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How Podcasters Can Level Up Fast

Big Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters

Release Date: 10/27/2025

Returning After a Long Break: What Happens? show art Returning After a Long Break: What Happens?

Big Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters

Can podcast awards really boost your reputation, and what happens when you return to podcasting after years away? David Hooper shares stories, listener letters, and hard-won insights in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Game podcast awards for envy-inducing credibility Micro-fame: win an award with only 50 votes Awards hype: open doors, but hollow inside Quit for years? Return with even more power Feel like a beginner again ... and win Old podcast kings return: threatened or inspired? Your fans crave glory too ... give it to them Why You Should...

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The Truth About Podcast Awards show art The Truth About Podcast Awards

Big Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters

Can paying for podcast awards actually help you grow your audience, or is your money better spent elsewhere? Why most trophies aren’t worth chasing in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode The ugly truth behind paid podcast awards Trophy chasing: envy fuels empty victories Sponsors don’t care about your shiny award Award-winning? Listeners don't care Judge panels: old, out of touch, easily bought Why $300 is better spent on gear, not glory Make your podcast irresistible Why You Should Listen Why “award-winning” bragging rights could mean less...

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Turning One-Time Listeners Into Loyal Podcast Fans show art Turning One-Time Listeners Into Loyal Podcast Fans

Big Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters

Turning casual listeners into loyal podcast fans and building true community, plus how shorter episodes, punchy hooks, and connecting with your audience can grow your show in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Hook listeners with stolen cowboy boots mystery Shorter episodes: save time, boost completion envy Secrets to building real podcast community revealed Tease your best stories ... ignite listener curiosity Audiograms that actually convert: the three-bullet fix Turn guests into trusted insiders, gain listener loyalty Are you the host no one...

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Grassroots Podcast Growth: Cutting Through the Noise show art Grassroots Podcast Growth: Cutting Through the Noise

Big Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters

Cutting through overwhelming noise, building real connections, and using grassroots strategies to grow your podcast, plus the surprising lessons learned from a local political campaign, in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Grassroots hustle beats big-budget political noise Viral fame fades, relationships anchor true power Forget algorithms ... "door-knocking" builds real loyalty Annoying or helpful? Your marketing’s razor’s edge Neighborhood influence trumps paid ads, every time Listeners lust for connection, not more email Envy the...

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Audacity 4: The Big Upgrade show art Audacity 4: The Big Upgrade

Big Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters

Audacity 4 is here (sort of), and David takes you inside the alpha version, sharing why it's a game-changer for podcasters and how you can help shape its future in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Audacity 4: the free DAW pros will envy Upgrade your workflow, unlock hidden podcast power Take control, shape your tools Sound like a pro ... minimal gear, maximum impact Get inside: break, report, and shape Podcasters influencing software ... how your wish becomes reality Why You Should Listen How switching your podcast workflow can shatter your...

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Unlocking Better Interviews: What Makes a Great Podcast Guest show art Unlocking Better Interviews: What Makes a Great Podcast Guest

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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How to Become a Great Podcast Host show art How to Become a Great Podcast Host

Big Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters

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...

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Hard Truths About Podcast Coaching, Ads, and Growth show art Hard Truths About Podcast Coaching, Ads, and Growth

Big 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”...

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Why I Changed the Name of this Podcast After 700 Episodes (and How You Can Too) show art Why I Changed the Name of this Podcast After 700 Episodes (and How You Can Too)

Big 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...

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Avoiding Failure Porn and Focusing on Your Authentic Podcast Voice show art Avoiding Failure Porn and Focusing on Your Authentic Podcast Voice

Big 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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More Episodes

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 You Should Listen

  • The powerful reason why “perfect practice” beats aimless repetition ... and how 99% of podcasters waste time spinning their wheels
  • Why copying “content kings” guarantees mediocrity ... steal this twist to finally stand out
  • The secret artists use to force creativity (and how it can weaponize your podcast voice)
  • How imposing strict limitations on yourself actually makes you more original … and magnetic
  • The simple mental move for lazy improvement—use it and bury your competition
  • What podcasting “rules” to ignore … and which ones to master so you can break them with confidence
  • The musician’s mind trick that will have listeners envying your unique sound
  • How boring practice sessions keep you broke ... and the stealth tactic for transforming every recording into gold
  • The hidden danger of “just letting the tape roll” (It’s killing your growth ... and here’s what to do instead)
  • How the world’s most-played song proves not all content is created equal ... and how to hijack this secret for yourself
  • The “Sausage Factory” routine that breeds fast confidence and control behind the mic
  • What pro musicians know about switching instruments that podcasters MUST steal to stay ahead
  • How to force yourself into creating your most addictive content ever ... without working harder
  • The dirty little reason why most branded shows are forgettable … and how to instantly fix yours
  • The ultimate power move: Practice with a greedy goal in mind ... and watch your voice (and audience) grow ravenous

Episode Timestamps

  • [00:00:19] Speak what you're scared to speak: The advice that could help you unlock your true podcasting voice ... and why David partially disagrees.
  • [00:01:01] Why “practice makes perfect” is a myth (and what kind of practice actually works for podcasters).
  • [00:01:58] The strange songwriting trick musicians use to spark creativity ... and how podcast hosts can steal it to find their voice.
  • [00:02:46] Want to get creative? The power of setting bizarre limitations on yourself (and why breaking the rules isn’t always the answer).
  • [00:03:41] “Content is king.” Or is it? The harsh truth about why not all podcasts ... or content—are equal.
  • [00:04:11] The tale of “Happy Birthday”: Why writing more podcasts is not enough to find lasting success.
  • [00:05:16] Inside the “sausage factory” ... David’s daily, unfiltered practice routine that reveals the real way great hosts get better.

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