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
Over Delivering Value: The Secret Sauce for Podcast Success [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:08
Hey, it's Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting! In this episode, I dive into what truly delivers value to your podcast audience—drawing inspiration from an episode of the Novel Marketing podcast hosted by my buddy,…
Counting Episodes: Just How Many Do We Listen To? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:07
We're diving into the oh-so-fun world of podcast listening habits today, folks. Some people think most listeners are "Full." So how many podcasts are we actually cramming into our ears each week? And let me tell you, the…
Is Live Podcasting Worth it? The Pros and Cons of Live podcasting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:26
I'm diving deep into the pros and cons of doing a live podcast, inspired by a question from Ralph over at askralph.com. If you’ve ever considered going live with your show—whether with video or audio—you’ll want to hear…
From Idea to Launch: How Long Does It Really Take to Start a Podcast? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:56
Welcome back! In this episode, I tackle this month’s big question: "How long did it take you to bring your podcast from an idea in your head to execution—and how long to find your audience?"I share stories from guest con…
Podcasting Best Practices or Myths? Let's Find Out! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:17
In today's episode, we're going to pull back that curtain on podcasting best practices. And some of these conventions are grounded in logic and proven results, and others might just be myths that we're just blindly follo…
Why Your Attitude is More Important Than Your Gear [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:12
Podcasting is a wild ride, and who better to ride along with us than Cassian Bellino? She's got this killer attitude that turns failures into stepping stones. Seriously, if you think you need a perfect setup to start pod…