Podcast award season is here: is it worth entering?

With podcast award season in full flow, it got us thinking. Is it worthwhile to enter podcast awards? In this article, we’re detailing some of the upcoming awards and helping you weigh up if you should put yourself in the running. So, stick with us if you like the idea of an accolade to mark your efforts.

To enter or not to enter

While there are several benefits of entering podcast awards, there are three key things to consider before you start: time, money and relevance. 

Entry fees

Many podcast awards command an entry fee. So, this should be your first consideration when it comes to shortlisting options and deciding if it’s a worthwhile investment. Costs range depending on the award and are sometimes tiered based on entry dates & the size of your organisation. 

When looking at entry fees, be wary of any awards that guarantee results based on fees. There’s a difference between paying an entry fee to support running costs and paying to win. In a recent Reddit post, Matt D said: “I’ve previously run the British, Australian and Irish Podcast Awards, and there’s always been an entry fee for the main categories (pro-rated to size of show) – but that’s because there’s lots of costs to putting on the event/running the scheme.” 

He added: “Generally, all professional media awards have entries fee associated with them. The key thing to look for is who are the other participants and if there’s a broad selection of really high-quality sponsors.”

Time 

The second consideration is time. The entry process varies for each award, but some are quite lengthy. So, ensure you have time and resources to complete the application. It’s better to enter fewer awards and do it well! 

Relevance 

Finally, you need to consider whether the award you’re considering entering is relevant or even matters to your audience and community. For example, if you have a beauty podcast, an award within the relevant sector would be infinitely more valuable than a general podcasting award. If you can, opt for awards highlighting you as an expert in your respective industry.

The benefits of entering podcast awards

If you can invest time and money into entering awards, several potential benefits will be enjoyed, particularly if you do well! 

  • Exposure – if you’re entering popular awards with big sponsors, you can expect a PR boost for your show. As a result, you may see increased listeners and subscribers. 
  • New opportunities – in Matt’s Reddit comment, he also said: shows themselves often used their win to get book deals, tours and new ad deals.” 
  • Networking – we’re big fans of the podcasting community, and entering awards give you the chance to discover & meet fellow audio creators. An added bonus! 

This is by no means an exhaustive list. Rather a handful of popular podcast awards that you might want to consider. We’ve included deadlines and entry fees to give an overview of this year’s various awards.  

2023 Podcast Awards

British Podcast Awards

 The British Podcast Awards is the industry-leading podcast awards. And they’re looking for shows that “celebrate the best of the podcast medium, rewarding programmes that create high-quality, episodic content, consumed by their subscribers and podcast app listeners.”

 The early bird entry deadline is 27 April, and the standard entry is 18 May. The entry fees are based on an individual or company’s annual turnover, ranging from £35-£165 + VAT. Entries that miss the early bird deadline will receive an additional £95 entry fee.

 The British Podcast Awards is also partnered with Irish Podcast Awards and Australian Podcasts Awards.

Ambies

The Ambies® recognises “excellence in podcasting and elevate awareness and status of podcasts as a unique and personal medium for entertainment, information, storytelling and expression.” 

The fee for members of The Podcast Academy is $100 and $175 for non-members. 2023 is now closed, and winners have just been announced! The deadline for 2024 is likely to be November.

Webby Awards

The Webby Awards, which are in their 27th year, celebrate the best of the internet on an international scale. The 28th Annual Webby Awards Call for Entries will open in mid-September. 

However, the European award program, Lovie Awards, is open now until 28th July. The Lovie awards honour “the best of the Europen internet” and are gearing up for the 13th annual awards; details for the 2023 Awards will be released any day now, so stay tuned. 

Audio Production Awards

One for the producers among us! The Audio Production Awards celebrate the best in audio production in the UK. Although submission dates and entry fees are yet to be released, ​​the fees were Entry fees have frozen at 2018’s prices of £35+VAT for AudioUK Members and £45+VAT for non-members in 2022. 

International Women’s Podcast Awards

And finally, a special mention and one to look out for later in the year – the International Women’s Podcast Awards which champion the work of women and people of marginalised genders in podcasting globally, both behind the mic and behind the scenes, from podcast hosts and producers to editors and writers.

As we mentioned, a whole host of podcasting and audio awards are out there. So, take your time to research costs, entry processes and the opportunities that are relevant to you. If you could use the support of the Content is Queen community, check out our membership options.

