podlab

The biggest mistake new podcasters make

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 21:39:54 GMT

Why the Best Podcasts Don’t Sound Like Everyone Else

There are 5 million podcasts in the world, and plenty of them are well-made, well-edited, and full of good content.

So why do only some podcasts really grow?

Because the ones that cut through usually offer something original.

One of the biggest mistakes new podcasters make is trying to copy a successful show. Same format. Same style. Same kind of guests. Same energy. But listeners can tell when a podcast feels like a lesser version of something they already know.

You do not need to be the next Joe Rogan or Jay Shetty. You need to be more you.

The strongest podcasts are built on what no one else can replicate: your experience, your point of view, your stories, your personality, and the way you see your topic.

That is what makes a show memorable.

Yes, your podcast still needs to feel relevant to your audience. Your title, artwork, and topics need to pull people in. But once they hit play, there should be something distinct about what you deliver.

Something they cannot get anywhere else.

If your podcast sounds like every other show in your niche, that is a problem. But if it sounds unmistakably like you, that is your advantage.

In a noisy podcast world, copying is not the path to growth. Originality is.

Inspired by Jeremy Enns of Podcast Marketing Academy — his Scrappy Podcasting newsletter is well worth a read if you're serious about growing your show.

QUICK TIPS FOR PODCAST GROWTH

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 00:26:40 GMT

WANT TO GROW YOUR PODCAST?

Podcasters are always asking: “ How do I grow my audience? ”
The truth is, there’s no one magic button. But at this year’s Podcast Movement in Dallas, two of the industry’s best, Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt , (from TINK :) served up a keynote packed with growth ideas you can put into action right now.

Here are the highlights…

1. Pre-Pitch Before You Pitch
Everything is a pitch - guest swaps, promo swaps, emails, even quick chats at networking events. The key? Warm connections beat cold ones every time. Start supporting people before you need something.

2. Collaborators, Not Competitors
Think less “competition,” more “collaboration.” Shows in your niche can help you reach new listeners through swaps and cross-promotion. According to research shared at Podcast Movement, most people listen to around three podcasts regularly , so make sure yours is one of them by joining forces.

3. Focus on Listeners, Not Non-Listeners
It’s tough to convert someone who doesn’t listen to podcasts at all. Instead, go after people who already listen. They’re far more likely to add one more show (yours!) to their rotation.

4. Social Media ≠ Silver Bullet
Scrolling and listening don’t always mix. Social posts are great for building awareness and community, but they’re rarely the place where someone actually hits play. Think of them as one of many touchpoints along the way.

5. Borrow Audiences
Promo swaps, feed drops, guesting - it’s all about getting in front of someone else’s audience. And don’t just match on genre, match on vibe.

6. Launch with a Trailer
A podcast trailer is your show’s handshake. It helps you test your hosting setup, get listed on apps early, and start gathering listeners and reviews before your official launch.

7. Think Like a Producer
When pitching yourself to other shows, do your homework. What does the host care about? Where could you add real value? Generic pitches = instant delete. Thoughtful pitches = opportunity.

8. Celebrate Every Win
Did a big publication mention your show? Amazing. Did your old uni shout you out on Instagram? That counts too. Share both. Wins stack up and build momentum.

9. Use Social Media to Nurture Your Existing Audience
Social is brilliant for engaging your current listeners. Polls, feedback, sharing guest content…but it’s less effective for finding brand-new ones.

10. Look Beyond Download Numbers
Advertisers may love downloads, but other metrics matter just as much. Listen-through rates, demographics, newsletter clicks, Instagram followers, merch sales, Patreon support - all of these prove the value of your show.

11. Listen to Podcasts Yourself
The best podcasters are also listeners. Learn from others, discover trends, and stay plugged into the community.

Key Takeaways from Podcast Movement 2025
Video is still a hot debate: YouTube offers growth, but audio-only is still valid.
SEO is underused: Optimise your titles and descriptions for search.
The industry is shifting: With mergers and evolving ad models, podcasters should stay nimble and keep experimenting.

