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Episode 567 All About Podcasting With Matt Medeiros

ByRob
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Show Summary

In an engaging podcast episode, Rob Cairns interviews Matt Medeiros, a well-known figure in the WordPress community, about the intricacies of podcasting. They explore the evolution and benefits of podcasting, highlighting its utility for networking, learning, and client acquisition, especially for service-based businesses. The conversation debunks the myth of high equipment costs, emphasizing that quality audio is paramount and achievable with minimal investment. Furthermore, they discuss the challenges of maintaining a podcast, offering practical advice on show structure, content creation, and the importance of finding one’s unique voice. The episode also touches on the growing influence of AI in content production and the distinction between audio-first and video podcasts.

Show Notes

Rob welcomes Matt Medeiros, a long-time podcaster and prominent figure in the WordPress community, for a conversation that steers clear of WordPress to focus on the ins and outs of podcasting.

How Matt Got Started in Podcasting

  • WordPress Connection: Matt’s podcasting journey unexpectedly began with his WordPress agency in 2007, during the first financial crisis.
  • Inspiration from Mixergy: Inspired by the Mixergy podcast, Matt decided to launch “The Matt Report” in late 2008/early 2009, aiming to create a similar interview-style show for the WordPress space.
  • Networking and Learning Tool: Podcasting served as a vital learning and networking mechanism for Matt’s agency, providing a competitive edge and a “body of work” for potential clients.

Podcasting as a Business Tool

  • Building Trust: Podcasting effectively puts eyes on a business by informing listeners and viewers, allowing them to get to know the host before working with them.
  • Human Connection in the AI Era: Despite the rise of AI and bite-sized content, podcasting keeps the human element front and center, fostering relationships and interactions.
  • Podcast Guesting: Being a podcast guest is a great way to gain exposure and “iron out wrinkles” before committing to starting a full podcast. Matt suggests starting with a good microphone and focusing on sounding good.

Equipment and Production

  • Affordability: Podcasting is more accessible and affordable than ever. Matt emphasizes that expensive equipment isn’t necessary.
  • Microphone Recommendation: A good quality USB microphone (like the one Rob uses) is perfectly sufficient.
  • Audio First: While YouTube and other platforms push video, Matt strongly advocates for audio-first podcasting, noting that audio is cheaper and faster to produce and serves a different purpose than video.
  • The Industry’s Push for Video: Matt explains that big media and advertising companies favor video for its trackability (pixels, search algorithms) over the open, untrackable nature of RSS-based audio podcasts.
  • Batch Recording: Both Rob and Matt advocate for batch recording and processing episodes to streamline workflow and avoid last-minute rushes.
  • Avoiding the “Just-in-Time” Approach: Don’t record a show on Monday night for a Tuesday morning release. Allow ample time for production and editing.

The Art of Podcasting

  • Define Your Goal: Understand what you want to achieve with your podcast (e.g., networking, client acquisition, community building) beyond just ad revenue.
  • Show Format and Premise: Critically think about how your content will serve your audience and how your show will differentiate itself.
  • Workload Management: Be realistic about the time and effort required. Consider starting with seasons to allow for breaks and adjustments to the show’s format or premise.
  • Editing: Matt’s editing philosophy for his show leans towards lighter edits, primarily removing filler words and lengthy segments to maintain flow.
  • Guest Vetting: Rob conducts 15-minute pre-calls with potential guests, a strategy that has saved him aggravation and allowed him to filter out unsuitable guests. Matt does similar vetting for his corporate podcast.
  • Finding Your Voice: It’s crucial to cultivate your own unique voice and perspective for your show so listeners know what to expect. This voice will evolve over time.

AI in Podcasting

  • AI for Production: Matt extensively uses Descript (invested in by OpenAI) for editing, clips, video, summarization, and chapter creation.
  • Show Notes and Highlights: Both Rob and Matt leverage AI (like ChatGPT) for generating show notes and highlights, tailoring them to specific podcast brands.
  • Building with AI: Matt even built a web app called podcastpower.cc using AI to showcase podcasting 2.0 features.

Favorite Non-Podcasting/Non-WordPress Podcasts

  • Rob’s Picks:
    • The Jan Arden Show: A Canada-based singer/comedian.
    • Business Wars: A Wonderly production focusing on business rivalries.
  • Matt’s Picks:
    • Six Pixels of Separation with Mitch Joel: A long-running business podcast.
    • Noiser Productions: A production company creating engaging historical series (e.g., “Titanic,” “Napoleon”).

Connect with Matt Medeiros

  • WP Minute: Search for “WP Minute” online.
  • Gravity Forms: Search for “Gravity Forms” online.
  • Craft by Matt: Find everything Matt does at craftbymatt.com.

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