:58] https://podgagement.com/success?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap448&utm_content=chapter_3-join_a_free_podgagement_success_session 2. Get more ratings and reviews with a simplified call to action [08:23] https://lovethepodcast.com/audacity?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap448&utm_content=chapter_4-2_get_more_ratings_and_reviews_with_a_simplified_call_to_action 3. Share your podcast reviews anywhere [11:04] 4. Watch your podcast rankings across nearly 34,000 global charts [15:59] 5. Collect written and voicemail feedback from your audience [18:16] https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap448&utm_content=chapter_7-5_collect_written_and_voicemail_feedback_from_your_audience 6. Share audience feedback inside or outside your podcast [20:17] 7. Discover networking opportunities [22:21] 8. Track in-app search rankings for better podcast SEO [28:23] 9. Grow your podcast audience with a smart landing page [31:08] https://followthepodcast.com/audacity?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap448&utm_content=chapter_11-9_grow_your_podcast_audience_with_a_smart_landing_page 10. Track multiple podcasts and BCC notifications to cohosts [35:13] 11. Upcoming: make your podcast and episodes more shareable [37:13] 12. Upcoming: get paid by your audience [39:08] Try Podgagement free for 2 months [42:43] https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/usepodgagement?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap448&utm_content=chapter_15-try_podgagement_free_for_2_months Join a free Podgagement Success Session [43:59] https://podgagement.com/success?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap448&utm_content=chapter_16-join_a_free_podgagement_success_session

September 9, 2026Episode 44751 min

447. Podcasting Lessons from the History of Podgagement

Discover 11 practical podcasting lessons from building Podgagement, including innovation, competition, skill-building, rebranding, setbacks, relationships, and continued podcast growth. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/podgagementhistory Introduction [00:00] Remembering Todd Cochrane [00:13] Listen to my episode honoring Todd: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/in-memory-of-todd-cochrane/?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap447&utm_content=chapter_2-remembering_todd_cochrane 1. Innovate when you can't invent [02:06] 2. Get help from others [07:03] My Podcast Reviews launched in June 2014: https://podgagement.com/podcast-reviews-launched/?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap447&utm_content=chapter_4-2_get_help_from_others 3. There will always be competition [10:39] 4. Improve your skills [19:07] 5. Watch for accidental inventions [24:38] Podcast Industry Statistics started: https://podgagement.com/800000-podcasts-milestone-surpassed/?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap447&utm_content=chapter_7-5_watch_for_accidental_inventions New Podcast Industry Insights website: https://podcastindustryinsights.com/?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap447&utm_content=chapter_7-5_watch_for_accidental_inventions 6. Foster relationships [27:31] 7. Pick a good name, rebrand if necessary [30:24] 8. Be prepared for disappointments [34:39] 9. Pick the right tools [37:35] Blubrry is the best hosting provider for WordPress workflows [38:07] Blubrry podcast hosting for WordPress: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/bhosting?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap447&utm_content=chapter_12-blubrry_is_the_best_hosting_provider_for_wordpress_workflows 9. Pick the right tools [38:31] 10. Be quick to seize opportunities [41:02] Podgagement launched with chart-tracking to replace Chartable: https://podgagement.com/looking-for-a-chartable-replacement-podgagement-now-tracks-podcast-charts-and-rankings/?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap447&utm_content=chapter_14-10_be_quick_to_seize_opportunities 11. Just keep growing [47:21] Supercharge your audience engagement with Podgagement! [50:33] Try Podgagement yourself: https://podgagement.com/?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap447&utm_content=chapter_16-supercharge_your_audience_engagement_with_podgagement ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ Add podcast chapters that drive engagement in seconds! https://podchapters.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

August 26, 2026Episode 44619 min

446. Is It Good to Disagree with Your Cohost?

Learn how unity, diverse perspectives, and constructive disagreement can create stronger podcast conversations with a cohost who adds energy and value. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/disagree Introduction [00:00] Chapter your next episode with PodChapters! [00:49] https://podchapters.com/?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap446&utm_content=chapter_2-chapter_your_next_episode_with_podchapters 1. Unity is strength [04:25] 2. Diverse perspectives create depth [06:49] 3. Depth reveals divergence [10:02] 4. Podcast with energy givers, not takers or wasters [12:44] Do you value The Audacity to Podcast? [18:07] Please consider giving back whatever you feel it's worth to you: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/giveback?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap446&utm_content=chapter_8-do_you_value_the_audacity_to_podcast ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ Add podcast chapters that drive engagement in seconds! https://podchapters.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