Meet Naomi Mellor, founder of the International Women’s Podcast Awards

International Womens Day first occurred over a century ago. The first-ever gathering in 1911 was supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to everyone, everywhere. This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #EmbraceEquity, something we live and breathe at Content is Queen.

So, we wanted to take the opportunity to catch up with some incredible women in the audio space. From exploring what equity means to them to a day in the life, this series will allow you to get to know them a little better and celebrate the work they are doing to help make podcasting more equitable. This week, we’re introducing you to Naomi Mellor.

Meet Naomi

Naomi is the co-founder of Everybody Media, a company founded to create positive change in the world through the medium of audio. Everybody Media produces podcasts and 360 content for purpose-driven brands and individuals, as well as looking after the International Women’s Podcast Awards and The Everybody Collective, a community dedicated to raising the voices of women and people of marginalised genders in podcasting.

Q. The theme for IWD 2023 is equity. What does equity mean to you?

A. It’s a little simplistic, but I find the “100m race” analogy clear when considering equity. If life were a 100m race, we don’t all start on the same starting line for multiple, often intersecting reasons. Some people begin further forward due to their privilege, whilst others are further back due to structures, systems and circumstances often out of their control. Equity, to me, means considering the chance we all have to line up together and how we can help people have the same opportunity as others to be successful.

Q. More specifically, what does equity in podcasting look like?

A. Constantly seeking ways to include people in the industry who wouldn’t otherwise feel welcomed or supported.
A. Increasing opportunities for people doing incredible work that isn’t currently being recognised or celebrated.
A. Doing everything we can to ensure that funding flows to all corners of the podcasting ecosystem, not just a few.

Q. What does a day in the life look like for you? Are there any rituals or routines you can’t live without?

A. We get up pretty early in our household, and I’m generally most productive first thing in the morning, so often, I go straight to my laptop with a cup of coffee and do a couple of hours of really good work before starting my day properly. I get my mental headspace by heading out running in the countryside with my dog, so I try to incorporate this into my life most days, and I also swim all year round in the rivers and lakes near where we live with a group of fantastic women aged from 18 to 80. My life is variable, and no two days are the same, but like everyone else, Zoom meetings feature heavily!

Q. Do you have a hack or favourite tool creators should know?

A. If you’re struggling for inspiration when marketing your podcast, look at Answer The Public. If you put in any keyword associated with the title or subject of your show, you’ll find the questions people are asking about that topic, allowing you to create content that people are looking for.

Q. Finally, do you have any golden advice for audio creators?

A. Don’t be afraid to ask people for help or introductions when needed. Most people are happy to pay it forward.

Here at Content is Queen, we’re committed to encouraging equity in podcasting. One thing that can help to achieve that is sharing the stories of creators killing it in the audio space. So, if you enjoyed this article, stay tuned for more like this coming your way. 

In the meantime, explore our affordable membership options here and join our supportive tribe of talent. 

Meet our founder, Imriel Morgan

International Women’s Day first occurred over a century ago. The first-ever gathering in 1911 was supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to everyone, everywhere. This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #EmbraceEquity, something we live and breathe at Content is Queen.

In the coming weeks, we’ll spotlight women in the podcasting space who inspire us and are doing the work to make the podcasting industry a more equitable and inclusive space for marginalised and underrepresented voices. From exploring what equity means to them to a day in their life, this series will allow you to get to know them a little better and celebrate what they do. And who better to kick off the series with than our very own, Imriel Morgan.

Meet Imriel

Q. The theme for IWD 2023 is equity. What does equity mean to you?

A. Equity means providing fair and equal access to opportunities while recognising and acknowledging the unique challenges and obstacles that specific groups may face when trying to access said opportunities. When we can see the problem, equity means putting resources in place to circumvent the problem.

Q. More specifically, what does equity in podcasting look like?

A. In my line of work, equity means that creators have fair and equal access to opportunities and resources that help them overcome the unique challenges that prevent them from bringing their ideas to life. For me, that means a massive reduction in gatekeeping, top-down financial models for creators and a focus on super-serving micro and niche audiences currently starved of representation.

