In the December 10th, 2025 Live episode of The New Media Show, host Rob Greenlee welcomes Mike Dell, VP at Blubrry Podcasting, as guest co-host for a grounded, practical conversation about what keeps a podcast growing long after the initial excitement fades. The episode opens with a sincere reflection on Todd’s passing and the lasting impact he had on the community, along with the intention to honor his legacy in the months ahead.
From there, Rob and Mike move into the core topic: why many podcasts and live shows start strong, then stall. They unpack how a lack of clarity and consistency often shows up as drifting topics, uneven pacing, and episodes that feel improvised in a way that does not serve the listener. Their argument is simple: sustainable shows are built, not stumbled into. Structure does not mean sounding scripted or robotic. It means defining a format your audience can recognize, returning to it reliably, and creating a repeatable experience that keeps people coming back.
They also talk about how modern media habits are reshaping expectations. With short form video and endless scroll everywhere, audiences decide quickly whether to stay. Rob and Mike stress the importance of a strong opening, clear positioning, and content that delivers on what the title promises. They discuss video as part of the current landscape, but keep the focus on fundamentals like audio quality, intentional production choices, and making platform decisions that do not compromise the listener experience.
Mike pulls in lessons from his own shows, including what he has learned from hyperlocal and niche content, and how community relevance can drive engagement in ways that surprise creators. The conversation highlights practical ways to increase interaction, including live chat, polls, and Q and A segments, not as gimmicks, but as tools to build a real sense of participation and belonging. They also touch on workflow improvements, handling technical issues gracefully, simplifying video production, and using on screen titles and lower thirds so viewers can easily follow along.
By the end, the episode becomes a clear playbook for leveling up: know what your show is trying to achieve, design a format that supports that goal, respect attention early, keep the quality bar consistent, and build community in a way that invites people in instead of pushing them away.
Rob Greenlee
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The Pro Creator Playbook with Rob Greenlee
Audio podcast
https://www.adorenetwork.com/show/pro-creator-playbook-audio/
Video show
https://www.adorenetwork.com/show/pro-creator-playbook-video/
Spoken Life Show
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Mike Dell
Blubrry Podcasting
https://blubrry.com
https://MikeDell.com
Audio Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:00 Reflecting on Podcasting Changes
01:25 The Importance of Podcast Structure
03:19 Balancing Planning and Spontaneity
04:58 Engaging the Audience
08:08 Navigating Algorithms and Goals
18:54 Hyperlocal and Niche Podcasting
34:26 Live Shows and Audience Interaction
42:34 Improving Podcasting Skills
43:03 Maintaining Authenticity in Production
43:32 Handling Technical Glitches
44:33 Simplifying Video Production
44:46 Using Streaming Platforms Effectively
48:52 Importance of Lower Thirds and Titles
50:12 Editing and Post-Production Tips
56:59 Building a Community
01:01:02 Engaging with Your Audience
01:07:51 Q&A Session
01:12:46 Final Thoughts and Announcements
The post Making a Pro Level Live or Recorded Show – New Media Show #644 first appeared on New Media Show.
