Hullo there!

A few of us went down to The Podcast Show London a couple of weeks back.

I'm sure many of the sessions were excellent, but I didn't attend a single one. In my view, the main benefit of industry events is in the conversations you can have with others around you.

It's actually one of those conversations that our main topic is built around, too.

Is spoken-word audio still at the forefront in podcasting?

I certainly hope so. But what do others think?

✂️ CREATOR CUTS💡

🎧 Do we need to champion spoken-word audio in a world of video hype? 📢 (Podcraft)

Video takes up a lot of focus in the wider podcasting conversation. Do we need to work harder to shine a light on the benefits of pure audio? We spoke to a bunch of kind and patient people at The Podcast Show London who were happy to share their thoughts.

📺 Collaborating with your audience to lift all boats (YouTube)

In the age of the content creator, you likely have an audience packed with YouTubers, bloggers, fellow podcasters, and... dare I say it, "influencers". Why not partner with some of them to grow both your channels?

📺 Podcast growth through sponsoring other creators (YouTube)

If you have any marketing budget at all, there's no better way to spend it than on sponsoring another podcast. With this tactic, 100% of the folks you reach will be podcast fans!

📝 Why podcast research matters more than you think (Blog)

Don't just read Wiki or take that convincing-sounding AI answer at face value. Researching your podcast properly helps reduce complacency, enhances perspective, and sharpens your podcasting skills.

📝 From 'A-ha!' moments to analytics: Podcraft Polls, May 2025 (Blog)

Thanks to you folks answering our weekly poll in this humble newsletter, we have regular data to report on. Here's a summary of what we learned in May. And please, keep those answers coming!

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🔦 SPOTLIGHT 🔎

🔊 The Future of Spoken-Word Audio in a Video-First World

This isn't about "video OR audio".

Instead, the focus is on spoken-word audio itself.

More specifically, do we need to work harder to preserve or even champion this medium?

That was the question we asked almost 30 industry folks at The Podcast Show London recently.

The answers threw up many different perspectives, but also a lot of common ground. Ultimately, the main goal here is to ensure audio stays front and centre of the podcasting conversation.

​READ THE FULL ARTICLE​

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🗳️ YOUR CUE 🤔

📱 What's next for the spoken word in podcasting?

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💬 COMMUNITY CONVERSATION

This week, Allegra is diving into the art of juggling podcasting with everything else life throws at us.

"Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, finding that sweet spot between recording episodes and managing daily responsibilities can be quite the adventure. ​

So, how do you make it work? Do you have a secret formula for keeping your podcasting passion alive while still having time for family, friends, and maybe even a little "me time"? Let's share our tips, tricks, and funny stories about balancing it all.

• Do you have a dedicated podcasting schedule, or do you go with the flow?
• What are your go-to strategies for staying organized?
• Have you ever had a podcasting mishap because life got in the way?"

Join the IndiePod Community today and have your say. It's free!

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📈 DATA CORNER

People love listening to podcasts in the car 🚙

At The Podcast Show, Ofcom presented the results of a survey they ran with UK podcast listeners.

Of 1,504 listeners they spoke to who said they listen to podcasts at least once a week, 59% said they listen in the car.

Home was the next most popular spot, with 30% saying they listen to podcasts while relaxing at home and 27% while doing housework.

Unsurprisingly, the smartphone generation of those under 55 doesn't like to sit still when listening to their favourite shows compared to those aged 55 and above.

You can view the full Ofcom report here.

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💡 MINDSET MOMENT

Combating Creator Burnout - Recognizing early warning signs and implementing boundaries

Podcasting should feel fun. Not as much fun as a waterslide, sure. But producing your podcast should feel purposeful and pleasant. What about when it doesn’t? Your podcast may start sounding sloppy, or you might want to quit altogether. Let’s discuss how to recognize burnout on the horizon, what to avoid, and how to prevent it. 🎙️

First, check in with your body and mind. Are you getting enough sleep, water, and exercise? Staying up all night recording or editing leads to poor decision-making. A 2014 Cambridge University study found that dehydration causes cognitive and perceptual deficits. And, a Stanford University study shows that walking improves creativity, whether outdoors or indoors. 💤

Next, ask how your podcast workflow and publishing schedule make you feel. Producing seven episodes a week won’t benefit you if you’re exhausted and the episodes don’t sound good. Likewise, if you produce few episodes over time, yet obsess over every detail, perfectionism might keep you from enjoying your podcast. 💡

Finally, look at your podcast production objectively. Think about the aspects you enjoy, and what you don’t. Do the benefits outweigh the effort? For example, is your audience growing? Does your audience get in touch with you, and share your show with others? Are your podcasting tasks becoming easier? When the work feels unrewarding, it’s time to take a break. 🌱

Our article on podcasting in seasons can show you how to set up your podcast workflow, allowing you to take breaks and improve your podcast. Check out our resource about publishing frequency to learn how different podcasters manage their production workflow over time. And, asking for help can lead to networking, cross-promotion and collaboration. ✨

We all know that a consistent production schedule helps your show become your audience’s habit. But, a consistent schedule shouldn't be punishing. When you need a break, take it. Otherwise, your podcast’s quality will diminish, and so will your audience. Recharge your internal batteries and gain some perspective. Quality beats quantity every time.

Lindsay

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🔧 TOOL OF THE WEEK

Focusrite Vocaster

The Focusrite Vocaster is a USB audio interface designed specifically for podcast use. The Solo model takes one XLR input, while the Vocaster 2 takes (would you believe it!?) two. It’s a brilliant kit for running XLR mics on your computer, either for solo shows or remote conversations.

​SEE THE FULL REVIEW​

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💼 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!

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👋 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