Q. What does a day in the life look like for you? Are there any rituals or routines you swear by?

A. I love this question for other people. Being the CEO is challenging but varied in that my days are never the same. I could be in a production meeting, back-to-back consultation meetings, recording content or sitting at my desk sending and responding to emails. I don’t have any rituals per se, but I find EFT (Emotional Freedom Tapping) immensely helpful when work is overwhelming. We have a weekly team meeting on a Monday, and I find that a great space to catch up with the team and stay on top of what’s happening for the week ahead.

Q. Do you have a hack or favourite tool creators should know about?

A. I’m a hack junkie, always looking for the next thing. I love what’s happening in AI (Chat GPT in particular) and how much time it saves with simple admin tasks, from drafting emails to developing meeting agendas and summarising big ideas. It’s excellent, and I’ll keep experimenting with the new tools that come out.

Q. Finally, do you have any golden advice for audio creators?

A. Start before you’re ready, create from a place of curiosity and joy and outsource the fiddly bits quickly. The admin of production *will* suck the joy out of the making and can often lead to burnout. Find the time or money to invest and get to the best version of your idea within your means and optimise when you get traction. Creating content is cheap. Creating *good* content requires a significant investment, so prepare for the long game.

As part of our IWD series, we’ll be introducing more incredible women in podcasting throughout the month, so watch this space!

Keen to hear from more of our community or work with Imriel? Explore our membership options to take your podcasting game to the next level.

 

The importance of podcast trailers

A great podcast trailer can do wonders for your show. It’s a bite-sized way to get your show shared far and wide across social media, marketing channels and podcast platforms, helping more listeners discover your pod. If you don’t already have a trailer, it’s about time you record one! So, in this article, we’re exploring the importance of podcast trailers. But, of course, we always like to come with the goods, too. So, we’ll send you on your way with our top tips so you can nail it.

Podcast trailer numbers

Have you ever wondered how many podcasts have trailers in their feed? Well, Podnews has the answer. Over three months, Podnews analysed 362,324 podcast feeds and found just 50,096 (14%) have a trailer marked in their feed. 

The remaining 86%? A land of missed opportunity. 

Following further analysis from Dan Minsener of Bumper, 54% of the Apple Podcasts 200 had trailers, while 50.5% of the Spotify top 200 did too. 

While a trailer alone isn’t the secret to securing a top spot with the streaming giants, it can help. According to Arielle Nissenblatt’s recent Twitter thread, here are just three reasons you should have a trailer for your podcast:

  • Many podcasts apps prioritise trailers by giving them a special promotional space
  • It gives a potential listener a taste of your content
  • It challenges you to distil your message down into a short audio teaser 

If you’re looking for inspiration for your podcast trailer, check out Arielle’s brand new show, Trailer Park: The Podcast Trailer Podcast. Once you’ve perfected yours, you can submit it to be featured. 

How to create a killer podcast trailer

Ready to take the plunge and create your trailer? Here are our top tips. 

Keep it short

Approach your trailer like an elevator pitch. A trailer is your chance to capture your audience’s attention and quickly convince them to keep listening. The secret? Find the sweet spot between being succinct while reflecting your personality and what the show’s about. 

Introduce yourself 

Let listeners know who you are and your role in the show. Whether you’re an expert in your field, have a particular geek, or tackle taboo subjects head-on, share it. 

Introduce your show 

A trailer is your chance to let listeners know what they can expect from your show. Cover episode frequency and format (Q&A, interview, documentary style) and share your core objectives concisely. Don’t forget to include the name of your podcast here. 

Sell it 

What makes your podcast stand out from the tens of thousands of shows, and why should people listen to it? Take the opportunity to sell your strengths and what makes you different; lean into it unapologetically if you have a niche. 

End with a clear call to action 

Be sure to let people know what you want them to do once they’ve finished listening. Whether it’s subscribing, following or rating, give listeners crystal clear instructions. Brownie points if you can include a super juicy hook, too. 

If you enjoyed these tips, there’s plenty more to come. Stay tuned for more insights and actionable advice coming soon. In the meantime, check out our affordable membership options to join our inclusive community of audio creators.

Maximising your podcast potential with AI and ChatGPT

As you know, we like to keep our ears to the ground with all things podcasting. Recently, we’ve heard a lot of chat about artificial intelligence and how it can impact the industry. As creators with so much on our plate, we’re always looking for ways to make the production process more manageable. So, in this article, we’re exploring AI and how creators can use it to their advantage. 

