Podcasting 101: The Best Hosts and Websites for Your Show

Boomer Podcasters

Today, we dive into the essential topic of podcast hosting, highlighting the importance of choosing the right platform for your podcasting journey. The discussion begins with personal experiences, including the host's transition from Anchor to Captivate, emphasizing the significance of owning your content and the features that different hosting services offer. Listeners can expect insights into various hosting options, including pricing and unique features, as well as recommendations like Blueberry, Buzzsprout, and Podpage. Beyond just hosting, the episode also touches on the importance of having a dedicated podcast website to enhance your online presence. As the conversation unfolds, the host encourages listeners to conduct their own research and explore the tools available to optimize their podcasting experience.

Boomer podcasters are welcomed back with a lively discussion on the nuances of selecting a podcast host and the importance of owning your content. The host, who has experienced podcasting through various platforms, shares a personal journey that started with Anchor FM, where he learned the ropes of podcasting before migrating to Captivate. The episode highlights the key differences between these platforms, emphasizing the importance of ownership and control over one’s content. The host warns against the pitfalls of free services like Spotify for Podcasters, where content ownership can be murky, urging listeners to consider hosts that allow them to retain rights to their material. He shares insights on various hosting services including Blueberry, Podbean, and Buzzsprout, discussing their features, pricing, and the overall user experience. The discussions reflect the host’s candid perspective shaped by years of experience, making it relatable for both novice and seasoned podcasters.

As the conversation unfolds, the focus shifts to the evolving landscape of podcasting technology and the tools available for podcasters today. The host elaborates on the importance of having a dedicated podcast website, discussing platforms like Podpage and Podcast Page IO that simplify the process of creating professional-looking sites without needing extensive technical skills. This segment is particularly useful for aspiring podcasters who may feel overwhelmed by the technical aspects of launching their shows. Key features of these platforms, such as customizable designs, integration with RSS feeds, and the ability to add multimedia elements like voicemails and blog posts, are discussed, showcasing how these tools can enhance a podcast’s reach and engagement.

The episode concludes with a broader reflection on the podcasting community and the importance of supporting fellow creators, encouraging listeners to engage with podcasts, share their experiences, and foster connections within the industry. The host emphasizes the value of research and personal experience in making informed decisions about podcasting tools and strategies. By sharing his journey and the lessons learned along the way, he inspires the audience to explore the diverse options available in the podcasting landscape, ultimately promoting creativity and growth in the podcasting space.

Takeaways:

• Choosing the right podcast host is a personal decision that impacts your podcasting journey.
• Free podcast hosting services may not provide you with ownership of your content.
• Captivate.fm offers multiple podcasts under one account and extensive distribution options.
• It's essential to conduct thorough research on podcast hosting before making a decision.
• Consider using a dedicated podcast website service for better customization and ease of use.
• Podcast players like Fountain enable listeners to boost their favorite creators using cryptocurrency.

Links referenced in this episode:

• podcastindex.org
• captivate.fm
• blueberry.com
• sovereignfeeds.com
• podhome.com
• rssblue.com
• justcast.com
• buzzsprout.com
• vodio.com
• podpage.com
• libsyn.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Anchor
• Captivate
• Spotify
• Libsyn
• Blueberry
• Sovereign Feeds
• Pot Home
• RSS Blue
• Podcasting
• Buzzsprout
• Vodio
• Prodigy
• Red Circle
• Fountain
• True Fans
• Podcast Index
• Podcast Page IO
• Pod Page