Episode 130

full
Published on:

8th Jul 2026

Top 5 Things Our Clients Should Stop Focusing on (And Things They Should)

Podcasters should STOP focusing on the wrong things - and put that time and effort into the right things.

Our panel discusses several things we see our clients doing that could be better spent in areas that will make their shows more successful.

Do you agree with the Top 5 Things we shared? We certainly didn't agree with each other...why should you? 😁

Key moments:

(03:36) Stop Chasing AI & Video Views

(06:16) Beyond Downloads and Video Stress

(08:36) Video Engagement vs. Audio Depth

(12:49) Video’s Flexibility and Challenges

(17:32) Rethinking Episode Descriptions & Titles

(21:50) Beware of Low-Cost CPM Ads

(28:01) Editing Transcripts for Discovery by AI

(35:36) Be Memorable and Entertaining

(43:02) Analytics Over Downloads

(45:52) Intentional Replays & SEO

(49:24) Clarifying Your Podcast Strategy

Resources mentioned in the show:

Our guests:

Jason Soderberg aka PodVader is currently the VP of Podcast Operations and Production at the Cumulus Podcast Network. He first started all the way back in 2004 as the Producer who created the ESPN platform of podcasts.

In between, he’s served as the Head of Content for BlogTalkRadio/Spreaker/VoxNest - pioneering Dynamic Ad Insertion, the Locked On Network - continuing his passion for sports podcasts, and independent consulting.

...A rare bird who’s worked in both corporate and independent podcasting since the inception of the media.

🔎 Find him at https://cumuluspodcastnetwork.com

Andrea Klunder is the founder, media strategist, and lead producer-editor of The Creative Impostor Studios, a boutique agency producing award-winning audio documentary and podcast experiences for artists, organizations, and industry leaders dedicated to cultural impact. She has developed and produced shows for The Santa Fe Opera, New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, and Del Sol Quartet, whose first season was an Official Selection at the Tribeca Festival.

Andrea facilitates Power Your Story, a high school mentoring program and podcast produced by neurodiverse students in Chicago, which was a finalist for the Google Creators program in 2019, and has been a featured speaker and trainer for Podcast Movement, Podfest, She Podcasts Live, the University of Florida, Opera America Education Forum, After School Matters, and many, many podcasts. Her mission is to help your voice shine!

🤫 Andrea’s secret podcast featuring voice memos about strategic insights and podcasting skills https://app.helloaudio.fm/feed/3d09b4d6-fddf-4a2c-8338-ac295c32666e/signup

Lou Bartone helps smart business owners use AI to save time, simplify marketing, and create better content without sounding like a malfunctioning robot in a rented blazer.

As a former Hollywood TV executive, video marketing expert, and Certified AI Consultant, Lou brings strategy, storytelling, and practical AI know-how to entrepreneurs who want results without the tech-induced migraine.

Tired of asking ChatGPT for content ideas and getting back a bowl of digital oatmeal? Join the AI Playground for just $11/month. 👉 https://loubortone.com/AIP

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Tools we used:

*Riverside.fm to RECORD

*WhisperTranscribe for SHOW NOTES

PodChapters for EMBEDDED CHAPTERS

*Captivate.fm for our podcast MEDIA HOST

*Use of the above affiliate links may earn us a commission, which is used to support the efforts of this show. Thank you in advance for your support!

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Mentioned in this episode:

The Podcast Editor Academy

Get access to Steve Stewart's 35+ years of small business experience and decade of learning inside the Podcast Editor Academy - PLUS: -Weekly Challenges via email -Windshield University with our Private Podcast -Office Hours

Podcast Editor Academy



This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
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About the Podcast

Podcast Editors Mastermind
For Podcast Editors, by Podcast Editors
Do you like podcast editing? Are you a Podcast Editor or want to be a Podcast Editor?

This is the show for you. It's for Podcast Editors, by Podcast Editors.

We mastermind topics with your peers, industry leaders, and talk about podcast editing as a career or serious side-hustle.

Follow the show, get involved in the Podcast Editors Club Facebook group, and stay in touch with the latest events and news through the newsletter at https://www.PodcastEditorAcademy.com/newsletter.
When you're ready, consider joining us in the Podcast Editor Academy!

About your hosts

Steve Stewart

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Steve has been editing professionally since 2016 and founded the Podcast Editors Club Facebook community.
He also co-founded the Podcast Editor Academy - which helps individuals build their own podcast services business. When he's not online talking about editing podcasts, you'll find him staring out his home office window at the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in southern Colorado.

Mark Deal

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Mark is a nationally recognized expert and local leader in Podcasting. He serves as the Organizer of Podcast Atlanta, the Founder of Podcast Guest Academy, and leads various communities in the podcasting industry. His primary focus is showing people how to take their podcast guest appearances from boring to soaring with measurable impact.

Jennifer Longworth

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Bourbon Barrel Podcasting was founded in 2019 when Jennifer Longworth, with 14 years of audio editing experience, decided to get serious about editing podcasts for Central Kentuckians. Jennifer edits podcasts for established podcasters and helps new podcasters get started with the basics.

Carrie Caulfield Arick

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Carrie Caulfield Arick is a nerd for sound, stories, and listening. She’s learned from and worked with the industry’s best producers in her role as writer, editor and sound designer. Carrie is a co-founder of the femxle podcast post-production community, Just Busters and co-host of Podcast Editors Mastermind. Oh, and she likes cats… a lot.

Daniel Abendroth

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Hi, I’m Daniel and my podcast editing services will make your podcasts sound smooth and professional, while saving you time and money.