What is AI in podcasting?

You may have seen articles and hot takes on AI and ChatGPT spiralling that robots are taking over humans. But fear not; robots won’t take over the world anytime soon. Instead, sophisticated technology is on hand to save us time. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is software that automates tasks previously done by humans. Regarding podcasting, AI is great for automating routine, time-consuming tasks. 

Chat GPT is a chatbot launched by OpenAI that creates AI-generated content. In a nutshell, it can respond to anything, whether factual or emotional. 

Chances are, you’re already using AI for your podcasting. Like using autogenerated captions on TikTok – that’s AI at work. 

Using AI in your podcast production

As AI evolves, so do the ways creators can use it in podcast production. Furthermore, the more the technology is used, the more sophisticated it becomes. So, if you’re ready to incorporate more AI into your production, here are some ways you can do so. 

Generate episode topic ideas 

Need some inspiration for episode topics? Chat GPT can provide endless options for you to choose from. While they may not all be relevant or make sense, you will find some inspiration for future episodes. All you need to do is give a broader subject and let AI do the work. 

Carry out top-level research

So, you’ve chosen a topic for your next pod, and now it’s time to start researching. While humans should do the deep diving, chat GPT is a handy tool for top-level research to get the ball rolling. It’s worth noting that any AI-generated information should be fact-checked before you use it. 

Draft short-form content  

If short-form content is something you struggle with, chat GPT is a possible solution. Using the tool, you can generate copy for things like show notes and social captions. The downside is that this copy often feels generic and needs more human influence. So, you could use them as a first draft before adding your touch. 

Normalise sound levels 

There are several AI apps built into podcast platforms. A great example of this is the Podcast.co feature that listens to the audio files and normalises the sound levels. Of course, the types of AI apps available depend on your chosen platform. But it’s well worth researching the tools you can make use of. 

Find copyright-free music 

Are you looking for copyright-free music for your show? There’s a tool for that, too. Epidemic Sound created EAR (Epidemic Audio Reference), an audio-based search tool designed to help creators quickly find music based on songs they like.  

Is the future of podcasting AI?

In an article by unite.ai, Jay LeBouef of Descript said: “Media production is now entering a phase where if you can dream it, it can happen.” He added, “and you no longer need to have an expensive studio or decades of training to accomplish your goals.”

Of course, you’ll always need a human element in podcast production, but if AI makes things easier without compromising quality, we’re here for it! 

Meet the winners of the 2022 Micro-Grants for Podcasters Programme

Exciting news! Content is Queen, in collaboration with Audible, has announced the 5 winners of the 2022 Micro-Grants for Podcasters Programme. This programme aims to support podcasters who might face challenges in bringing their projects to life.

Each winner will receive a grant of £2500 or £5000 to bring their podcast project to life, as well as three months of production support from Content is Queen.

We’re thrilled to support these amazing podcast creators and can’t wait to see what they bring to the podcasting community. Congratulations to the winners.

Introducing the talented creators and their winning projects:

Bin Juice with Emma Tindall – a comedy-drama which follows the lives of four hopeless 20-somethings as they attempt to navigate love, sex, friendship and loss in a grubby London flat-share they call home. 

Redemption Man with Chris Mitchell – the story of the most known unknown legend from west London.

Dead Ends with Talia Augustidis – a true choose-your-own-adventure story, navigating the twists and turns of grief.

The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree with Brodie Arthur and Julia Samuels – the story of Brodie’s family’s history of sex work in Liverpool – from the murder of their nan to their mum’s scandal with a high-profile football player and the links to the wider social, political and economic contexts of working women.

He Was Our Friend Saidata Sesay – the story of Jo, who when five years old, witnessed her family being massacred by Hutu extremists. Now she embarks on a journey to confront the man responsible for the murder of her family whilst learning how to heal from the past.

Take a peek behind the scenes with this video and watch this space as their stories unfold. 🎙

 

Marketing your podcast: growing your mailing list

We’re exploring email marketing in part two of our marketing your podcast articles. If you’re keen to discover why email marketing is great for podcasters and how you can grow your mailing list, stick with us. As always, we’re on hand with plenty of actionable advice and handy tips to help you reach more listeners and grow your pod. 

