Behind the Scenes of My New Podcast

Behind the Scenes of My New Podcast

Author: Dave Jackson January 19, 2026 Duration: 26:08

On today’s episode, I dig into my thought process as I consider launching a new podcast—and I walk through the essential questions I ask anyone who’s thinking about starting one. If you’ve already got a podcast, these questions might help you rethink your approach.

Why am I starting this podcast?

I share my background as a teacher and my desire to fight back against spammy guest pitches. I want to educate PR agencies and help fellow podcasters feel less alone in the sea of spam.

Who is this podcast for?

This show is for two groups: PR agencies (so they can do their job better) and podcasters (so they know they’re not alone and can improve how they handle pitches).

How will I measure success?

Instead of downloads, I’ll measure success by how many people utilize resources I share, like PodMatch and PodcastGuests.com. I’ll also keep tabs on affiliate signups.

What are the hurdles?

I reflect on a previous project, Dates from Hell, which struggled because it required audience participation but didn’t yet have an audience. For this new podcast, I’ll need a steady supply of good (and bad) pitches from listeners.

Is this a passion project, hobby, or business?

This is mostly a passion project and a hobby, driven by my desire to make a difference and maybe have some fun. If I can monetize it, that’s a nice bonus.

Why will my audience listen?

Listeners will tune in to hear entertainingly bad pitches, learn how to make their own pitches better, and find solidarity in their struggles with guest booking spam. Plus, I’ll offer educational insights that no one else seems to be sharing right now.

How long will it take to make an episode?

I estimate each episode will take around half an hour to produce, keeping things doable alongside my other commitments. You measure your production time and then choose your schedule.

Do I have time and resources to make this happen?

I’ve already got hosting, gear, and a plan for the website (PitchAPodcast.com). The biggest challenge will be getting enough listener participation to keep the show going.

Key Takeaway

  1. I’m considering a crowd-generated podcast to tackle the problem of bad guest pitches.
  2. If you’d like to participate, send me your stories of bad (or good!) pitches, info about your podcast and website, and details on your ideal guest.
  3. I run through all the big questions to ask before launching, sharing my honest answers and experiences.

Links Mentioned

Pitchapodcast.com

schoolofpodcasting.com

podcastingobservations.com

Captive Media Hosting

Buzzsprout Media Hosting

PodMatch

PodcastGuests.com.

Podpage.com

---

If you have your own pitch stories or want to get involved, head to PitchAPodcast.com and share your experiences!

Mentioned in this episode:

Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes Content

In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community

Podcasting Observations

You Have A Message That Needs to Be Heard

You have a message that needs to be shared. Discover the art of podcasting at the School of Podcasting. We teach you to shine a light on your stories, inspiring others one episode at a time. Let your voice be your legacy. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join

School of Podcasting


Thinking about launching your own show but feel overwhelmed by the technical details or unsure if anyone will listen? You're not alone. School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast is a steady, practical guide through that entire process, hosted by Dave Jackson. With his induction into the Podcaster Hall of Fame, Dave draws from over eighteen years of direct experience, turning complex topics into actionable steps. Instead of just theory, each episode focuses on real-world application, whether you're choosing a microphone, structuring an episode, or figuring out how to turn your passion into a sustainable endeavor. The conversations here cut through the noise and common hype, emphasizing the pitfalls to avoid-the costly mistakes that can stall a new show before it finds its audience. You'll hear detailed discussions on audio editing, interview techniques, audience growth strategies, and the often-overlooked aspects of consistency and marketing. This isn't about fleeting trends; it's about building a solid foundation for your voice. Dave's approach feels like a direct mentorship, making the often-intimidating world of podcasting feel accessible and manageable. Whether you're stuck at the starting line or looking to refine an existing show, this podcast serves as a comprehensive resource, demystifying the journey from a simple idea to a polished, growing podcast. The tone is straightforward and encouraging, designed to replace anxiety with a clear plan.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Behind the Scenes at Podfest: Lessons, Laughs, and Cold Coffee [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:17
Hey, it’s Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting, and in this episode, I’m recapping my experience at Podfest 2026, which was a whirlwind of hallway chats, memorable dinners, and some eye-opening lessons. Here’s what…
The Myth of Overnight Success: What Podcasting Really Takes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:24
Hey, it’s Dave Jackson here! In this episode, I’m diving letting you see why patience and persistence matter more than anything else in podcasting (and, honestly, in most creative pursuits). We’ve all been spoiled by the…
How to Start a Podcast in 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:57
If you want a podcast launch checklist I have one available here. This show is intended for beginners to podcasting. If you already have one, this may be one to skip (or you will hear things you should've thought about b…
Launch and Grow Your Podcast with the School of Podcasting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06
Hey, I’m Dave Jackson, host of The School of Podcasting.If you want to start a podcast or make the one you already have better, this show is for you. Every week, I share tips, insights, and proven strategies to help you…
What's Your Favorite Podcast (AND WHY) 2025 Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:33
What makes a podcast someone's favorite? I ask this every year, and here are the shows that were mentioned:Here is a list of the "Favorite" shows, as well as those who submitted them. Thanks so all who were involved.1. N…
Who is Peeing in the Podcast Pool? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:12
Hey, it's Dave! In this episode (which uses chapters FYI), I take you through a year-end wrap-up, sharing stories, rants, insights, and predictions about the world of podcasting. Here are the main points I covered:1. A C…
Podcasting Build Relationships Which Leads to Opportunities [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:02
Hey, it's Dave Jackson, and I'm thrilled to bring you episode 1014 of the School of Podcasting. You’ve heard me say it before: "Podcasts lead to relationships, and those relationships lead to opportunities." Today, I bro…
How to Handle Listener Feedback (Even the Awkward Bits) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:15
Welcome to the show! In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing the feedback you’ve given me over the past year. From the things you love—like honest opinions and those behind-the-scenes bloopers—to areas…
12 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting  My Podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:58
In this episode, I circle back to a classic question:What do you wish you’d known when you started your podcast that you know now?This is a question I’ve asked in the past (shout-out to episode 768 back in 2021!), and wh…
12 Signs Your Podcast Is Actually Working [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:25
In this episode, I look into the many ways you can measure the success of your podcast beyond just download numbers. Too often, new podcasters get fixated on stats that might not actually reflect their true goals, whethe…