• Decoding the Manosphere Playbook: Podcast Lessons on Authority, Audience and Impact
    Mar 23 2026
    How the rise of manosphere creators reveals the podcast growth tactics (and traps) of new media, plus what podcasters like you can learn (and avoid) from their success in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Why clarity trumps caution in building authorityOutrage sells—how the manosphere exploits resentmentSteal the art of "us vs. them" communityEmotional triggers: your secret growth weaponOne core message, repeated relentlessly, wins trustAbsolutes over nuance: power moves podcastingParasocial power: listeners want to be you Why You Should Listen Why you should exploit "low-hanging emotional fruit" to stir mass envy and greed in your podcast audienceThe untold secret of how stating absolutes (not possibilities) generates cult-like followersThe forbidden trick of turning simmering anger and fear into irresistible podcast growth — steal it from the manosphere"Clipability" exposed: How viral moments can give you power, money, and influence (without working harder)How to build an "us versus them" army—so your listeners crave the sense of belonging only you provideWhy letting your podcast become a beacon for the frustrated, the invisible, and the desperate triggers viral sharesThe cunning way to reward your listeners for agreeing with you ... while making all outsiders feel weak and left behindHow relentless repetition (we'll call it "mantra magic") cements your authority and keeps people hooked for lifeWhy you must exploit the "forbidden angle" and the myth of dangerous, secret knowledge (and how it creates mad loyalty)Parasocial power: How to become the authority figure strangers will worship (and buy from) with zero extra workThe lazy podcaster's shortcut: Harness the algorithm by working smarter, not harder—so you never fear burnout againHow to frame belonging as a privilege ... making listeners hungry to become insiders and terrified of being shunnedThe ultimate method for using emotional identity as your most potent weapon for retention, influence, and controlTurn listener pain into your own profit: Why easy answers and simple villains will always beat balance and nuanceThe self-concept hack stolen from political demagogues: How to make your podcast audience see themselves exactly how you want (and why it makes you rich) Episode Timestamps [00:03:10] The overlooked mistake that's making manosphere influencers vanish overnight (and how YOU can avoid the same fate with your podcast)[00:04:19] The Fox News swap: Why it doesn't matter who's behind the mic ... and the warning this carries for anyone building a "personality-driven" show.[00:06:02] The secret formula: How manosphere creators hack your emotions without ever persuading you to feel something new (and what this means for your content)[00:07:54] Why podcasts that "speak in absolutes" are growing faster ... and the risky price of nuance in an algorithm-driven world.[00:11:28] The shocking truth about long-form content: Why 7 hours of streaming is just raw fuel for 30-second viral clips.[00:20:54] The forbidden angle: The dirty little trick behind "This is going to get me banned" and how controversy powers engagement.[00:32:00] The ultimate question: What kind of person does your podcast help someone become after 100 episodes ... and are you even thinking about it? You want these links ... Subscribe to Big Podcast PlaybookSee Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistance The Newsletter for Podcasters Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​ Big Podcast Insider is the newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​ Want more help growing your podcast audience? Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting TipsBig Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) Click the icon below to listen.
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    35 mins
  • What to Do When Your Podcast Guest Goes Hostile
    Mar 18 2026
    Ever had a guest who shuts down or turns hostile? How to handle tough interviews, keep your cool, and still get great content for your audience in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Hostile guests: opportunity or total disaster?Rockstar interview meltdown—how to flip the scriptJerry Lewis: masterclass in soul-crushing answersTurn tension with guests into listener goldSecrets of A-list rapport: homework beats fameControl the interview pace, not the guestWalk away: why ditching bad interviews wins Why You Should Listen The single biggest mistake that top podcasters make when a guest goes "hostile" ... and how you can turn it into jaw-dropping audio goldWhy a hostile guest might be your ticket to runaway success and the envy of every "safe" show out thereThe secret weapon for instantly taking control (without your guest ever knowing what hit them)What to say when your famous guest tries to bulldoze YOU (the subtle move that makes them your puppet without ever pulling a string)Why lazy pre-interview homework is sabotaging your show ... and the gluttonous research move that makes guests putty in your handsThe dark art of anchoring: Use silence to make them squirm, confess, and beg you for approvalHow a combative guest can become a lightning rod for audience love, listener loyalty, and sponsor lustWhy you should never defend your team on air (and how betrayal can actually fatten your reputation—and your wallet)The bulletproof "exit ramp" strategy pros use to keep power, control the room ... and leave losers in the dustWhat almost every interviewer does too fast (and how pausing for just 3 seconds can double your perceived status)The envy-inducing secret to building unstoppable guest rapport in under 30 seconds—using nothing but a dog photoThe ruthless way top podcasters protect their credibility ... doing THIS means you'll never beg for interviews againHow great editing can polish the worst trainwreck into a masterpiece (and have listeners and sponsors drooling for more)The "nuclear option" for pulling the plug on a doomed interview ... so you waste zero time, lose zero power, and walk away with your pride (and your show) totally intact Episode Timestamps [00:03] Have you ever had a guest who's a complete @$$H013? If you said no, you're not doing enough interviews.