Final Thoughts
Growing a podcast isn’t about one big move. It’s about a series of small, consistent, smart decisions. These rapid-fire tips from Lauren and Arielle are proof that collaboration, creativity, and strategy matter more than chasing viral moments.

Are There Broadcasting Standards for Podcasts in NZ?

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 23:57:31 GMT

Here’s What You Need to Know

At PodLab, we often get asked: ‘Are podcasts subject to broadcasting standards in New Zealand?’

I contacted the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) to gain clarity.
Here’s what I found out ��

Podcasts Are Not Regulated Like Traditional Broadcasting

The BSA’s jurisdiction only covers “broadcasting’, which includes traditional radio and television, not on-demand content like podcasts published on platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

Unless a podcast has also been broadcast on live radio or TV, it doesn’t fall under the Broadcasting Act 1989 or the BSA’s Code of Broadcasting Standards.

It’s Still Wise to Follow Good Content Practices

Even though the Broadcasting Standards don’t technically apply, the BSA recommends using them as a guideline, especially if your content could affect audiences, address sensitive issues, or reach young listeners.

There are also other laws and organisations that might apply to your podcast content:

• Defamation law – Don't make false or damaging claims about people or businesses.

• Harmful Digital Communications Act – Avoid bullying, threats, or harmful content.

• Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) – If you're running ads, sponsorships, or promotions, follow ASA guidelines.

• NZ Media Council – Mainly relates to news-style content or journalistic work.

If you're publishing publicly, you remain responsible for what you say. So, it’s worth being aware of the legal environment, even outside broadcasting.

Looking Ahead

The BSA also mentioned that upcoming government reforms could expand regulations to include online content like podcasts. That means the legal landscape might change in the future, so podcasters should stay informed about developments.

At PodLab, we’ll be watching this too, because while podcasts currently sit outside the Broadcasting Act, the industry is rapidly growing, and regulation is likely to catch up.

How To Name Your Podcast

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 01:14:02 GMT

HOW TO NAME YOUR PODCAST

Choosing a name for your podcast feels a bit like naming a baby; you want it to be unique, memorable, and to grow with you over time. But unlike your future child, your podcast name also needs to be searchable, brandable, and instantly give listeners a clue about what they’re signing up for.

Here are some things to keep in mind when brainstorming:

1. Skip “Podcast” in the Title

While it might feel natural to add the word podcast to your show’s name, it’s usually best to avoid it. Why?

Listeners already know they’re listening to a podcast - it doesn’t need to be restated.
It makes your show harder to find, since there are thousands of other podcasts with the word podcast in the title. Your show can easily get buried in search results.
A cleaner name without it often feels more timeless and professional.

2. Think Like a Netflix Producer

If your podcast were a TV series, book, or film, what would its title be? Chances are you’d never name a drama The Trauma Podcast or a thriller Murder Cast. Treat your podcast name with the same level of creativity and respect as any other piece of art.

3. Make It Findable

Even the most brilliant name won’t help you if no one can find your podcast. Before you lock it in:

Google it.
Check podcast apps.
Look for social handles.
You want a name that isn’t competing with 50 other search results. A little originality goes a long way.

4. Consider Whether Your Name Belongs in the Title

For many new podcasters, it’s tempting to use your own name as the main title. But unless you already have an established profile or following, it may not give potential listeners enough reason to click. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t mention yourself, your name can absolutely feature in your cover art, description, or even as part of the show’s branding. Just think about whether the title itself communicates clearly what your podcast is about.

5. Short, Snappy, and Sticky

The best podcast titles are easy to say, easy to spell, and easy to remember. A clever play on words can work, but don’t overcomplicate it. If someone has to ask how to spell your title before they can type it into Spotify, you’ve already lost them.

