If you've been reading @podnews or scrolling LinkedIn, you've seen the headlines: video is eating podcasting, AI slop is going to drown out the good stuff, and audio-only creators are dead in the water.
Justin Jackson and Jeremy Enns gave this talk at The Podcast Show London to actually look at the data.
We're firmly on the side of the creator here. This isn't a doom talk. It's about how you might use video and AI to augment what you're already doing instead of fearing it.
🔗 Want to try video podcasting? Host and distribute your show with Transistor. Upload once, distribute to YouTube, Apple Podcasts and more.
https://transistor.fm/?via=youtube
0:00 - Is podcasting cooked?
1:21 - The narrative: AI and video are going to ruin everything
2:14 - Who we are (Justin Jackson + Jeremy Enns)
3:01 - The disclaimer: we're on the side of the creator
3:47 - Part 1: Video
4:04 - "Why would I listen to a podcast?" (story in a British pub)
5:49 - The data: YouTube is #1 in every age group
6:40 - The nuance: 83% consume both audio AND video
12:00 - "I don't have the budget, time, or skills for video"
12:49 - Canada's top political podcast is three ugly boxes
14:30 - My humble show doubled its audience
18:01 - Video doesn't mean eyeballs glued to a screen
19:43 - Low-effort visuals that work (Get Sleepy, 141k views)
21:25 - Video verdict: not cooked
21:45 - Part 2: AI
22:04 - The real AI threat isn't the one you think
22:44 - People are replacing episodes with AI summaries
26:04 - Shows that are resilient to AI (Acquired, Ezra Klein, 3 Books)
27:12 - The fix: make a show it'd be weird to skip
28:19 - People don't want information anymore, they want an experience
34:34 - Q&A: will the extra video work actually pay off?
35:14 - Hybrid consumption and multiple touch points
44:03 - Going untethered: why "more real" wins
46:22 - "I don't enjoy talking to a camera" (and that's okay)
48:46 - Native to platform vs. doing everything a little worse
50:33 - The trick: make something people tell their friends about
56:19 - Do we need a new word for audio?
58:56 - Wrapping up: podcasting can encompass many things
Bios:
@JustinJackson – co-founder of Transistor.fm
Jeremy Enns – founder of @podcastmarketingacademy
-----------------------------------------
🎤 Want to make your podcast truly unforgettable? Podcast Storytelling Masterclass is your guide to using stories as powerful tools to captivate, connect with, and grow your audience. This class dives deep into the essential techniques that transform your delivery—helping you craft stories that resonate, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.
You'll learn how to choose the right stories, use them instead of traditional interview questions, and guide your guests to share meaningful experiences that engage listeners. Storytelling isn't just popular—it’s how people relate to your message. This course shows you how to harness that connection to elevate your podcast from ordinary to exceptional.
👉 Click here to join the online course now and start building stronger, more emotional connections with your audience through storytelling.
Choosing the right hosting platform is essential for distributing your podcast efficiently and reaching your target audience. Evaluate platforms based on factors such as storage capacity, bandwidth, ease of use, and analytics capabilities. Look for services that offer reliable uptime and fast upload speeds to ensure your episodes are accessible to listeners without delay. Consider platforms that support multiple podcast directories, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, to maximize your reach. Additionally, assess whether the hosting service provides tools for monetization, such as advertising integration or subscription options. A robust hosting platform simplifies the distribution process, allowing you to focus on creating quality content for your audience.
Maintaining legal compliance is essential to protect your podcast and its content from potential issues. Secure the necessary rights and licenses for any music, sound effects, or third-party content you use in your episodes to avoid copyright infringement. Obtain permission from guests to record and distribute their contributions, and consider having them sign release forms to formalize their consent. Be mindful of privacy laws by respecting the confidentiality and personal information of your listeners and participants. Additionally, adhere to advertising regulations when incorporating sponsorships or affiliate marketing, clearly disclosing any paid partnerships. Staying informed about relevant laws and regulations ensures that your podcast operates smoothly and mitigates legal risks.
Focus on topics you are passionate about, research thoroughly, and structure your episodes with a clear introduction, main content, and conclusion. Engaging storytelling and relevant information keep listeners interested.
Show notes provide a summary of the episode, links to resources mentioned, and additional information. They improve SEO, offer value to listeners, and serve as a reference for your content.
Plan your questions in advance, ensure good audio quality for both parties, and create a comfortable environment for your guest. Interviews add variety and different perspectives to your show.
Deliver consistent, high-quality content, engage with your audience, provide value in each episode, and build a strong connection through storytelling and relatable topics to retain listeners.
Popular options include Audacity, which is free and user-friendly, and Adobe Audition, which provides advanced editing features. Choose software that fits your skill level and editing needs.
Outline key points to stay organized, use conversational language, and practice speaking naturally. This approach ensures coherence while maintaining an authentic and engaging tone.
Encourage listeners to leave reviews, conduct surveys, engage on social media, and create a feedback form on your website. Constructive feedback helps you improve and grow your podcast.
Automating your podcast workflow streamlines production and reduces manual tasks, increasing efficiency. Start by identifying repetitive tasks in your production process, such as scheduling recordings, publishing episodes, or promoting content. Use automation tools like Zapier or IFTTT to connect your favorite apps and create automated workflows. For example, set up an automation that posts a new episode to your social media accounts as soon as it is published. Use scheduling tools to plan and automate email newsletters or blog posts related to your podcast. Implement templates and presets in your editing software to speed up the post-production process. Additionally, use project management tools to automate task assignments and track progress. Workflow automation frees up more time for content creation and strategic planning, enhancing the overall productivity of your podcast operations.