🎙️ TUESDAY TOUCHPOINT
Hullo there!
Last week, I heard from a podcast listener who told me he listened to my latest episode whilst taking his kid to the cinema. Sylvian Families was the film in question. I can't help but wonder how the visuals married up with the audio.
I also couldn't help but wonder why I hadn't thought of this strategy when I took my daughter to see Wish. I don't have strong feelings about that film either way (I'm not its target audience), but as an audio experience, it was excruciating.
No, I'm not talking about the 94 songs, or the soundtrack, or the voice acting (I'm sure all were great); it's more to do with the loudness war that played out between the film itself and the junk food eating competition being held in the audience.
If I ran a cinema - which, frankly, I never will - I'd set the volume a few notches below the "Krakatoa" level. I'd also only sell food that wasn't remotely crunchy, and it would only be wrapped in the softest and non-rustliest packaging.
And, there would be podcasts for everyone. In fact, I wouldn't bother with the film. Or the food. I'd just run a podcast. Which I do already, I suppose.
If you also find yourself in the "unlikely ever to run my own cinema" camp, then boy, is this another value-packed email for you. Let's get into it.
📊 THIS WEEK’S QUICK POLL
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🔍 FEATURED THIS WEEK
😓 Creator Burnout Is Real—And You’re Not Alone 🎙
Burnout is a real challenge for podcasters, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable. This guide breaks down the warning signs, causes, and—most importantly—practical strategies to regain your energy and creativity. Whether you're feeling drained or just want to prevent burnout, these insights will help you stay motivated and sustain your passion for podcasting.
Key Takeaways:
🎙 Recognize the Signs – Fatigue, loss of motivation, and declining quality are red flags.
⏳ Identify the Causes – Overcommitment, unrealistic expectations, and lack of rest lead to burnout.
🛑 Set Healthy Boundaries – Learn to say no, schedule breaks, and balance your workload.
🧠 Prioritize Mental Health – Self-care isn’t optional; it’s essential for long-term success.
📆 Batch & Automate – Reduce stress by planning ahead and using automation tools.
🤝 Lean on Your Community – Engage with fellow podcasters for support and inspiration.
🎯 Refocus Your Why – Reconnect with what made you start podcasting in the first place.
🔥 Reignite Your Passion – Experiment with new formats or take a short break to refresh creativity.
READ THE FULL GUIDE
💬 COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
This week, we see a topical question: Is AI the future of podcasting? Or is there something inherently special about the human touch that an AI just can’t replicate?
Elsewhere, does your podcast need a trailer swap?, and here's an interesting (possibly controversial!?) podcast promotion tactic.
We would love to hear your thoughts, opinions, and stories and help you level up your show! Join the IndiePod Community today—it's free!
📱WEEKLY WISDOM
🎧 Our Episode Titles Are Better Than Yours - Here’s Why: Podcraft Podcast
We break down best podcast episode title practices, including ideal character length and front-loading key information. We also introduce the WHISPER TITLES framework—13 proven structures to make your episodes more clickable (and give you infinite content ideas in the process!)
📺 My Favourite Smartphone Recording Kit: YouTube
A quick look around the Rode Wireless Micro - a compact and affordable wireless microphone system designed for smartphone users.
📺 Audacity Tips! How to Record Computer Audio and How to Preview an Edit: YouTube
Audacity is the most popular podcast recording and editing platform in the world. Not only is it free, it's pretty good, too. Here are a couple of quick hacks to help you get the best from it!
📝 How to Be a Good Podcast Host: Blog
What makes a good podcast host? Stephanie asked this question in our IndiePod Community. Here, she shares the 5 top qualities.
📝 Finally! ChatGPT Can Create Text-Heavy Graphics That Actually Work: Blog
If you've tried using AI to create graphics with text before, you know the frustration of garbled letters, bizarre fonts, and completely illegible results. That's all changed now. Here's how to make it work for your creator business.
📈 DATA CORNER
Podcast Websites STILL Matter!