6. Use Emotion, Not Just Information

A great name doesn’t just describe - it makes you feel something. Curiosity, excitement, belonging. For example, Diary of a CEO could have been called Business Tips with Steven Bartlett, but instead it leans into intimacy and storytelling. Call Her Daddy sparks intrigue and a little controversy before you even know what the show is about. The Happiness Lab taps into an emotion we all connect with, while signalling that you’ll learn something valuable. The best names don’t just explain - they invite listeners into a feeling.

7. Test It Out

Say it out loud. Introduce it like you’re recording an episode: “Welcome back to [Your Title Here]…” Does it flow? Does it sound like something you’d want to subscribe to? Try it on friends, or even better, on people who don’t already know what your show is about.

Bottom line: Your podcast title is your first pitch to a potential listener. Make it unique, make it searchable, and make it something you’ll still be proud of saying a hundred episodes from now.

HOW TO BE A GREAT INTERVIEWER

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 02:35:38 GMT

HOT TIPS

1. Choose Compelling Guests
Choose guests with unique stories and engaging storytelling skills. Passionate, fresh perspectives often make for better interviews than high-profile names. If you're excited about your guest, your audience will be too.
Tip : Start with people who genuinely interest you. Also, ask past guests for recommendations, they often know others who would be a great fit for your podcast.

2. Do Your Research
Learn about your guest beforehand to ask insightful questions. Check their website, books, social media, other podcasts they appear on and industry news to uncover interesting angles.
Tip: The more you know about your guests, the more likely they are to be impressed by your effort and open up to you.

3. Create a Comfortable Setting
Make sure your set-up is distraction-free, and professional, whether it’s in-studio or remote. Good lighting, clear audio, and a relaxed atmosphere help create an engaging conversation.
Tip: If your guest is on a video call, make sure the angle of their camera is flattering and that their sound quality is as good as it can be. Nobody wants to look up someone’s nostrils while they are being interviewed.

4. Listen More Than You Talk
Great interviewers listen actively. Give your guest space to elaborate, and don't rush to fill silences, they often lead to deeper insights.
Tip: Even though it’s your podcast, make the guest the star. Give them the space to speak, share, open up. Let them shine.

5. Stay Flexible and Curious
While preparation is important, don’t be afraid to veer off the script. Great interviews often take unexpected turns, and some of the best moments arise from spontaneous exchanges. By asking open-ended questions and being ready to follow up on your guest’s responses, you allow the conversation to flow naturally.
Tip: A great interview often comes down to a great guest. You can ask the greatest questions in the world, but if they don’t open up and elaborate then the interview can suffer. Craft your questions so the guest has to give more of themselves.

6. Ask Questions That Invite Stories
Go beyond predictable questions. Ask about emotions, pivotal moments, and vivid details. Questions like "What was going through your mind when…?" bring stories to life.
Tip: Tap into Emotion: Asking about challenging moments or triumphant experiences invites your guest to share emotionally charged stories that will resonate deeply with your audience.

7. Learn from the Best
Study interviewers you admire, like talk show hosts, journalists, or podcast creators. What do they do well? How do they build rapport with their guests? What types of questions do they ask? By analysing their style, you can incorporate elements that resonate with you while still developing your own voice as an interviewer.
Tip: Study yourself too! Listening back is a great way to spot patterns like filler words or moments where you could have asked a more engaging follow-up question. Over time, you’ll refine your interviewing style and develop a unique approach that resonates with your audience.

Final Tip: Be Authentic
Ultimately, being a great interviewer is about creating a genuine connection with your guest and your audience. Trust your instincts, and don't overthink the conversation. Keep it natural, curious, and focused on building a rapport with your guest. Your authenticity will shine through, and that’s what your listeners will connect with the most.

HOW TO GET MORE LISTENERS FOR YOUR PODCAST

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 22:46:08 GMT

HOW DO I ATTRACT LISTENERS TO MY PODCAST?

Since we opened the doors of PodLab, this is the question we have been asked the most (closely followed by “How can I make money from my podcast).

We want to start by saying, go easy on yourself. And try not to compare your podcast to anyone else.

