YouTube creators are sounding alarms as views mysteriously plummet, with some losing up to 25% overnight. Could it be an algorithm glitch, a crackdown on AI content, or something bigger? We break down what’s happening and what it could mean for podcasters using the platform. In today’s news roundup, we also cover Spotify’s fastest-growing category, Patreon’s new design tools, Daniel J. Lewis’ PodChapters release, and fresh upgrades to Google Gemini that could reshape your podcast workflow.

We also pause to honor Todd Cochrane, CEO of Blubrry and a true pioneer of podcasting, whose sudden passing leaves a lasting impact on the indie community he championed. The Empowered Podcasting community would like to express our deepest condolences.

Episode Highlights:

[2:30] Podcast Genre Top Five and Upcoming Events

[11:00] Podcasting Awards and New Tools

[15:42] Patreon Updates and PodChapters Tool

[26:28] Tribute to Todd Cochrane and AI News

[47:34] YouTube Views Disappearing

[58:00] Community Growth Stories, and Why Showing Up Matters

Links & Resources:

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Get Your Tickets for The Empowered Podcasting Conference:

www.empoweredpodcasting.com

Meet Up & Match Up Event:

https://lu.ma/k02gz8li

Houston Podcasters Meetup:

https://podnews.net/event/houston-podcasters-meetup

Pod Summit YYC:

https://podnews.net/event/podsummit-yyc-2025

The Ambies:

https://www.ambies.com/

Winning Strategies for Podcast Awards with Dominic Lawson:

https://www.podpage.com/pmc/winning-strategies-for-podcast-awards-with-dominic-lawson

Travis and Jason Kelce Wondery Deal:

https://www.podcastnewsdaily.com/news/podcast-news-bites-travis-and-jason-kelce-carlos-king-jared-stillman-patreon/article_0aea1ac2-78c2-4916-bd0b-62419a82fa6b.html

PodChapters:

https://podchapters.com