In the March 2024 episode of "The Circle Sessions" titled "Ripped From The Podcast Headlines," host Brett Johnson and special guest Don The Idea Guy discuss a range of trending topics in the podcast industry, focusing on feedback mechanisms, SEO tactics, AI in podcast promotion, and novel tools for podcast creation and marketing.

Top Takeaways

**AI in Podcast Promotion**: Spotify’s innovative use of AI for behavioral targeting represents a new frontier in podcast marketing, helping podcasters reach more tailored audiences and promote their back catalogs more effectively.

**Evolving Ad Insertion Techniques**: AI is changing the podcast advertising landscape by enabling smarter, contextually relevant ad placements. Still, there's a concern over maintaining the balance between content quality and ad revenues.

**Importance of Planning Content for Ads**: The sophistication of AI tools for ad placement makes it increasingly important for podcasters to mindfully plan their content to seamlessly incorporate advertisements without detracting from listener experience.

**Apple and AI Promotion Tools**: The episode notes that while Spotify has spearheaded the use of AI for podcast promotion, Apple is seen as lagging but has plans to support Google's Gemini AI tool, highlighting the trend towards AI adoption in podcasting platforms.

**Podcasting Tools and AI Integration**: With platforms like Launchcasts providing AI-generated scripts, voice options, and artwork, podcast creation is becoming more accessible. However, the quality and creativity of content generated through AI might still require human oversight and finesse.

**The Roast Format for Feedback**: Brett Johnson and Don The Idea Guy discussed the potential for entertaining and insightful podcast reviews through a "roast" format. This could create an engaging way for podcasters to learn from each other’s successes and mistakes. Send us an email with your request to have your podcast, podcast website, or podcast social media analyzed.

[email protected]

Key Moments

00:00 Spotify uses AI for targeted podcast promotion.

05:51 Podcasters prefer Spotify over Apple for tools.

08:12 Audacy introduces AI tool for podcast advertising.

09:42 AI transcript contextual; avoiding accidental ad placement.

15:53 AI platform launches podcasts with script and art.

19:23 Ausha study unlocks questionable tactics for Apple Podcasts.

20:10 SEO study reveals outdated penalized practices. Avoid.

26:08 Feedback sessions on various industry content.

27:53 Podcast roast videos promote feedback and discussion.

30:22 Comparing podcast episodes and promotional strategies.

MEET DON THE IDEA GUY!

Possessing creative powers beyond those of mere mortals, DON THE IDEA GUY rescues those in need of innovative ideas through his brainstorming sessions, articles, and websites.

DTIG (DEE-tigg) has been featured in Small Business News, interviewed by the New York Times, quoted in Fast Company magazine, and served as the first president of the International Idea Trade Association.

Don is a proud member of the BzzAgent community, and is featured in BzzAgent.com founder Dave Balter’s book “Grapevine: The New Art of Word-of-Mouth Marketing.”

His Innovation Channel on the Duct Tape Marketing Blog has been recognized as a Forbes Favorite.

Don is the author of the book “100-WHATS of CREATIVITY“, one-hundred ‘what if?’ questions to spur your creativity, unmuck your mind, and break through your mental blocks and has written dozens of articles and hundreds of blog postings on the subject of increasing innovation and adding creativity to your personal and professional life.

Each week, one of The Circle of Experts talks about critical aspects of growing your podcast. We focus on marketing, social media, monetization, website design, and implementation of all of these to help you make the best podcast possible.

Have a question or an idea for one of our episodes? Send us an email at [email protected].

The Circle of Experts are:

Yasmine Robles from Rebel Marketing

Tonnisha English-Amamoo of TJE Communications

Don The Idea Guy

Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, from Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/vince-mcgill/lemon-slice

License code: 2NRNUIV5VG7FU3K5

Copyright 2025 Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy™