Buzzsprout Weekly

Why 2025 Was a Great Year for Podcast Listeners

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'Hey, Podcasters! Have you ever tried to recommend a podcast to a friend and realized how many steps it took just to get them to the right episode? For a long time, trying to convert a listener felt like a lot of work. And as creators, we felt that friction too, even if we couldn’t always put our finger on it!But this year, podcast apps started acting less like players and more like places built for listeners. And we're loving it! Finding new shows feels easier, sharing a great episode feels more natural, and listening itself feels smoother with fewer interruptions. Those changes matter more than they might seem! When listening is easier, people finish more episodes, come back more often, and are more likely to recommend what they love. In this Buzzcast episode, we zoom out and talk about why 2025 ended up being such a strong year for podcast listeners. From what app updates actually changed behavior to why this moment feels like a turning point for podcasting, this episode is worth your time! Listen to BuzzcastStarting a Podcast in 2026? Apply for our Start Podcasting Cohort!In January 2026, we’re running a free Start Podcasting Cohort to help new podcasters move from planning to publishing!This guided, small-group experience is designed to reduce friction and help you launch your podcast with confidence.If you’ve been meaning to start but haven’t hit publish yet, applications are open now! Apply to CohortHave a question for Megan? Send a text!That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

How to Sustain Your Podcast Through 2026

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'Hey, Podcasters! The end of the year can be a tough stretch for podcasters! Schedules shift, and even the most consistent shows feel the strain of missed recording windows or rushed edits. If your routine has been harder to protect lately, there are ways to simplify your workflow so you can keep publishing without burning out!This week’s Buzzcast episode digs into the full process we use to keep Buzzsprout podcasts running. The team walks through how we outline episodes, protect our recording time, and move from raw audio to a published episode without bottlenecks. They also look at the most common places podcasters lose time and share practical ways to avoid them. The goal is to make each step easier, so the whole workflow feels lighter, and you can power through the holiday season! Listen to BuzzcastIf you want more support and connection as you plan the rest of your year, we have two great events to share!If you’re in Florida, the Jax Podathon returns on Wednesday, December 10, at 5:30 p.m. at Ruby Beach Brewing. It’s an annual networking and charity event for Feeding Northeast Florida, complete with TableTalk mini-workshops and sessions led by Buzzsprout's own Tom Rossi and Priscilla Brooke. Sign up for Jax PodathonIf you prefer something virtual, Podmatchis hosting Podcasting Made Simple Live, a premium virtual event for podcast hosts and guests that helps them grow their influence, revenue, and expertise. Tickets are free with the code BUZZLIVE!Register for Podcasting Made Simple LiveAs you wrap up the year, a lighter workflow and a steady routine can make all the difference. We’re here to help you finish strong!Have a question for Megan? Send a text!That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

The Best USB Mics for Podcasting

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'Hey, Podcasters! One of the most common questions we hear is also one of the most important: Which microphone should I use for my podcast?The right mic can improve your sound and remove a lot of unnecessary friction as you get started!To help simplify the decision, we put together ​a new video​ that walks through our top five USB microphones for podcasting. Each pick is tested and ranked with real audio examples, so you can hear the differences for yourself and understand what you’re getting at each price point.We compare beginner-friendly microphones with long-term upgrade options and explain what actually matters for sound quality, room noise, durability, and flexibility.If you’re recording without a dedicated microphone right now, we also show how ​Magic Mastering​ can enhance audiofrom a phone or earbuds to make it sound polished.Watch the ​full video​ to hear the mics and see our complete rankings!Have a question for Megan? Send a text!That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Smart Ways to Avoid Holiday Burnout

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'Hey, Podcasters! The holiday season is officially here, which usually means two things: more joy and way less time to podcast.Between travel plans, family gatherings, school breaks, and end-of-year deadlines, this is one of the hardest seasons to stay consistent. Nearly every podcaster I know hits a point where they think, “Should I just skip a few weeks?”If that's you, keep reading! This week, we’re talking about how to handle your podcast during the busiest stretch of the year!1. Keep Publishing: The Opportunity Is RealBuzzsprout’s data shows something interesting: November and December see fewer new episodes published, but listening doesn’t drop nearly as much.With so many people traveling and clearing out their queues, your episodes have a better chance of being heard and recommended. If you can stay consistent, you may actually open your show up to new listeners and keep your growth going!2. Take a Planned Break (Without Losing Listeners)If your calendar doesn’t allow for new content, a short, planned break can work really well!In this episode of Buzzcast, the team walks through how to set expectations, share your return date, and keep your feed warm with lightweight options like a bonus episode or a curated recommendation from another creator.3. Lighten the Load, Not Your PresenceIf you want to keep releasing without working through every holiday week, small adjustments can make it easier.We talk about batching one extra episode, switching to shorter formats, or recording something simple and evergreen so your feed stays active while you’re busy!If you’re trying to balance holiday life with podcasting, this episode gives you three clear approaches to choose from and a practical plan for whichever one you pick.Listen to the full Buzzcast episode to learn more!Have a question for Megan? Send a text!That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

The Best Time to Start a Podcast

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'Hey, Podcasters! I talk to a lot of people who want to start a podcast.Whether it's friends, creators, or podcasters-to-be, I hear the same thing all the time: “I’ve been thinking about starting a podcast… but I don’t know if now is the right time!”And every time, I give the same answer: “If you’re thinking about it, now is exactly the right time.”So if you find yourself asking, "Why should I start, and how do I launch without overcomplicating it?"That’s exactly what we’re diving into this week!Why Right Now Is the Best Time to Start a PodcastPodcasting has never been bigger! Or more accessible.More than half of Americans now listen to podcasts monthly, and younger listeners are driving that growth.I think it's because podcasting is one of the few places left where creators can reach their audience without an algorithm in the way. It's a rare connection that listeners love! In this video, we break down the five biggest reasons podcasting is the most creator-friendly medium right now, and why your voice is more valuable than you think.Your Launch Strategy Once people decide to start, the next question hits just as hard: “Okay… but how do I launch it?”You’ve probably heard the classic advice: launch with three episodes. But Alban joined Doug Downs recently to explain why that rule is outdated, andwhat actually matters for modern podcast launches.How to Start a Podcast (Step-by-Step Guide)For a more in-depth breakdown, our How to Start a Podcast guide has everything you need. From choosing your format to publishing your first episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, we walk you through every step. It’s practical, beginner-friendly, and designed to take the stress out of getting started!If you’ve been thinking about starting a new podcast, you’re already closer than you realize. And I know your show is going to be great! Have a question for Megan? Send a text!That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!