[00:34] The behind-the-scenes chaos of a "hostile" superstar guest (including time zone confusion and a near fight with the producer)[05:28] "Have you ever thought about retiring?" ... a jaw-dropping Jerry Lewis interview clip where every answer is a dead end.[08:13] The dirty secret: Listeners think it was a magical interview ... but great editing hid the total disaster.[14:16] Bryan Adams shuts down an entire line of questioning on air (how to handle a guest outright rejecting your topic)[20:30] The secret rapport-building question that cracked open a famously hard-to-interview rockstar.[26:00] Why you MUST have an "exit ramp" for interviews—and what really happens when a guest is so bad you just walk away. You want these links ... Subscribe to Big Podcast PlaybookSee Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistance The Newsletter for Podcasters Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​ Big Podcast Insider is the newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​ Want more help growing your podcast audience? Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting TipsBig Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) Click the icon below to listen.
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    34 mins
  • The Secrets to Long-Term Podcast Success
    Mar 14 2026
    What really keeps podcasters from quitting, and how you can build personal sustainability, master self-editing, manage momentum, process feedback, and adapt to an evolving audio world in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Flawless is overrated: when imperfection goes viralSelf-editing: release envy-worthy episodes fasterBurnout-proof systems the podcast elite useWhy feedback can ruin your unique powerEnvy the legends? Here's their real sustainability trickAdapt or die: gluttony for latest tech exposedThe one upgrade even veteran podcasters fear Why You Should Listen How to tell when your podcast is "good enough" ... and why perfectionists are killing their own growth (without even realizing it)The dirty little secret about pro audio gear (and how $10 could make your headphones last longer)Why most podcasters quit ... and the rare "sustainability skill" that guarantees you never willThe invisible production hack that makes you immune to burnout (even if you're feeling lazy and uninspired)The moment-by-moment method elite broadcasters use to sound fresh every single day (without working harder)How to use your flaws to create episodes people binge, envy, and share ... while your rivals chase impossible perfectionThe "momentum management" system that forces motivation and makes procrastination impossible (even for the naturally lazy)The single feedback-processing trick that lets you harness envy, filter hatred, and steal the best ideas from your enemiesHow to upgrade your skills without spending a dime or losing control (and why clinging to old tech is a death sentence)Radio's evolution exposed: The shocking truth about adapting (or dying) with style, power, and zero fearWhy mastering "self-editing" could triple your content's power overnight (and make your competitors question their own strategy)The cunning "scheduling loophole" that helps you outlast podcasters with bigger budgets and bigger egos ... every timeWhy your voice, warts and all, creates an irresistible pull that AI (and your enemies) can never replaceThe psychological warfare of podcasting: How to withstand criticism like an unbreakable titan ... and use it for your own gainThe secret reason legendary broadcasters rarely upgrade gear (and how you can channel their lazy, greedy genius for yourself) Episode Timestamps [00:02:47] Why knowing when "good enough" is good enough could be the key that keeps your podcast alive and thriving[00:05:29] The story of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" mixdowns ... and what 78 attempts can teach you about trusting your first take[00:08:04] The secret to avoiding podcaster burnout: How "momentum management" saves your show and your sanity[00:11:18] The shocking mistake that's causing creators to quit after a single negative comment (and how to build unshakeable feedback skills)[00:13:10] What '90s hair bands, grunge music, and podcasting have in common (and the painful lesson about chasing trends)[00:15:47] How radio DJs cheat time: The rise of voice tracking and why your favorite host is everywhere at once[00:18:22] The unbeatable advantage you have over AI (and why human experience still wins in podcasting) You want these links ... Subscribe to Big Podcast PlaybookSee Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistance The Newsletter for Podcasters Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​ Big Podcast Insider is the newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​ Want more help growing your podcast audience? Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting TipsBig Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) Click the icon below to listen.
