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Today marks a pivotal moment in the world of audio. We are thrilled to introduce the Podbean AI Podcast Creator, a groundbreaking tool designed not to replace the magic of human storytelling, but to empower everyone to tell their stories, no matter how niche or specific. For too long, creating a podcast has required significant time, technical skill, and resources. At Podbean, we believe that every voice deserves to be heard, and every community, organization, or personal interest should have its own audio channel. The Podbean AI Podcast Creator is here to make that a reality! Beyond the Hype: Empowering Your Unique Content When we talk about AI, the conversation often steers to replacement. But at Podbean, our vision is firmly rooted in empowerment. The AI Creator isn't about automating away creativity; it's about unlocking it for everyone who previously couldn't access it. Imagine:

• A Parent's Dream: You want to keep up with your child's local school sports team. Newsletters and emails are great, but with AI Creator, you can instantly generate a personalized podcast from those updates, letting you listen on the go—something no mainstream podcast would ever cover.

• The Connected Company: Your business sends out vital internal newsletters to employees, vendors, or customers. With AI Creator, you can now effortlessly create a companion podcast. Transform static text into an engaging audio summary, allowing your team to stay informed during their commute or workout, reducing valuable screen time.

• Your Passion, Amplified: Have a niche blog, a specific hobby, or a local community event that deserves an audio spotlight? Turn any idea, text, file, or URL into a custom podcast episode in minutes.

Reduce Screen Time, Enhance Engagement In an increasingly screen-dominated world, we're constantly looking for ways to engage without being tethered to ...

Audiobooks have surged in popularity as a convenient way to enjoy books through audio. In this guide, we’ll explore what an audiobook is, where you can find audiobooks (including free audiobook options and top listening platforms), and what to consider when choosing an audiobook service.  Whether you’re a podcast listener curious about audiobooks or an avid reader looking for listening platforms, this article will help you navigate the world of audiobooks in a neutral, informative way. What Is an Audiobook? An audiobook is essentially an audio recording of a book being read aloud. Instead of reading text on a page, you listen to the narration – which might be performed by the author, a professional voice actor, or even a celebrity. This format has surged in popularity in recent years, becoming a mainstream way to enjoy literature. In fact, over half of U.S. adults have listened to an audiobook (around 137 million people), and 38% listened to at least one in the past year – up from 35% the year before (Source: Edison Research). Global audiobook sales have also climbed steadily, rising about 9–13% annually in recent years and topping $2 billion in 2023. This growth is fueled by our busy, mobile lifestyles and the convenience of on-demand audio entertainment. Audiobooks are increasingly accessible through many platforms and apps. Big tech and publishing companies have invested heavily in audiobooks, and even library apps now make it simple to borrow digital audiobooks for free. Accessibility is a key driver: 72% of listeners say it’s important that audiobooks are available on their favorite listening platform, and 63% value access via library apps. In 2023 alone, listeners worldwide borrowed 235 million audiobooks from libraries, a 23% jump from the previous year. Clearly, audiobooks aren’t just a trend – they’re becoming an integral part ...

Executive Summary

• Booming Big 12 Podcast Scene: Big 12 sports podcasts are thriving as the conference grows, offering fans in-depth coverage on football, basketball, and more, especially amid recent expansion to 16 teams.
  
• Top Shows & Fan Favorites: Leading podcasts like Heartland College Sports (with host Pete Mundo) and Ten12 Podcast cover all Big 12 teams, while daily shows such as Locked On Big 12 deliver up-to-date conference news. Fans also flock to independent productions (e.g. 365 Sports on YouTube) and team-specific podcasts for local perspectives.
  
• Platforms & Hosting: Several independents are hosted on Podbean (for example, Kurt's Korner and The No Defense Podcast both use Podbean URLs), whereas others partner with networks or media outlets. Regardless of host, nearly all are available on major apps like Apple Podcasts and Spotify for easy access.

Big 12 Podcast Trends and Growth The popularity of Big 12 sports podcasts has surged in recent years, mirroring the conference’s rising profile. With the Big 12 expanding its membership (adding schools like BYU, Houston, and the Arizona universities) to 16 teams by 2026, the fan base and national interest have grown – and so has the demand for dedicated coverage. Podcasts have become a key medium for fans to follow every development in the Big 12, from football season drama to year-round conference news. Mainstream sports media can only cover so much, so independent podcasters and local experts have stepped in to fill the gap, providing deep dives into topics that die-hard Big 12 fans crave. This growth is part of a larger sports podcast boom, as college sports enthusiasts increasingly turn to on-demand audio for analysis and community. Big 12 podcasts range from professionally produced network shows to humble fan-driven efforts, but all share a commitment to discussing the conference ...