Why podcasters should use email marketing

With social media, podcasting platforms, blogs, and so much more, you might think adding email marketing to your list is just too much. We don’t blame you. However, growing your email list offers plenty of benefits, such as: 

You own the channel 

We’ve all seen the despair of content creators who have lost access to their social media accounts overnight. Thankfully, with email marketing, you own the channel, and no one can take your subscribers away. 

Personalised communication 

Using an email marketing platform such as Flodesk or Klavyio, you can use tools to segment your mailing list. Then, depending on the recipient, you can personalise emails and include specific content for that segment. 

Complete control

A key drawback of social media is the lack of organic reach, with many posts reaching 10% or less of your followers. With email marketing, you can easily control which subscribers receive your message. All you have to do is convince them to open it! 

Easy to create content 

If you spend some time developing templates, emails become quick and easy to create. So, you can incorporate a new marketing channel into your strategy with little additional work. 

Boost revenue 

Email marketing is affordable, allowing you to communicate with thousands of people at a low cost. Although it’s an investment, it’s also an opportunity to boost your revenue, whether selling merch, tickets to lives or events, affiliate links or promoting your sponsors.

How to grow your podcast mailing list

Now we’ve covered some of the benefits, let’s get into how you can grow your podcast mailing list and reap the rewards.  

Use your website to capture emails 

If you have a website, add a pop-up to encourage visitors to subscribe to your mailing list. If you don’t have a website for your pod, you can create a single landing page to acquire new subscribers. 

Collect email addresses on social media 

A simple way to gather emails is by using social media. For example, you can add a sign-up link in your bio or create an IG story with a question box to collect emails and manually add them to your list. In short, the simpler it is to sign up, the better.  

Offer an incentive to drive sign-ups

It’s helpful to use an incentive to drive sign-ups. This is called a lead magnet and can be something valuable subscribers can access, download or enjoy, such as: 

  • Exclusive content, such as bonus episodes 
  • Downloadable checklists, templates, and worksheets
  • Access to an exclusive online community
  • Discounted merchandise 
  • Entry to a competition 

Of course, the lead magnet you choose depends on your industry and your audience’s interests. So, take common examples and tailor them appropriately. 

Encourage readers to share your content 

If you want your emails to reach more people, actively encourage your subscribers to share them. Simple copy along the lines of “share this with a friend who you think would enjoy it” can go a long way to increasing reach and growing subscribers. 

Focus on quality content & consistency 

While it’s great to focus on growing your mailing list, remember to nurture existing subscribers too. As always, you’ll want to focus on producing quality content on a consistent schedule to keep your mailing list engaged and subscribed. 

Automate as much as possible 

Last but certainly not least, automation is your best friend. From welcome emails to scheduling content, automate your email marketing as much as possible to reduce your workload. 

If you found this content useful and would like to access more of the same, sign up to our newsletter email list here to ensure you never miss a Content is Queen update. 

Marketing your podcast: social media

There are plenty of ways for people to discover your podcast, from word of mouth and the podcast platforms themselves to YouTube. But, of course, one of the most powerful ways to reach the masses and boost visibility is through social media. Although you’re a creator, social media can quickly become overwhelming, with so many platforms, tools, and tips in every direction. That’s where we come in. This article shares some of our tried and tested tips to promote your podcast on social media. 

Social media marketing hacks for podcasters

This is by no means an extensive list of hacks, but it will get you off to a good start. So, let’s get into it.

1. Choose your platforms wisely 

There’s no need to be on every single social platform. Instead, choose the platforms that your audience actually uses. If you’re not sure where that is, ask them. Now, it’s likely that your audience is on several platforms, so it comes down to selecting platforms you can commit to. It’s better to do one or two platforms well than do four poorly.  

2. Add value with every post 

There’s a whole lot of noise on social media. Ensuring you’re adding value with every post will help you to cut through the noise and build an engaged community. Remember, adding value can be as simple as making your audience laugh. So, if it’s relevant and you think it will resonate with your audience, give it a go. No one gets it right every time, but you need to be prepared to continually test different content to discover what works. 

3. Leverage your guest’s audience 

If you’re trying to build up a following on social media, be sure to leverage your guest’s audience. But don’t expect your guest to do the hard work for you. Instead, provide plenty of assets, including imagery, suggested copy and social handles, so they can help you to promote their episode. 