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    21 mins
  • Growth and Marketability Skills for Podcasters Who Want Real Opportunities
    Mar 1 2026
    Want your podcast to go from just a show to a platform that attracts more listeners, sponsors, and lasting impact? How clear positioning, real audience engagement, and standout marketability make it happen in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Steal clarity: why defining "not" matters moreFame offers: reject celebrity guests for loyaltyBurnout-proof: why fan engagement beats viralityBinge-able content: outshine forgettable podcasters instantlyNever beg: how recognition turns fans to superfansPower moves: grow faster with live eventsUnlimited recording breeds lazy podcasters ... outplan, outrun Why You Should Listen The underground secret to making your podcast matter ... even if nobody hears it (and why it's the quickest path to becoming a stronger host)How to "position" your show so guests, sponsors, and listeners fight to get in ... while you effortlessly say no to the misfitsA simple way to trigger envy: why some podcasters get all the attention, all the guests, and all the money ... and how you can steal their thunderThe lazy podcaster's guide to building relationships with listeners ... without begging, hustling, or sweating for likes and reviewsThe forbidden tactic: How to make your listeners lust for more by recognizing them in ways most hosts miss (one mention could keep them loyal for years)The dark art of audience control: Turn your podcast from "just a show" into a dominating platform, and make opportunities chase youGreed trigger ... discover how your podcast can become the money machine sponsors crave (and how to filter out any deal that doesn't serve you)The powerful "us vs. them" mindset that separates bingeable shows from forgettable ones (and how you can use it to rule your niche)How to exploit the gluttony of social media ... but why chasing likes and follows is poison for long-term podcast growthWhat the "hot to a girl" can teach you about fleeting fame (and how to use this knowledge for absolute podcast longevity)Why bringing in more voices makes your show sound bigger and richer (get the envy of every one-person production in town)The segment swap secret: How to hack other people's audiences for explosive growth—without sleazy quid pro quo dealsHow to harness laziness and get maximum impact from minimum video ... do clips, not bloated talking heads, for irresistible attentionThe overlooked hack that triggers power: Use listener-generated content, played on your show, to build a podcast empire on autopilotThe ruthless scheduling filter—the surprising reason you should never publish just to "keep a streak alive" (and how this creates seductive anticipation for your next episode) Episode Timestamps [00:00:13] If you make a podcast and nobody hears it, does it matter?[00:03:03] Should you say yes to every guest—even celebrities? The surprising truth about guest opportunities[00:05:02] Are you speaking with listeners or just at them? Why so many social media stars crash and burn[00:07:43] The embarrassing reality: Most podcasters think their audience is bigger than it actually is[00:13:48] Why social media's "quick half-life" can sabotage your podcast growth (and what works better!)[00:16:20] "Projects get out when the time is right" (the counterintuitive truth behind publishing consistency)[00:19:43] Unlimited recording ruined podcast prep: The music industry lesson every podcaster needs to hear You want these links ... Subscribe to Big Podcast PlaybookSee Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistance The Newsletter for Podcasters Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​ Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​ Want more help growing your podcast audience? Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting TipsBig Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) Click the icon below to listen.
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    22 mins
  • Podcast Update, New Book Launch, and What's Next
    Feb 25 2026

    Big updates are on the way as David wraps up his upcoming book and shares the behind-the-scenes journey of perfecting the Big Podcast Launch Plan in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ...

    That's it! No other episode notes, since the episode itself is under five minutes.

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    • Subscribe to Big Podcast Playbook
    • See Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistance

    The Newsletter for Podcasters

    • Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​

    Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​

    Want more help growing your podcast audience?

    • Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting Tips
    • Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program)
    Click the icon below to listen.
