11 Commandments of Podcasting (Insider 241)
Big Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters
Release Date: 07/22/2025
Big Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters
What really makes a podcast guest great (and why it's not just about filling out forms, sharing tips, or being a great speaker) in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Your story’s impact: would your audience miss you? Does vulnerability really trump selling in interviews? The secrets behind unforgettable guest energy Famous guests: does likability even matter? Reinvent your story? Or bore with “greatest hits”? The red light effect: overcoming instant stage fright Celebrity interviews: don’t expect a glowing review Why You Should Listen The...
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Want to know what really makes a podcast host great? David Hooper breaks down the secrets to setting the space, guiding guests, and running unforgettable interviews in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode The truth about co-author interviews Guests that kill episode momentum How big-name guests hog all attention Insider secrets for making podcast guests shine Why publicists ruin unforgettable interviews Good hosts aren’t born, they’re made Why You Should Listen The secret weapon to making your podcast unforgettable (even your mom will brag about...
info_outlineBig Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters
Why spending big money on ads, chasing viral fame, or following every new platform isn’t the answer (and what really builds a podcast audience that matters) in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Luck, ads, or fame: podcast growth myths exposed Viral moments: why fame doesn’t equal loyalty $15,000 spent, only 178 downloads ... now what? Famous parents, forgotten children Coaches promising millions Build longing: make a podcast worth missing Small hinges, big doors Why You Should Listen How podcasters burn thousands on ads Why “famous”...
info_outlineBig Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters
After nearly 700 episodes, David Hooper made the bold decision to change this podcast's name. Why he did it, how it impacts his listeners, and what you should consider before a rebrand in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Change your name, change your momentum The grass is greener: podcasters crave novelty Big mistakes: don’t buy your own hype Sunk cost: abandon your old podcast identity? Relentless rebranding: how Shaq forced my hand Scud Busters ... why trendy names die fast Your audience isn’t loyal (they barely notice) Why You Should...
info_outlineBig Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters
Ever wonder if you should really pay attention to your instincts—or if chasing excitement will only burn you out? David Hooper breaks down the final step to finding your podcasting voice (and what NOT to do with your flaws) in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Change your podcast name, ignite listener curiosity Exploit your flaws ... but don’t overshare your failures Dopamine addiction: how podcasts spiral into extremes Most podcasters sabotage themselves with fake “voice” Data-driven shows: fun-killers or growth hacks? Show up relentlessly;...
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Should you copy what other successful podcasters do, or blaze your own trail—and does paying attention to others really help you find your unique voice? David breaks it down in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ... Big Ideas in This Episode How “pay attention to others” triggers creative envy Ignore the rules ... why breaking them brings power Don’t copy Rogan: fame’s unfair advantage exposed Secret signal: Why listeners follow the herd The hidden danger of “famous microphone” obsession Seduced by conversation: media events as social status Elevate your voice...
info_outlineBig Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters
Why simply practicing your podcast isn’t enough and how the right kind of focused practice will actually help you find your authentic voice in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ... Big Ideas in This Episode Are you brave enough to speak your fears? Use your flaws ... listeners secretly envy authenticity Ignore podcasting “rules” and seize control Practice isn’t enough ... "perfect practice" breeds power Creative limits spark unexpected, lust-worthy brilliance Content isn’t king ... exceptional content wins greed Make every episode art, not just “more” Why...
info_outlineBig Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters
Should you break podcasting rules or learn them first? David dives into how knowing the rules helps you find your voice and when it's time to break them in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ... Big Ideas in This Episode Change your podcast name—power move or mistake? Break podcasting rules and dominate your niche Podcast what scares you—your audience craves it Leverage your darkest flaws for listener loyalty Stand out: ignore “safe” advice, dominate minds Hit podcast fame: don’t chase creativity, chase impact Listeners expect structure—defy it, but beware crashes Why...