If you’ve followed podcasting over the last few years, you likely remember Anchor – the popular free podcast hosting platform that promised to make podcasting easy for everyone. In 2019, Anchor was acquired by Spotify, and by early 2023 Spotify rebranded Anchor as “Spotify for Podcasters.” The Anchor name was retired at Spotify’s March 2023 Stream On event. On the surface, it might seem like only a branding change. But a lot has changed from the Anchor of “then” to Spotify for Podcasters now. Over time, Spotify has integrated Anchor’s features into its ecosystem – and even removed some beloved Anchor capabilities. These shifts have left many creators wondering: Is the new Spotify for Podcasters the same Anchor I signed up for? And if not, is there a better alternative for the long run? Why Creators Are Rethinking Anchor (Spotify for Podcasters) Anchor’s original appeal was easy to see: free, unlimited hosting with simple creation tools and one-click distribution. It lowered the barrier to entry for podcasting. However, as the platform evolved into Spotify for Podcasters, many creators have started to question if “free” is worth the trade-offs. Here are some reasons podcasters are giving Anchor a second thought: Loss of Key Features Spotify has begun sunsetting features that Anchor users loved. Notably, the ability to record or edit podcasts directly in the Anchor app or web dashboard – once a hallmark of Anchor’s ease-of-use – is being discontinued. The innovative “Music + Talk” feature (which let creators interweave Spotify songs into episodes) was also shut down. These changes suggest a shift in Spotify’s priorities, focusing less on creation tools and more on being a distribution platform. Creators who relied on those convenient tools now must find alternatives or do without. Basic Analytics (Outside Spotify) It’s true that Spotify ...

Starting a podcast and making it available on Amazon Podcasts & Music is an increasingly popular goal for creators. Amazon Music and Audible now reach millions of listeners worldwide, and podcasts have become a core part of their audio ecosystem. However, many new podcasters misunderstand how Amazon Podcasts & Music works. Amazon does not host podcasts. You cannot upload audio files directly to Amazon Music. To appear on Amazon Podcasts & Music, you must first use a podcast hosting platform that stores your episodes, creates an RSS feed, and distributes your show. This guide explains:

• The exact equipment you need to start a podcast
  
• How to record, host, and publish your episodes
  
• How Podbean helps you distribute your podcast to Amazon Podcasts & Music and beyond

This article is written for all podcasters, from beginners launching their first show to experienced creators expanding their distribution. Let’s dive in! Amazon Podcasts & Music vs. Podcast Hosting Before discussing equipment, it’s important to understand how podcast publishing works on Amazon. Is Amazon Podcasts & Music a podcast host? No. Amazon Podcasts & Music is not a podcast hosting platform. Amazon Music and Audible are listening platforms. They display and play podcasts that are hosted elsewhere. When someone presses play on Amazon Music, the episode is streamed directly from the podcast’s hosting provider. Amazon does not host your audio files; instead, it streams episodes directly from your podcast host. Think of Amazon Music like a radio or a TV channel – it broadcasts your content to its users, but the content itself lives elsewhere (on your hosting platform). What does this mean for you as a podcaster? In practical terms:

• You need a podcast host: Before you can appear on Amazon Music, you must upload your episodes to a hosting ...
  
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Commuting by car has become one of the best times to catch up on your favorite podcasts. Thanks to modern in-car platforms like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can safely enjoy podcasting apps in your car without ever picking up your phone. In this post, we’ll explore how CarPlay and Android Auto make on-the-road podcast listening easy, compare popular podcasting apps (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, etc.), and show why Podbean is a standout choice for podcast lovers on the move. CarPlay & Android Auto: Bringing Podcasts to Your Car Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have transformed in-car entertainment by integrating our phones’ apps with car dashboard displays. If you have an iPhone, CarPlay allows you to connect it to compatible vehicles and access apps through the car’s touchscreen or via Siri voice commands. Similarly, Android users can use Android Auto to get a driver-friendly interface for key apps. Both platforms support navigation, calling, music, and importantly – podcast apps. This means instead of fumbling with your phone, you can use your car’s controls or voice assistant to play, pause, skip, or search for podcasts. CarPlay, for example, works with Siri and your car’s knobs/touchscreen so you can stay focused on the road while listening. Android Auto offers a similar experience with Google Assistant integration, making it easy to listen safely while you drive. In short, CarPlay and Android Auto bring your favorite podcasting apps to your car in a way that’s convenient and safe – perfect for commutes or road trips. Podbean: Your Ultimate Podcasting App on the Road When it comes to podcasting apps for your car, Podbean shines as an all-in-one solution. The Podbean podcast app fully supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, meaning no matter what phone or vehicle you have, Podbean works ...

Podcasting has exploded in popularity, but behind the success stories lies a “podcast graveyard” of shows that faded away. In fact, nearly half of all podcasts never make it past the first 3 episodes. If you’re a podcaster (or aspiring one), you might wonder why so many people quit – and more importantly, how you can beat the odds. The good news: with the right approach, podfade (podcasting burnout) is avoidable. Let’s explore why podcasters quit and actionable strategies to help you keep your show thriving. The Alarming Podcast Attrition Rate Podfade is a common fate for podcasts that start strong but quickly fizzle out. Statistics show that a vast number of podcasts go inactive after only a handful of episodes, highlighting how challenging consistent podcasting can be. It’s easier to start a podcast than to maintain one. As of 2025, over 4 million podcasts exist, yet only ~1 in 10 are actively releasing episodes. Various analyses have revealed striking survival rates for new podcasts:

• ~47% of podcasts stop at 3 or fewer episodes– meaning almost half of all shows quit almost as soon as they begin.
  