For what it’s worth, you may be doing a lot better than what you think: According to Podcast hosting giant Buzzsprout, any podcast that gets 109 downloads in the first month of release puts you in the top 25% of podcasts! Congrats if that is you. If not, it’s definitely a very achievable goal.

In this article we have just one tip. It’s a big one though- this is the golden rule.

In future articles we will share some more practical tips for getting more listeners to your podcast, the stuff we know you want. Unfortunately, the golden rule for getting more listeners is not something you’ll really want to hear.

Drum roll……

BE PATIENT!!

This is in caps for a reason. And its number 1 for a reason. It sucks at the start of your podcast journey- putting out content that you genuinely believe in, and you know is great.

But this is a valuable time to learn, improve, stuff up, fail, embarrass yourself, grow, develop, etc, WITHOUT a big audience. This is your apprenticeship.

A great example of podcast patience is Joe Rogan, the host of the worlds #1 podcast. He launched in 2009 and published 1000 episodes before he truly “blew up.” That was in 2018- nine years after he started.

Here in New Zealand, one of our most popular and long running podcasts is “Between Two Beers.” Steve and Seamus launched their podcast in November 2019. Three years and 53 episodes later, their average amount of downloads per episode was around 400. Thankfully, they remained patient and kept at it. Each episode now gets downloaded in the tens of thousands.

Of course, there are counter arguments to this rule, but these are unicorns.

Alex Cooper started her incredible Call Her Daddy podcast in 2018. The podcast blew up overnight with downloads rising to 2 million in two months.

We would all like that sort of exponential success. But, if that doesn’t happen, patience is going to be crucial.

Patience is tough. But if you are passionate about your podcast and think of it as something you love doing, you will be much more likely to stick with it.

It’s a lot of work. And you’ll probably have to pay for everything out of your own pocket, because without a good audience it will be unlikely you are earning money from your podcast (yet).

But BE PATIENT and both those things will happen.

At PodLab we have the people and equipment to help accelerate the podcast journey and make sure your podcast is as great as it can be.

CAN YOU USE YOUR FAVOURITE SONG IN YOUR PODCAST?

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 03:38:25 GMT

People often ask us if they can use their favourite song as the opening music for their podcast. Spoiler alert: The answer is... No

This article is a re-write of one from PodNews.net

People often ask us if they can use their favourite song as the opening music for their podcast. While it would be awesome to start your show with Chariots of Fire or AC/DC’s Thunderstruck, unfortunately, you can’t. At all.
There’s a lot of misinformation about this in internet forums and chat rooms, but the fact is, you cannot use commercial music in your podcast without paying for a licence.

Here are some FAQ’s & excuses…

What if my podcast is a hobby and has only a handful of listeners, and doesn’t make any money?
You still cannot use commercial music.

But it’s fair use!
You would have to prove your use was 'fair’ in court and if you’ve got that far, you’ve already spent a lot of money in legal costs.

I’m best friends with the singer, and they said I could use their music.
The artists are just one part of the equation; you also need permission from the record company, the composers of the music, the publishers of the music, and in many cases a “mechanical” and “sync” right to allow you to copy the material.
In most cases, an artist can’t give you permission, since they signed a contract with publishers and record companies.

But I have a One Music or APRA licence.
This licence does not cover use of music recordings in podcasts.

But don’t Spotify allow it now?
Spotify announced Shows with Music, which is a way to put full tracks into your show - as long as they play off Spotify.
And your listeners can only hear the songs in full if they pay for Spotify Premium.

But I’m only using less than ten seconds of a song.
There’s no minimum duration either. You can’t even use a snippet.

So, I can’t use any commercial music, then?
Not really, not without a licence.

Not even a little bit?
No.

What happens if I do?
If you get caught, you are likely to be sued. For a lot of money.
There are even companies out there who scan podcasts for unauthorized music.

I won’t get caught. I’m going to go ahead and do it.
It’s a gamble, because the record companies may just sit and wait for you to be successful, and THEN come after you, maybe two years later, when you can afford it. But if you go ahead anyway: you might get away with it for a bit; but the bots are coming, and it’s unlikely to be a good plan for long.