4. Format content specifically for the platform 

Yes, social media is time-consuming. But, no, that isn’t an excuse to post the exact same content across your channels. While you should always repurpose content, take a little extra time to format your content specifically to the channel, you’ll be posting it on. Always remember, if you’re using social media as a discovery tool, you want to make a great first impression. 

Types of content you can use to promote your podcast

Once you’ve chosen your platforms, the next thing to think about is your content strategy. Using many different formats is a great way to keep your audience engaged. Variety is the spice of life, After all. So, here are just some ideas for content: 

  • Guest announcements 
  • Teasers
  • Quotes and questions 
  • Short-form video – if your podcast is audio only, use an audiogram! 
  • BTS (behind the scenes) content
  • Archive footage 

Top tip: don’t forget to appeal to your audiences’ broader interests and avoid purely promoting your podcast in every post. 

Three golden rules for social media marketing

Social media is ever-changing; sometimes, keeping up with those changes feels impossible. However, regardless of the platform, here are three golden rules you should always follow. 

  • Consistency is key: when you’re creating a content strategy, opt for a posting schedule that is manageable for you. It’s better to post consistently once a week than sporadically without a plan. 
  • Quality over quantity: with consistency comes quality. Spend time creating quality content that will engage your audience rather than scrambling to post for the sake of posting.  
  • Don’t post and ghost: building an engaged community goes far beyond posting. Instead, you must show up on your chosen platforms and regularly engage with your audience and other creators. 

Inspiration 

If you’re looking for some inspiration from fellow creators, check out these Instagram accounts: 

To access our inclusive community of podcasters and the resources you need to grow your podcast, check out our membership options here

Is the podcast boom over?

As you know, we live and breathe podcasting at Content is Queen. We like to keep a keen eye on the latest news, insights, and trends. So, it’s impossible to ignore the gloomy headlines we’ve seen this month around the podcasting industry. 

With outlets reporting that Spotify shares have plummeted and predicting the industry could be in for a rocky 2023, we can see why alarm bells might be ringing. So, we’ve spent lots of time weighing up reports so we can offer further insight into the podcasting market right now. 

What’s happening with podcasting right now?

In October last year, we wrote an article on podcasting and the creator economy, sharing statistics on the industry. Here’s what we wrote: 

Demand Sage predicted that there will be around 424 million podcast listeners globally by the end of 2022, increasing to 504.9 million by 2024. At the same time, the industry is currently worth approximately $2 billion, and it’s set to be worth $4 billion in 2024

Earlier this month, Bloomberg reported that with hiring freezes, smaller upfront payments and fewer acquisitions, the podcast boom feels like a thing of the past. But what does that mean? 

We believe that while growth may slow, there is still plenty of opportunity in 2023. With talks of a global recession, podcasting isn’t the only industry forecasted to feel the pinch. Many businesses will approach spending cautiously, so there’s bound to be a trickle-down effect. However, that doesn’t mean podcasting and the opportunities to earn money from it will suddenly cease to exist. Instead, opportunities such as funding and sponsorship will become harder to secure but not impossible. 

In a nutshell, as global markets are facing uncertainty, the same goes for podcasting despite the mammoth growth in recent years. 

Is the market oversaturated?

One take we’ve seen cropping up is that the podcasting market is oversaturated. Yes, there are a lot of podcasters, but there are also a lot of listeners. In the UK alone, 10.5 million Brits are listening to podcasts for 69m hours every week! 

To put podcasting numbers into perspective, there are 2.4 million podcasts globally, versus 80 million Facebook pages, 1 billion active TikTok and Instagram users and 396 million Twitter profiles. The medium quickly seems less competitive and saturated than social media. 

There’s plenty of opportunity to carve out a niche on social media to reach the masses; the same goes for podcasting. 

Embracing an optimistic mindset

Thankfully, it’s not all doom and gloom. This week, Digiday reported that podcast teams are still growing as they hedge their bets on the medium in 2023. According to the report, companies including The New York Times, WSJ and iHeartMedia are expanding their podcast teams, and they’re confident the medium can grow, even during the economic uncertainty. 

Furthermore, the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism surveyed over 300 media leaders, asking where they’ll be investing more resources in 2023. You’ll be glad to know 72% plan to focus on podcasts and digital audio more than any other category. 