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    5 mins
  • How to Keep Your Podcast Rolling ... Even in a Crisis
    Feb 7 2026
    What keeps the podcast machine rolling when ice storms, guest rejections, and burnout threaten your production? How to book better guests, maintain your standards, and plan for resets in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Reject generic pitches; stand out and win guestsI got rejected by Seth Godin ...Why to never start interviews with "Tell me about yourself"Ditch TikTok-style guest audioSteal Hollywood's high-output secretReset your podcast brandDon't let your audience trap you forever Why You Should Listen How to book A-list podcast guests—even if you have zero connections (and why begging publicists is killing your growth)Steal the ultra-rare "pre-interview research secret" that makes guests desperate to say yes (and spill their best secrets on your show)The deadliest mistake 99% of podcasters make with guest outreach ... and how to write irresistible pitches that cut straight through the noiseThe trick that lets you sidestep gatekeepers, leapfrog industry hierarchies, and go directly to the talent YOU want (instead of settling for scraps)Why "Dear Sir, I recently listened to…" makes you invisible ... and the exact wording to become an unforgettable hostA psychological hack ripped from 90s direct mail that can snag you top experts, even when money isn't enoughHow rejection can be secretly more valuable than landing a big name ... and the story you can use to beat your competitorsDiscover the sneaky way to set standards so high, even so-called "influencers" have to up their game to be on YOUR podcastThe "Aunt Mildred on Zoom" disaster: why lenient audio standards are killing your show's growth—and how to make every guest perform like a proThe forbidden rule: When (and why) to say NO to famous guests ... so you can build jealous demand and take full control of your microphoneThe unseen release discipline secret that separates billion-dollar brands from podfade nobodies—even during disaster, chaos, or epic hangoversHow to "batch" your recordings and create unstoppable podcast momentum ... even on a shoestring schedule (lazy but lethal)The real reason being "over-prepared" will DESTROY your interviews (and how Mike Tyson's punch-in-the-face rule can set you free)The "season arc" masterplan that keeps listeners glued, destroys boredom, and creates fans willing to beg for the next episodeHow to time the perfect podcast reset ... so you never get trapped in a format you hate (and keep your freedom, fame, and audience envy forever) Episode Timestamps [05:00] The "thousand-dollar letter" gambit: How David Hooper tried to win Seth Godin's attention with an outlandish donation—and why it spectacularly backfired[07:11] Why "Tell me about yourself" is a rookie podcast mistake ... and what happens when you give stars an open mic about their latest thing[09:18] The embarrassing truth: How A-list internet influencers show up unprepared for major radio (and what you must demand from your guests!)[12:38] The harsh audience reality: Why begging for last-minute guests and winging episodes will destroy your podcast following[14:38] The "Mike Tyson rule" of interviewing ... what happens when your perfect game plan gets wrecked by one unexpected guest response[18:00] Reset or risk irrelevance: The strategy David Hooper used to shake up his entire podcast and why every show needs a periodic restart[22:19] The chilling influencer trap: How one top podcaster became prisoner to her conspiracy-hungry audience—and the jaw-dropping story behind a single makeup photo You want these links ... Subscribe to Big Podcast PlaybookSee Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistance The Newsletter for Podcasters Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​ Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​ Want more help growing your podcast audience? Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting TipsBig Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) Click the icon below to listen.
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    27 mins
  • Key Production Skills Every Podcaster Needs
    Feb 1 2026
    A snowstorm threatened to derail his live show ... David breaks down exactly what production skills podcasters need to stay independent, keep their shows on track, and never miss an episode (even when things get wild) in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Build addiction: listeners willing to haul you through snowPodcasters crave loyalty, not just listenersSnowmageddon: Would your podcast survive?Control your sound, control your fateEnvy-inducing: pro radio tools you can stealQuitters lose ... how to master your personal sustainability edgeEditing for clarity: ruthless cuts, loyal fans Why You Should Listen The "Snowmageddon Loyalty Test": How a fiercely loyal audience will literally move mountains (or send 18-wheelers) for your podcastThe blindingly simple mic trick that makes amateur podcasters sound like seasoned radio pros (and how most YouTubers blow it)Why "room awareness" is your secret weapon for dominating listener attention—even if your studio is a closet stuffed with winter coatsHow to cut your editing time in half by getting ruthless (without sacrificing one ounce of quality)The sneaky audio engineering level that gives your show an unfair advantage over "louder-is-better" competitorsHow one $200 piece of radio gear puts you in the same league as Rush Limbaugh and Terry Gross ... almostIs podcasting actually easier than radio? The dirty truth advertisers don't want you to knowHow to handle podcast ad breaks with film director-level mastery (and keep listeners salivating for more)The hidden reason pros record more content than they need—and why this "secret stash" gives you complete controlHow a simple, production workflow lets you outsource laziness—while you effortlessly pump out episodesWhat most podcasters get dead wrong about "file management" … and how a repeatable system means never losing a show againWhy your most powerful path to riches might be less about downloads—and more about personal relationships that spark envyThe seductive power of "cut for clarity"—how trimming the fat could get you adored, envied, and listened to more than your rivalsWhy one podcasting AI can do in 2 minutes what used to take a whole team (and how to exploit it for greed)How mastering these core production skills puts you light years ahead of the competition—letting you control your podcast destiny without begging techies, co-hosts, or fate Episode Timestamps [00:01:07] The listener loyalty test: Listeners offering hotel rooms, 18-wheelers, and professional drivers just to keep the show on air![00:05:41] Why TikTokers and YouTubers fail at audio (and what secret most audio-first podcasters know that the video crowd misses)[00:07:17] The "down to the second" editing exercise that will instantly reveal the fat you never knew was hiding in your podcast[00:09:46] The host's magician move: using outros and teasers to make your interviews feel seamless—even when editing behind the scenes[00:11:08] The one recording meter range you MUST hit—ignore it and risk ruining your podcast audio forever[00:13:15] The "invisible" rackmount tool that makes dog barks and air conditioners disappear from your recordings[00:16:58] How building repeatable systems transforms you from overwhelmed amateur to daily podcasting pro You want these links ... Subscribe to Big Podcast PlaybookSee Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistance The Newsletter for Podcasters Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​ Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​ Want more help growing your podcast audience? Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting TipsBig Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) Click the icon below to listen.