August 19, 2026Episode 44549 min

445. Eleven Tips for Better Product Reviews in Your Podcast

Learn how to create honest, useful reviews that earn audience trust, strengthen industry relationships, and open new opportunities. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/productreviews Introduction: [00:00] What Is Podcasting P.R.O.F.I.T.? https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/what-is-podcasting-profit-tap320/?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap445&utm_content=chapter_1-introduction_more_about_podcasting_profit 1. Actually use the product! [02:11] 2. Share your experiences and sincere opinions [06:12] 3. Focus less on specs and features, more on benefits for your audience [10:34] 4. Read/watch the instructions [14:21] 5. Consider others' reviews and questions [16:07] 6. Highlight opportunities for improvement [17:42] 7. Use the product name frequently [20:05] 8. Link to the product throughout your episode [23:33] Pretty Links for WordPress: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/prettylinks?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap445&utm_content=chapter_9-8_link_to_the_product_throughout_your_episode 9. Disclose appropriately [28:50] You MUST Disclose Whenever You're Compensated: https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/you-must-disclose-whenever-youre-compensated/?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap445&utm_content=chapter_10-9_disclose_appropriately 10. Build a relationship with the product-maker [32:45] 11. Tag the product and product-maker whenever sharing your review [44:10] ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ Add podcast chapters that drive engagement in seconds! https://podchapters.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

August 12, 2026Episode 44419 min

444. Do You NEED to “Be Everywhere” to Grow Your Podcast?

Posting to every social platform burns out podcasters fast. Pick one place you can do well, automate what you can, and enlist your audience's help. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/beeverywhere Introduction [00:00] Your potential audience is everywhere [00:57] "Everywhere" can be overwhelming [01:59] Special thanks [03:32] https://audacitytopodcast.com/giveback Be where you can be well [07:54] Automate what you can [09:47] Point your audience to where you engage most [11:36] Ask your audience for help [15:14] ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ Add podcast chapters that drive engagement in seconds! https://podchapters.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005

August 5, 2026Episode 44324 min

443. Parasocial Relationships in Podcasting

The outpouring love for John C. Dvorak revealed something every podcaster should understand about the connection your audience feels with you. Please share this episode from your podcast app or https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/parasocial Introduction [00:00] No Agenda Show #1,888: https://www.noagendashow.net/listen/1888 No Agenda Show #1,889: https://www.noagendashow.net/listen/1889 Understand the power of parasocial relationships [01:02] See why podcasting feels personal [03:47] Let passion and authenticity build the bond [06:11] Meet listeners in the intimate moments of their lives [08:30] Recognize how podcasts can carry people through darkness [11:07] Stop saying “just”—you are connecting with people [12:45] Make intimacy a practice, not a format [15:15] "What Makes Podcasting More Intimate than Other Media": https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/what-makes-podcasting-more-intimate-than-other-media-tap279/?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap443&utm_content=chapter_8-make_intimacy_a_practice_not_a_format Use your influence for good [16:22] Deepen audience relationships with Podgagement [16:54] https://podgagement.com/?utm_source=the_audacity_to_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tap443&utm_content=chapter_10-deepen_audience_relationships_with_podgagement Honor the relationships listeners build with you [19:28] Be someone’s light, one episode at a time [22:26] ——— Start and grow your own podcast for passion and PROFIT! Learn more and follow at https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ Supercharge your audience engagement and grow your podcast! https://podgagement.com/ Add podcast chapters that drive engagement in seconds! https://podchapters.com/ FEEDBACK Call (903) 231-2221 Email feedback@theaudacitytopodcast.com Send a message or voicemail through https://podcastfeedback.com/audacity MAILING ADDRESS The Audacity to Podcast PO Box 739 Burlington, KY 41005