As we researched the topic, we quickly found that for every gloomy headline, there’s an optimistic one, too. 

Our predictions for podcasting in 2023

While we wish we could tell you we’ve looked into our crystal ball and seen the future, no one can truly predict how things will play out this year. What we can say is indie podcasters who continue to show up despite hard times will reap the benefits in the long run. 

With that said, if we had to hedge our bets, here’s what we expect to see: 

  • Funding and commercial opportunities will be harder to come by, but not impossible 
  • Consumers will continue to listen to podcasts as much as they did in 2022 
  • There will be less hiring within the industry, and we’ll see layoffs
  • Bold marketers will continue to invest in audio, particularly those targeting Gen Z  
  • Podcast episodes may get shorter as budgets decrease 

In November, we shared the latest podcast statistics and what they mean for creators; if you haven’t already read it, you should do. 

If you’d appreciate the support of our inclusive community right now, you can explore our affordable membership options here. We’d love to have you!

7 sustainability podcasts to add to your library right now

As we’re coming to the end of 2022, we’ve been thinking about how we can consume ethically this Christmas and beyond. During a time when we’re encouraged to overconsume and overspend, tuning into podcasts is an excellent way to switch your focus. So, we’re rounding up some of our favourite sustainable living and climate podcasts to tune into right now.

Sustainable(ish)

Bought to you by Jen Gale, the sustainable(ish) podcast drops a weekly episode on sustainable living minus austerity, deprivation, or the need to live off the grid in a yurt. Instead, you can expect engaging conversations, accessible and actionable tips and knowledgeable guests. Sustainable(ish) is the pod for you if you’re ready to make small tweaks to do your part. Not sure where to start? We’d recommend episode 163 – the Carbon Footprint of Christmas and what’s in your control.

Mothers of Invention

Feminism and sustainability? Yes, please! Mothers of Invention is a podcast sharing feminist solutions to the man-made climate change problem. Brought to you by Mary Robison, Maeve Higgins, and Thimali Kodikara, Mothers Of Invention, shifts the focus to the stories of black, brown and indigenous women innovating from the front lines. Packed full of love, laughter, and exceptional storytelling, this is the podcast to turn to for inspiration to live more sustainably.

Sustainababble

Fancy a good laugh and learn? Then, Sustainababble is the pod for you. Self-dubbed ‘a funny podcast about the environment, sustainability and all the guff people talk in the name of saving the planet’, the weekly episodes by Ol and Dave are as entertaining as they are educational. With 272 episodes and counting, you’ll be spoilt for choice on topics, but we’d recommend kicking off with episode 255 on Green Capitalism.

Drilled

What do you get when you pair climate change with true crime? Drilled. Reported and hosted by award-winning journalist Amy Westervelt, Drilled has been delving into the crimes against the climate since 2017. From fossil fuels and tar sands to greenwashing and accountability, Drilled is entertaining, informative and, at times, shocking. The best kind of podcast, right? To get a feel for the podcast, we’d recommend tuning into Introducing: Who Killed Daphne, which is just 6 minutes long.

The YIKES podcast

Mikaela Loach and Jo Becker are a dynamic duo leaning into the yikes of the world without overwhelming themselves or their listeners. From the climate crisis to activism and racism, the pair offer nuanced and accessible takes on everything that’s going on around us. In a recent instalment, Mikaela has returned from COP27 in Egypt and Jo’s returned from university occupations with the End Fossil Occupy movement, and it’s a must-listen! Listen to YIKES here

Outrage and Optimism

Outrage and Optimism focuses on solving the climate crisis and remaking the world. Hosts Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac and Paul Dickinson get together weekly to delve into the issues at the forefront of the climate crisis and educate listeners on their power to help solve it. With special guests including David Attenborough, Lily Cole, and Vanessa Nakate, you’ll hear from experts and the activists on the frontline. In short, Outrage and Optimism is our go-to for a global perspective on climate change!

Sustainably Influenced

A permanent fixture in our podcast library is Sustainably Influenced. Hosts Bianca Foley & Charlotte Williams are on a mission to guide their listeners through the minefield of sustainability. From ethical and sustainable jewellery to eating meat, the duo chat with sustainability and ethical living experts to delve into various sustainable living practices. With 83 episodes to get through, we suspect Sustainably Influenced will become a firm favourite for you too!

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