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How to Run a Thriving, Profitable Podcast

We Asked 500+ Podcasters How Long It Takes ⏱️ (Podcraft Pointers)

Published about 18 hours ago • 3 min read

Hello, Podcrafters!

Trying a slightly new format for this week's email. After you've had a wee scan, please hit reply and let me know what you think! If you can spare a moment to tell us what you like about Podcraft Pointers, as well as what could be improved, we'll send you our Take-Five Content Validation Framework as a nicely designed booklet 😊

To support this newsletter, please check out Alitu.com — the quickest tool on the planet to make your podcast with.

📊 Inside the Minds of 558 Indie Podcasters

A couple of months ago, we ran our 2025 Independent Podcaster Survey. The goal was to understand the true state of indie podcasting and what it takes to build and sustain a show today.

We spoke with creators about the challenges they face, how they make money, and how they are using video and AI. We also looked at how long it takes to produce an episode and what podcasters spend each month to keep their shows running.

Beyond the practical side, we explored how podcasters define success, what they worry about for the future, where they seek support, and what keeps them going. We even asked a tough but important question about the moments when they have thought about quitting.

Now, we're delighted to share this data with you in full. It's hot off the press, having just been published today.

👉 Read the Full Independent Podcaster Report 2025​

Plan to cover this report on your own podcast, website, or content channels? Let us know, and we might share it out on next week's Pointers 🤩

Mic Drop Fact: Music can affect how you walk.
Listening to upbeat music naturally synchronizes your stride - it’s called entrainment. Military marches, fitness playlists, and even rehabilitation programs use this effect.

🎙️ We got BORED recording Podcraft!

Our co-hosted "how-to" episodes seemed to come out well, but they were rigidly over-scripted and not a lot of fun to record. A podcast that isn't enjoyable to put together is doomed. Either it'll become apparent in the delivery, or you'll start finding excuses to postpone it 😖

So we’ve decided to change that. From now on, each of us will bring two or three tools, topics, or recent lessons to share. I think you’ll find this format more natural and useful. In today’s episode, we explore new ways to use podcast chapter markers, weigh the arguments against them, and share a simple tip to improve your hosting skills immediately 😁

🎧 Latest episode of Podcraft: ​Shaking Up Your Format, Smarter Chapter Markers, & the Habit That Transforms Your Hosting​

🌟 Tool of the Week

RSS .COM PODCAST HOSTING
We’ve always seen RSS.com as kindred spirits in the mission to help indie podcasters thrive. Their hosting is rock solid, easy to use, and built with creators in mind. Use the promo code THEPODCASTHOST for two free months on any paid plan.

Try RSS.com Podcast Hosting →

*This link is affiliate-based, meaning we may earn a small commission if you sign up at no extra cost to you.*

😋 Sound Bites

A tasting platter of fresh tools, tips, and treats for your podcast. Short links, but big value!

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🧙‍♂️ The Podcasting Sage Says:

“Momentum beats motivation.”

Record on the days you don’t feel like it. That’s where progress hides.

Two Other Things to Help Your Show 🚀

Here are two ways to accelerate your podcast journey: includes 1. the support to create something great, and 2. the tools to make it work.

1️⃣ The Easiest Way to Make Your Podcast?​
Use Alitu to record, edit, clean up, add music, transcribe, and publish. All-in-one tool, built by podcasters. No tech headaches or app juggling.

​Try the Alitu Podcast Creator app to turbocharge your workflow

.. and ...

2️⃣ Personal Coaching & Education Help You Succeed?​
Join the Podcraft Academy to get expert coaching, step-by-step courses and plug-and-play resources to help you launch, grow and monetise your show with confidence.

​Join the Podcraft Academy to get confidence in growing your show

🙋 Have you already launched your podcast?

We love helping new podcasters get started, but thriving comes from building momentum and creating great content. If you’re already past launch, click the link so we can share resources that help you stay consistent, grow, and monetise.

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Cheers!
Matthew & Colin

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PS - ❓Got a podcasting question you’d love answered in next week’s email? Hit reply and ask away. We’ll pick one to feature!

Have questions? Hit reply to this email and we'll help out!

The Podcast Host, Stephen’s Street, Inverness, Scottish Highlands IV2 3JP
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How to Run a Thriving, Profitable Podcast

Colin Gray

Join 29,000+ podcasters & creators to get Launch, growth and success tips for your show. Quick, actionable points, every week, from tool reviews to growth tactics, and much more, all aimed at helping you create the show of your dreams. If you're building a personal or a content brand, then get started and grow with us!

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