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This week we talk about how to present yourself, and help the host present you!  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Prepping for a Great Interview — Updated with What We've Learned Hi Newsletter Subscribers, This week, we're flipping the lens—and zooming way out.   Because the best podcasts we've seen this year? They're not just shows. They're communities.   If you've ever dreamed of your podcast becoming more than just episodes in someone's feed—this one's for you.   Let's explore how podcasts become movements, how you can build a community around yours (even with a small audience), and what the top creators are doing differently in 2025. But first let's highlight this week's featured episodes: Episode Promotion – Find & Be a Guest! 🎙️ Looking for a great podcast opportunity? Check out these featured episodes where hosts and guests are looking to connect right now!   🎙️ 5 important things to remember than could bankrupt your business 👤 DR Rawson 🔗 Apply Here 📢 Tags: #beaguest   🎙️Simple, no-cost steps to reduce EMF in your home–and why you need to do this for your children's well-being 👤 Dr. Beverly Ann Jensen, Ph.D. Ph.D. 🔗 Apply Here 📢 Tags: #beaguest   💡 Want to be featured in an episode promotion? Start by creating your own episode listing inside the Podcast Collab Club!   🧠 What Do We Mean by "Community"? We don't mean just having followers or fans.   We mean creating a space where your audience talks to each other, gets value beyond your episodes, and sees your show as a hub of connection, insight, and shared values.   This shift is happening across podcasting—and not just with big names.   In interviews and research across creator platforms like Transistor, Castos, and newsletters from Podcast Movement and Riverside.fm, we found a clear trend: The most successful indie podcasters are treating their podcast like a clubhouse, not a billboard. 💬 Why Build a Community Around Your Podcast? According to Buzzsprout's 2024 Creator Survey and trends shared in Riverside's “State of Podcasting”, community-focused podcasters are seeing:   ✅ Faster organic growth (people love sharing communities they're proud to be in) ✅ More listener retention (weekly listeners become lifelong supporters) ✅ Monetization opportunities (via memberships, events, or merch) ✅ Better guests and cross-promotion (guests want to speak to real, engaged communities—not just silent download numbers)   Even a small, focused community can punch above its weight. For example, a Discord server with 70 members talking weekly is more powerful than a social feed with 2,000 ghost followers. 🔨 How to Build a Community (Even If You're Small) Let's get specific. What does it take? You don't need to launch a massive forum or host in-person events right away. Start small, but start intentionally.   1. Pick Your Home Base This is where your listeners gather. Choose what fits your audience and your bandwidth.   Facebook Groups   ✅Broad audiences, casual discussion ✅Easy to launch; familiar format.  🛑Needs moderation.   Discord   ✅Tight-knit, active conversation ✅Great for niche or younger communities.   Patreon / Mighty Networks   ✅Monetized communities ✅Good for superfans.  🛑Requires regular value.   Substack / Email   ✅Direct 1:1 relationship with listeners ✅Underrated.  ✅Great for asking questions, starting convo.   Zoom / Events   ✅Deeper connection and retention 🛑Requires effort, but great payoff. Tip: Don't try to build in every channel. Just pick one that aligns with your content and audience.   2. Invite Thoughtfully Don't just drop a link. Give people a reason to join. Mention your community in every episode Give a benefit: “Want deeper dives and episode extras? Join us here.” Ask questions in your newsletter and post responses in the group   3. Make it Feel Personal People don't join communities. They join people. Welcome new members by name Highlight listener questions or wins Share your behind-the-scenes process Give shoutouts in your episodes or emails   🎙️ Why This Matters for Hosts If you're a host, community helps you:   Attract better guests (guests want access to engaged listeners) Get more shares (listeners promote what they're part of) Test ideas before episodes go live Create products, events, or offers your audience actually wants   Even a 10-person community can change how you create. ✨ Real Examples of Podcasts as Communities The Lazy Genius Podcast: Started as a blog → podcast → Facebook group → now a brand with deep listener connection Brown Ambition: Hosts highlight listener questions and community wins weekly Doctor's Kitchen: Built a wellness-focused community that outgrew the podcast itself These shows didn't start huge. They grew because they cultivated connection. ✅ Your Action Steps This Week   Pick 1 place to host your community. FB group? Discord? Email? Substack? Craft a short invitation. “If you loved this episode, join our group where we dig deeper every week.” Highlight 1 listener next episode or post. A small shoutout goes a long way. Invite your guest into your community too. Give them a space to connect with your listeners after their episode airs. We are working on starting a Discord for this community! Because we believe in what we preach, and because we want to be in closer contact with all of you. (A discord, in our opinion is the best option for being closely connected with your community)   👋 You Don't Need to Do This Alone If you're ready to build your podcast into a true platform—not just a series of episodes—we'd love to help. Inside the Podcast Collab Club, we've got: A community of active hosts and guests Episode and podcast listings that show up in Google Promo support to get you seen (and found) Our Friday Frequency newsletter highlighting live collaboration threads   🎟️ Join the Podcast Collab Club for $14.99/month If you're not already in our Facebook group, hop in here: 👉 Podcast Guest Collaboration – Find a Guest, Be a Guest   Or just start small by sharing this week's newsletter with your co-host, collaborator, or biggest fan.   With appreciation, The Podcast Collaborative Team  P.S.Have a great example of how you turned your podcast into a community? Hit reply—we'd love to feature you. We're here to help you connect with the people who can help you grow. Come check out the Podcast Collab Club! Ready to start taking the guesswork out of finding great guests and the legwork out of landing aligned interviews? Come check out the Podcast Collab Club! The Podcast Collaborative Mansfield, CT 06268, USA Unsubscribe