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    19 mins
  • What Makes Forgettable Podcasts Bingeable
    Jan 22 2026
    What separates a forgettable podcast from a bingeable one? David dives into the secrets of great content, writing strategies, and connecting with your audience in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Launch with 25 episodes: binge culture hackDitch vague intros ... cold opens hook fastSegment secrets: radio's "Demo Derby" grabs sponsorsWrite podcast titles that earn obsessive clicksGet specific ... paint mind-pictures, win loyaltyOnly one call-to-action: avoid "Aesop's Donkey" paradoxSpeak insider language—create envy and exclusivity Why You Should Listen Why launching with 25 episodes could make listeners binge on your podcast like hungry wolves at a steakhouse (while competitors starve for attention)The one segment-creation secret David Hooper used to land a syndicated radio show (and big-name sponsors—no fame required)How "cold opens" hypnotize your audience before they even know what hit them—and why skipping them costs you loyal fansThe simple segment structure formula that can make your content irresistible—even if you've never written a script beforeHow strong endings can create addiction ... forcing your audience to always want "one more episode" (Netflix wishes they knew this ... just kidding, they probably DO know it)The one mistake in podcast intros that drives listeners away before you finish saying, "How are you, Brenda?""Fuel for Thought" ... how a single phrase can make you the king of your audience's mind (and keep them begging for more)The dark art of descriptive writing: make listeners "see" your show, even if you record in a 5x8 closet (envy for your production secrets … triggered)Why vague promises sabotage your authority—and exactly what to say so people obey your every call-to-actionHow to make your episode titles scream "click me!" ... the spam-ad trick listeners can't resist (lust for content activated)The sneaky difference between clever headlines and clear headlines—and why going "general" is for losers who want to fade into obscurityHow knowing your audience's lingo gives you power ... and instantly separates insiders from outsiders before the first word is spokenThe "Aesop's Donkey" curse: why giving listeners too many choices leaves your podcast starving for attention ... and how to flip it in your favorHow to reframe any segment for TOTAL CONTROL over who falls in love (or rage) with your podcast ... no apologies neededThe secret that's been hiding under your nose: why polarizing content drives the true fans wild … and sends the sheep running (control the market by speaking only to the wolves) Episode Timestamps [00:01:35] What separates forgettable podcasts from bingeable ones—and why launching with 25 episodes might change everything[00:06:13] How a last-minute idea in a pitch meeting landed a syndicated radio show and got big sponsors onboard[00:09:07] Why "it depends" is the enemy of good podcast advice—and what you should say instead[00:10:49] The dirty secret behind headlines that "earn the click"—and how edgy, specific segments build cult audiences[00:13:06] How a scandalous 90s club band taught David Hooper the secret to making any niche irresistible—even Christian acts[00:14:04] The difference between clever and clear podcast titles, and why being too funny might actually lose you listeners[00:17:25] Why using your audience's secret language instantly separates insiders from outsiders—and makes your podcast irresistible to the right crowd You want these links ... Subscribe to Big Podcast PlaybookSee Big Podcast AMP for personalized podcast growth assistance The Newsletter for Podcasters Big Podcast Insider - Weekly Podcasting Newsletter ​ Big Podcast Insider is a weekly newsletter on podcasting. If you like the content of this episode, you can subscribe here – it's free and you can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.​ Want more help growing your podcast audience? Big Podcast Extra - Podcasting TipsBig Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) Click the icon below to listen.
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    23 mins