Where do I buy a licence, then?
With an awful lot of work, you could licence music by working with each part of the chain, but, as is hopefully clear above, it’s not as easy as you think it’s going to be: and your licence is unlikely to be valid everywhere in the world.

But I’ve heard music on other podcasts!
You can use music, you just can’t use commercial music. You need to use royalty-free music. There are plenty of websites that have huge catalogues of music you can use in your podcast.
www.songsforpodcasters.com

https://artlist.io/

https://pixabay.com/music/

https://soundcloud.com/royaltyfreemusic-nocopyrightmusic

https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/featured/

https://uppbeat.io/

HOW TO MAKE A PODCAST FOR FREE

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 00:14:59 GMT

SO YOU WANT TO MAKE A PODCAST

(BUT DON’T WANT TO SPEND ANY MONEY)

Welcome to “Starting a podcast 101.”

Use this to create and launch your own podcast today in 8 easy steps for a total cost of ZERO DOLLARS!

Starting a podcast sounds daunting. And expensive. But it most definitely doesn’t have to be- it all depends on what you want to achieve. You could literally launch a podcast today using your phone or laptop in your bedroom and spend no money!

Naturally, you get what you pay for, so the quality won’t be world class- but it might be a good way for you to start to see if you like it. Then if you plan to stick with it, you can look at investing some money in better equipment (or get in touch with the friendly PodLab team!)

Step 1: Conceptualize Your Podcast

Step 2: Name Your Podcast

Step 3: Develop Cover Art and Branding

Step 4: Get Podcast Equipment

Step 5: Record and Edit

Step 6: Get some show music.

Step 7: Host Your Podcast

Step 8: Promote your podcast

Step 1: Conceptualize Your Podcast

This is the fun bit. Get some blank sheets of paper, maybe a bag of Doritos and some drinks and decide what your podcast will be about.

Some stuff to consider:

Will you do it by yourself or with some friends or colleagues?

How will it be different to other podcasts?

Is there a gap in the market for this one or is someone else already doing it better?

Will you do a series, like 6 episodes for example, or will it be an ongoing podcast?

Who is your podcast for? If it’s just a passion project for you and your friends and you are not worried about download numbers, great! That removes all the pressure. But if your wish is to build a podcast community with listeners and fans, you’ll need to think about who the target audience will be.

How long will each episode be? There are no rules with podcasts- some Joe Rogan episodes go for over 5 hours! But when you are starting out, shorter is probably better- you are more likely to stick with your podcast if it doesn’t feel like a drag.

Step 2: Name Your Podcast

Choose a catchy, memorable name that reflects your theme and audience. Then search on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, Instagram etc. to make sure nobody has beaten you to it!

Step 3: Develop Cover Art and Branding

Design a cool, eye-catching cover that represents your show (the cover art should be 3000x3000 pixels for major platforms).

For inspiration, look at other podcasts and what they have then decide what you love the most.

There are a million different ways to do this- you could pay someone on an app like Fiverr to create one or make one yourself using an app such as Canva. Canva even has free templates specifically for podcasts that are easy to customize.

You could even whip something up yourself on your phone (for example- take a photo then place some text over it).

Step 4: Get Podcast Equipment

This is the point where you need to decide how fussed you are about the quality. You can literally get your podcast up and running by just talking into your phone or laptop using the built in microphones. But ask yourself, would YOU listen to podcasts that didn’t sound amazing?

To launch without spending anything at all voice memos on iPhone or the app Easy Voice Recorder both provide decent sound quality.

If you have a laptop or desktop, you can use its built-in microphone for recording. It’ll do the job (just LOL).

This could be a good way to start- after a few episodes if you are sure podcasting is something you will stick with, then maybe look at buying some specialty equipment (when Dom launched his podcast he spent $1500 at an incredible store called Rubber Monkey and got a Rode caster pro, 2x Rode Podmics and mic stands- but you can spend way more, or way less). Other great places to get podcast gear include JB Hi-Fi, Rockshop and PB Tech.