• Of the podcasts that do continue, most never reach 10 episodes. One study found only 8% of podcasts have published 10 or more episodes.
  
• Hitting 20+ episodes is an even rarer achievement – effectively putting you in the top 1% of podcasters. In other words, if you’ve released Episode 21, you’ve outlasted 99% of other shows!
  

These numbers paint a stark picture: podcast attrition is extremely high. It’s clear that starting a podcast is the easy part; sustaining it is where most creators struggle. So, why exactly do so many podcasters throw in the towel? Why Do Podcasters Quit? Common Reasons for “Podfading” Understanding why podcasters quit can help you ...

Picture this: someone mentions your name in a room full of your ideal listeners or clients – what do they say about you? In the era of podcasts, YouTube channels, and a thriving creator economy, you are often the brand. Your reputation, online presence, and the story you share with the world all shape how others perceive you. Your brand is what people say about you when you're not in the room. (Jeff Bezos) We live in a time where authentic, personal connections trump faceless corporate messages. In fact, research shows that 92% of professionals trust a company more if its executives are active on social media – proof that a strong personal brand builds real trust. In this guide, we’ll dive into what a personal brand is, why it’s so important in today’s digital age, and exactly how you can build and grow your own. What Is a Personal Brand? A personal brand is essentially your reputation and the public perception of you. It’s the unique identity you present through your personality, values, skills, and online content. A personal brand is the acknowledged public perception of an individual, while personal branding is the deliberate process of creating that impression. (Forbes Books) In other words, your personal brand is how others see you, and personal branding is what you do to shape those perceptions. It goes beyond a logo or a catchy tagline – it’s who you are, what you stand for, and how you make people feel when they interact with your content or business. Think of your personal brand as the answer to questions like: What do people say about me? What am I known for? It encompasses everything from the tone of your podcast or blog, to the topics you discuss, to your presence on social media ...

Podcasters pour enormous energy into content—interviews, storytelling, educational deep dives, sound design, editing. But even the most compelling episode can suffer if the audio format isn’t carefully chosen. The format you record, process, export and publish will affect sound quality, file size, listener compatibility, hosting costs and ultimately your listener experience. In this guide we’ll walk through the major audio formats, explain what research and industry experts recommend, and help you choose the best format (or workflow) for your show—whether you’re a solo creator starting out or a network‑level producer optimizing for scale. Why Your Audio Format Matters Before we dive into the formats themselves, let’s quickly discuss why choosing the right audio format is important for podcasting:

1. Sound Quality: Your format affects the clarity, richness, and overall sound of your audio. Higher-quality formats preserve the details of your recordings, but they come with larger file sizes.
   
2. File Size and Storage: Podcast hosting platforms often have size limits on episodes. Some formats compress files more effectively, making them easier to host, download, and stream without compromising too much on quality.
   
3. Listener Compatibility: Not all podcast players and devices support every audio format. To ensure your podcast can be played by as many listeners as possible, it’s essential to select a widely compatible format.
   
4. Hosting Costs: Larger files require more storage and bandwidth. Choosing an audio format that balances quality and file size can help you manage hosting costs in the long term.
   

The Most Common Audio Formats for Podcasts 1. MP3 (MPEG‑1 Audio Layer III) What it is: MP3 is the most common and widely used audio format in podcasting. It’s a lossy compression format, meaning it reduces file size by discarding some of the audio data. Pros:

• Universal Compatibility: MP3 files are supported by almost ...
  
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Highlights

• Use Clear Calls-to-Action: Prompt your audience to comment by explicitly asking for feedback or questions at the end of episodes.
• Ask Engaging Questions: Encourage comments by asking specific, thought-provoking questions related to your episode content.
• Make Commenting Easy: Choose platforms with built-in comment features (like Podbean), and provide clear directions on how listeners can leave feedback.
• Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, highlight listener feedback on-air, and create a welcoming environment for further interaction.
• Foster a Podcast Community: Build engagement beyond episodes by creating group discussion spaces (e.g., Facebook Groups or Discord) to encourage ongoing dialogue.

Podcasting is more rewarding when it becomes a two-way conversation. An active audience that leaves podcast comments on your episodes signals that your content is resonating and building a community. As the Podbean team puts it, “the lifeblood of your podcast is your audience”.  Encouraging listeners to comment not only provides valuable feedback and connection, it also boosts your show's visibility and longevity. In this post, we’ll explore actionable strategies to increase listener comments on your podcast episodes – from on-air prompts to community-building – all in a professional yet friendly tone. Why Podcast Comments Matter Podcast comments are more than just text at the bottom of an episode page – they’re a sign of listener engagement and a springboard for community. When someone takes the time to share a thought or answer a question in your comments, it transforms your podcast from a one-way broadcast into a conversation. This kind of engagement can dramatically benefit your show. For one, it builds rapport and loyalty; listeners feel heard and connected when you interact with them. Additionally, high comment activity can even improve your podcast’s discoverability. For example, Podbean’s app algorithms take engagement into account – shows with lots of ...