Last week, we asked you if having a dedicated podcast website is still essential, even in the age of AI search and social media dominance.
Almost 80% said yes, with 43% strongly agreeing.
This makes total sense. Social platforms can work brilliantly for podcasters, but ultimately, you don't own your space, and they're completely out of your control.
Sure, social media apps and AI have changed how many folks use the internet, but it's still good practice to build your own base online. With a tool like Podpage, it can be done quickly and easily, too.
Thanks to everyone who took half a second to answer last week's poll (remember to do the same this week!). Stay tuned for our upcoming report where we'll be digging into your comments and feedback.
💡 LINDSAY'S MINDSET MOMENT
Embracing Imperfection - Why slight imperfections make your podcast more relatable
Nowadays, technology can make voices, images, and text seem flawless. But, as AI-generated voices, images, and text improve, deepfakes and scams become more prevalent, diminishing public trust.
When Sofia Tilbury, the makeup artist responsible for Demi Moore’s Oscars’ night look, posted a photo of the actress on Instagram, the comments overflowed with claims that the image was filtered. Ms. Tilbury was promoting her cosmetics brand, which makes Ms. Moore’s “flawless” look less exciting and more of a product placement.
Distrust of the image spoke volumes in the comments. Yes, with technology, we can make anything seem perfect, but what’s that perfection gonna do for anyone?
(You see what I did there, right?)
Flaws make anything seem more trustworthy. When we hear a piece of music with a mistake or two, we’re more likely to believe that a person played it rather than a computer. A picture of someone whose face is covered with freckles, vitiligo, or scars can still be beautiful.
Flaws and beauty have coexisted for centuries.
A popular myth has circulated for decades that Amish quilt makers put a “humility block,” or an intentional mistake, in their quilts to distract from unintentional mistakes and because “only God can make something perfect.”
In Japanese art, wabi-sabi refers to things that are beautiful due to gentle change over time.
Striving for perfection in your podcast will not only keep you from publishing consistently, but also raise your stress levels and take all the enjoyment out of your podcast.
Embrace your imperfections. They make your podcast unique, memorable, and meaningful to your audience. As Jack Kerouac once wrote, “It ain’t whatcha write, it’s the way atcha write it.”
Lindsay
🔧 TOOL OF THE WEEK
MOVO iVlogger-PRO
If you’re serious about video production, don't rely on your smartphone alone. The iVlogger-PRO from MOVO adds lighting, audio, mounting, and more to your rig, meaning your bell will be well smashed, or whatever it is they say on YouTube.
SEE THE FULL REVIEW
🎁 RESOURCE OF THE WEEK
The WHISPER TITLES Podcast Framework
Covered on the most recent episode of Podcraft, the WHISPER TITLES framework won't just help you come up with brilliantly clickable episode titles - it'll give you an endless stream of great new content ideas, too.
DOWNLOAD FOR FREE
💼 SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
Alitu: The Ultimate Podcast-Maker Software
Meet Alitu, the podcast maker that does all the techie work so you can focus on what you do best.
- Record, edit, schedule and publish with one tool
- AI audio editing so you sound better with less work
- Publish more consistently, love the process
- Real human support that’ll always get you unstuck
"The platform really is that easy to use-- I am so grateful for the time and headache saved while being able to get my episodes out in a timely and regular way." - Amy
TRY ALITU FOR FREE
As a Podcraft Pointers subscriber, you're entitled to 50% off your first month when you sign up for Alitu. Use coupon code POINTERS50 at checkout!
Want to Sponsor This Newsletter?
We work with products and services that are a great fit for our readers, so if you offer something that's ideal for podcasters and creators, get in touch. Drop us a line at sponsor@thepodcasthost.com.
👋 LET US HELP YOU
Whatever you need, whatever your budget, we’ve got you covered
From launch coaching and growth mentorship to editing and production, courses, and podcast feedback, we can tailor something exactly to your own needs. We're waiting to hear from you, so give us a shout!
Matthew & Colin