Step 5: Record and Edit for Free

Editing will be required if you want to remove any mistakes or segments or cut out any pauses, umm’s, ahhhs or mistakes. This is not essential- its entirely up to you.

If you have had no experience with this stuff, you’ll have to give yourself a crash course. It can seem daunting, but most of these options are fairly intuitive and user-friendly and you’ll get the hang of them before too long. And YouTube is full of helpful tutorial videos.

Wavepad: This is what Dom uses. It’s great for editing and podcast production.

Audacity: A powerful, open-source audio editor perfect for recording and editing podcasts.

GarageBand: A free app available on Mac that can handle podcast production easily.

Step 6: Get some show music.

If you like podcasts that have some music at the start or the end, you can get free background music or sound effects from royalty-free sites like Free Music Archive or Pixabay Music.

Step 7: Host Your Podcast for Free

You need a platform to store and distribute your podcast episodes. You upload your podcast to this hosting site, then it gets released on all the well-known podcast apps (Spotify, Apple, etc).

Here are some free hosting options:

Anchor: Owned by Spotify, Anchor offers free hosting, distribution, and even the option to monetize your podcast.

Podbean (free plan): Offers basic features with some limitations but can still distribute your podcast to major platforms.

Buzzsprout: Their free plan includes limited hours of content but is a good starting point.

Step 8: Promote your podcast

Now you have your podcast out there, you need to let people know about it! Here are a few ways you can market your podcast with no budget:

Social media: Use your existing social media platforms (X, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook). When Dom first started, he didn’t have video content so he promoted his podcast by sharing photos of the guests and also by creating audio highlight snippets on a site called Audiogram (Audiogram has a free version where you can create 2 snippets a month). The social media algorithms mean these snippets don’t perform as well as high quality videos, but it’s a good place to start.

Another way is to just record video content using your phone and share snippets of that.

Ask for reviews: Positive reviews on podcast platforms can help boost visibility.

With these steps, you'll be well on your way to starting a successful podcast!

WHAT IS A PODCAST?

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 23:58:38 GMT

A podcast is a digital audio or video file that can be played or downloaded from the internet. It’s basically an audio show. Similar to radio, but on-demand.

Podcasts are typically released as episodes and can cover a wide range of topics, like news, documentary, entertainment, education, storytelling, celebrity interviews and more. They are usually hosted by one or more people who discuss, interview guests, or share insights on specific subjects.

Listeners can subscribe to podcasts through platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts, allowing them to receive new episodes automatically when they are released.

Podcasts are popular because they offer a convenient way to consume content on the go, whether you're driving, exercising, or relaxing at home.

HOW DO I LISTEN TO A PODCAST?

Listening to a podcast is easy and can be done through various devices like smartphones, tablets, computers, or smart speakers.

1. Choose a Podcast Platform:

Mobile Apps: Download a podcast app like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts from your device's app store.
Computer: You can listen directly from a podcast's website or use platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts in your web browser.
Smart Speakers: Ask your smart speaker (like Amazon Echo or Google Home) to play a specific podcast.

2. Find a Podcast:

Open your chosen podcast app.
Use the search function to find a specific podcast by name, or browse categories (like comedy, true crime, news, or education) to discover new ones.
You can also explore the app’s curated lists, top charts, or recommendations.

3. Subscribe or Follow:

Once you find a podcast you like, you can subscribe or follow it. This ensures that new episodes automatically appear in your library or feed.

4. Download or Stream:

Stream: Tap on an episode to start playing it instantly over the internet.
Download: If you want to listen offline, tap the download icon (usually an arrow pointing downwards) next to the episode. This saves it to your device so you can listen without an internet connection.

5. Listen:

Press play and enjoy! Most podcast apps have features like skipping forward/backward, adjusting playback speed, and creating playlists.

6. Manage Your Library:

You can organize your subscribed podcasts, manage downloads, and set up notifications for new episodes in the app’s settings.