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Should you try to stand out or fit in—and can you do both at once? David shares how bringing your own voice and experience to podcasting is the real key to being noticed (without reinventing the wheel) in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ... Big Ideas in This Episode Stand out: fitting in feeds your podcast's death Breaking rules? Learn them first, then rebel Mention your scars, but don’t parade them Your podcast voice: envy-worthy or echo chamber? Copy the crowd? Producer or star? Control your on-mic destiny Flaunt your skills quietly—power is subtle Why You Should...
info_outlineBig Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters
Should you highlight your flaws to stand out, or does "failure porn" turn listeners off? David breaks down the difference and reveals what really makes your podcast matter in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ... Big Ideas in This Episode Why “perfect” podcasts bore people ... and how to stop Oversharing your flaws? It’s failure porn Listeners crave authenticity, not your confessions Your podcast: church, cult, or community? Podcast hosts: main character or just a guide? Master relatability without wallowing in misery Is it about you or your listeners’ desires? ...
info_outlineAI's impact on podcasting, why genuine connection matters more than ever, the rise of AI-generated bands, strategies for releasing episode clips, and the 11 Commandments every podcaster should know in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
- AI bands: millions of streams, zero humanity
- Turn fake connections into real podcast fans
- Clips before full episodes: seduce the algorithm
- Feel cheated? Audiences crave authentic hosts
- 11 commandments: banish burnout and finish projects
- Superstition in podcasting: 666 and success myths
- Deep podcasts flop—will short bursts win hearts?
Why You Should Listen
- The sneaky reason your podcast is more valuable than ever! AI can’t replicate human connection (and how you can exploit that!)
- How an all-AI band racked up millions of streams ... and why they’ll never take what’s truly yours
- The “connection craving” nobody’s talking about ... make listeners crave YOU, not just your content
- Are you throwing money away on production? Here’s how to shortcut your workflow with one tiny (AI-powered) trick
- The costly mistake of trusting fake followers, bots, and playlists to boost your podcast ... here’s the dark side nobody will warn you about
- Why making your show “real” is the new status symbol ... outsmart the algorithms with raw, honest content that keeps fans addicted
- The envy-inducing “community cult” method that turns casual listeners into loyal superfans (they’ll beg to be part of your tribe)
- Podcasts that game the system get forgotten ... how to make sure you’re remembered (while others fade to nothing)
- The “release clips early” loophole that can hack the algorithms and poach new followers before your full episode drops
- 11 “Commandments” for podcast domination—even legendary creators can’t beat #7!
- The one piece of old-school advice every podcaster must internalize to avoid burning out ... and losing everything
- Why trend-chasing is killing your influence ... discover the slow-burn path to podcast power and control
- The brutal truth about switching up your format ... how one shift can destroy (or supercharge) your following overnight
- Secrets of the deep-and-infrequent podcast trend: Can you hypnotize listeners with 4-hour episodes and zero guests?
- The silent killer of podcast growth: Why most hosts will never make the impact (or money) they crave ... unless they fix this one thing
Episode Timestamps
- [00:03:16] Why your podcast matters more than ever—why connection always beats downloads, and how fakes get found out
- [00:07:37] The explosive story of a 100% AI band racking up millions of Spotify streams…and the backlash that followed
- [00:09:13] From Village People to Spice Girls: The surprising truth behind “fake bands” and what listeners really crave
- [00:11:07] Should you release podcast clips before the full episode? The data-backed theory every creator needs to hear
- [00:12:26] The 11 Commandments of Podcasting ... David’s bold, no-nonsense rewrite of classic creative advice for podcasters
- [00:20:14] The superstition episode: How license plates, bad luck, and performing rituals reveal hidden challenges for creators
- [00:21:59] Will “deep and infrequent” podcasts work? What happened when a bestselling author released 4-hour, guest-free episodes (and the numbers that say it all)
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About this episode of Build a Big Podcast:
This is the audio companion to Issue 241 of Big Podcast Insider. If you're interested in more info on what I talk about on this episode and also links, that's where to go. On this episode, I dive into where the money is made in podcasting. how to get more reviews (and subscribers) for your podcast, podcast hosting, and more.
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