What if one book could change the way you tell stories, connect with your audience, or even see your own podcast? In this episode of the School of Podcasting, I asked a simple question: “If you found out someone was a content creator, what book would you recommend?” — and the responses were pure gold.
You’ll hear from working podcasters, educators, business owners, and storytellers sharing the books that sharpened their craft, grew their communities, and kept them going when numbers and algorithms tried to wear them down. Along the way, I share my own must‑reads and pay tribute to a podcasting legend whose work shaped an entire generation of creators. If you’re ready to level up your show — not with more gear, but with better thinking, storytelling, and heart — this is the episode you’ll want to queue up next.
Participants
Kim Newlove
The Pharmacist Voice Podcast
The Perrysburg Podcast
Ralph Estep Jr.
The Content Creators Accountant
https://ralphestepjr.com
Chris Nessi
House of EdTech
Mark Lawley
Practical Prepping Podcast
Nancy May (with co‑host Sylvia France)
Family Tree Food Stories Podcast
Dave Cohen
The Shakespeare Mindset
Tom Haley
Bluegrass Region Voices and Views
Books Mentioned
Find Your Red Thread: Make Your Big Ideas - Tamsen Webster
The Audience Is Listening: A Little Guide to Building a Big Podcast – Tom Webster
How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie
Sacred Cows Make the Best Burgers – Robert J. Kriegel, David Brandt
12 and a Half: Leveraging the Emotional Ingredients Necessary for Business Success – Gary Vaynerchuk
Acres of Diamonds – Jentezen Franklin
Hello, My Name Is Awesome: How to Create Brand Names That Stick – Alexandra Watkins
Into the Woods: A Five-Act Journey Into Story – John Yorke
Build a Strong Podcast: From Creation to Captivated Audience – Jennifer Longworth
Make Noise: A Creator’s Guide to Podcasting and Great Audio Storytelling – Eric Nuzum
Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling – Matthew Dicks
Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World – A Step-by-Step Guide for Anyone with Something to Say or Sell – Michael Hyatt
Big Podcast: Grow Your Podcast Audience, Build Listener Loyalty, and Get Everybody Talking About Your Show – David Hooper
So You Want to Start a Podcast: Finding Your Voice, Telling Your Story, and Building a Community That Will Listen – Kristen Meinzer
Out on the Wire: The Storytelling Secrets of the New Masters of Radio – Jessica Abel
Beyond Powerful Radio: A Communicator’s Guide to the Internet Age – Valerie Geller
Secrets of Dynamic Communication: Prepare with Focus, Deliver with Clarity, Speak with Power – Ken Davis
Sponsor Magnet – Justin Moore
Profit from Your Podcast: Turn Your Listeners into a Livelihood – Dave Jackson
Looking for more books on podcasting? Check here
In Honor of John C. Dvorak
The Grief Recovery Handbook: The Action Program for Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, and Other Losses (20th Anniversary Expanded Edition) – John W. James, Russell Friedman
John was an amazing broadcaster. More thoughts on John's Impact.
Mentioned in this episode:
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Podpage
Take Live Classes at the School of Podcasting
Podcasting in Six Weeks is BACK! (and this time it's free!)
We are continuing to experiment with marketing, and we had so much fun helping people launch their show that we are going it again (and dropped the fee). If you don't have a show but want to start one this is THE place to get going in the right direction.
Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeks
Growing Your Podcast Live Course
For members of the School of Podcasting we are all banding together to go through the steps of growing your show (so sign up now!). This will including feedback and strategies to get your show growing faster. You will write down your typical downloads before you start, and compare it to the final numbers. Use the coupon code listener when singing up to become a member and receive a discount.
These live classes start August 19th. Please let me know if you have any questions at schoolofpodcasting.com/contact
School of Podcasting
Question of the Month: The Smallest Amount of Downloads
We all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why?
Does the size of your audience matter?
Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)
School of Podcasting
Where Will I Be?
I love meeting you when I'm out at events. Here are some of my next events:
Podcast Movement September 17-18
Podindy November 7th (use the coupon pacer at podindy.com)
Where Will I Be?
