In this bonus episode of Let’s Blow This Up, I'm recapping my experience attending Podfest 2026 in Orlando, Florida and breaking down why industry events remain essential for podcasters and creators. I've got firsthand insights on how in-person conferences accelerate learning, spark ideas, and create momentum that simply can’t be replicated online and I'll be sharing them throughout this episode.

I'm also diving into the unmatched power of face-to-face connections, highlighting how real conversations lead to deeper relationships and long-term collaborations. This type of thing was running rampant at Podfest and in no way is that depressing!

The speakers at Podfest brought a new level of knowledge and education to the game, from expert-led sessions to peer-driven conversations that sharpen skills and challenge assumptions. These learning moments reinforced the importance of staying current with podcasting trends while remaining adaptable in a rapidly evolving industry.

And last but not least...this episode marks a turning point for this show. I've got some big plans in the works as we move forward. Click play to hear all about it!

Key Takeaways from This Episode

• Attending Podfest 2026 reinforced the irreplaceable value of in-person industry events for podcasters (and all professionals in their respective industries)
• Face-to-face conversations lead to deeper connections than online networking alone can do
• Industry conferences accelerate learning through real-world insights and shared experiences
• Strategic planning helps maximize the value of events before, during, and after attending
• Podcast growth requires clarity in positioning, messaging, and long-term strategy
• Rebranding the show reflects a stronger focus on podcast strategy and intentional growth. Stay tuned....

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

Now it's time to take action and get the most from your podcasting efforts. Discover how I can help you out at bombtrackmedia.com

MUSIC CREDIT: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

We are BACK, bay-bay!

In this episode of Let’s Blow This Up, I'm sharing an important update on the evolution of this podcast, mainly announcing the move to a weekly production schedule beginning in February 2026. This podcast has always been a season-based show, so why the change? Click play to find out!

I'm also diving into how balancing solo episodes, conversations, and community-driven content will continue to build a dynamic podcast ecosystem. How does weekly rhythm support creative momentum while strengthening listener connection and reinforcing the show’s mission to help podcasters build with purpose? The answer lays within.

I'm also talking about Podfest 2026, an annual event happening January 15th thru 18th that I'll be attending for the first time this year. I'll be sharing what I'm looking forward and letting you know why attending events such as this should be at the top of your priority list this year and beyond.

Key Takeaways

• Let’s Blow This Up will transition to a weekly release schedule starting February 2026
• Consistent publishing helps build audience trust and long-term podcast growth
• Mixing solo episodes, conversations, and livestream content keeps a show engaging
• Sustainable podcasting requires realistic planning and creative alignment
• Community and connection are essential elements of podcast success
• Podfest 2026 offers opportunities for learning, networking, and creative expansion. Hope to see you there!

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

Now it's time to take action and get the most from your podcasting efforts. Discover how I can help you out at bombtrackmedia.com

MUSIC CREDIT: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

September 26th thru 28th, 2025 will go down in history as a weekend that changed the game.

At least in the podcast world.

Hundreds of podcast enthusiasts, content creators, hosts, strategists, and more convened in Charlotte, North Carolina for Empowered Podcasting Conference 2, an event designed to build community, spark collaboration, and enhance relationships.

What transpired throughout this event is nothing short of phenomenal. From start to finish, EPC2 was the epitome of what the podcasting community stands for - insight, innovation, connection, and camaraderie.

In this bonus episode of Let's Blow This Up, I'm sharing my thoughts on my epic 10-days in Charlotte...all culminating at the Hyatt Centric in Southpark (just outside the Queen City) with a conference I presented at, MC'ed at, and helped put together with an extraordinary group of people.

Throughout this episode, I unpack the value of authentic communities, why showing up in person still matters, and how these experiences fuel can your personal and professional momentum. I also dive into the emotional and strategic ROI of gathering with the right people and how it can lead to better content, stronger networks, and more clarity in your message.

Key Takeaways From This Episode

• Being part of the right community is everything
• Igniting new relationships begins with the courage to reach out and make a new connection
• Empowered Podcasting is more than just a conference - it's a community and a movement that's primed to take the podcast medium to new heights
• There's power in being able to network directly with speakers and experts - not just on the stage, but in the hallways, at dinner, and over beverages as well
• Planning events isn't easy...but seeing them come to life makes the hard times worth it and the good times even better

Join the Empowered Podcasting Community on Facebook

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

Now it's time to take action and get the most from your podcasting efforts. Discover how I can help you out at bombtrackmedia.com

MUSIC CREDIT: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

It's another bonus episode of Let's Blow This Up and today, Charlie Krebs joins the podcast to talk about the launch and growth of his podcast known as Soft Skills: Strong Results. We dive into the strategy behind the show and how Charlie’s background shaped his approach to podcasting.

Charlie shares how his experience in theater, TEDx speaking, and higher education helped him become a confident host. His ability to carry conversations with purpose makes each episode more engaging for his audience.

Throughout this conversation, Charlie and I explore why soft skills are more than a buzzword. Charlie breaks down the difference between interpersonal and cognitive soft skills and how both are essential in professional and personal life.

We also touch on simple, powerful ways to build connection --- like learning someone’s name and showing genuine interest. It’s not about being flashy; it’s about being human.

Charlie also gives his thoughts on how it's been to work with me to build his podcast!

Key Takeaways:

• A strong podcast starts with a clear strategy, not just a microphone.
• Communication skills from other industries can translate seamlessly into podcasting.
• Theater and public speaking backgrounds build strong conversational flow.
• Interpersonal soft skills create better listener engagement.
• Small gestures, like using someone’s name or asking how their day is going, can have a big impact.
• Soft skills aren’t fluff; they’re foundational to leadership and connection.

Check out Soft Skills Strong Results on:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

Now it's time to take action and get the most from your podcasting efforts. Discover how I can help you out at bombtrackmedia.com

MUSIC CREDIT: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

It's another installment of the "Making a Podcast With Bombtrack Media" series and today, I'm joined by the one and only Karin Freeland, host of Rock Your Reinvention for a wide-open discussion of what we've been doing to build and grow her podcast.

Karin and I dive into the importance of podcast SEO and how identifying the right keywords for episode titles can significantly impact discoverability. By focusing on what listeners are actively searching for, we’ve been able to grow her audience in a targeted, organic way.

We also touch on the collaborative process behind producing Rock Your Reinvention, with Karin sharing her insights on what it's like to work with me on a weekly basis. From creative planning to post-production and promotion, every step is designed to strengthen the show's reach and relevance.

Karin generously shares her experience working with yours truly at Bombtrack Media, highlighting the value of having a reliable, communicative partner in her corner. Her testimonial underscores how important trust and consistency are when building a show that stands out in a crowded podcast landscape.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Rock Your Reinvention is focused on helping women reclaim their power and break free from the shackles of corporate life.
• Strategic SEO practices, including keyword-rich titles, directly contribute to increased podcast visibility and engagement.
• Episode planning and structure play a vital role in keeping the content relevant and listener-focused.
• Consistent editing and production quality elevate the professionalism of Karin’s show.
• Marketing efforts go beyond audio, integrating social media and search engine strategies to expand audience reach.

Listen to Rock Your Reinvention

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

Now it's time to take action and get the most from your podcasting efforts. Discover how I can help you out at bombtrackmedia.com

MUSIC CREDIT: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

It's time to bring the curtain down on Season 3 of Let's Blow This Up and, as is tradition on this show, we're going to close things up in style.

If you've been on this ride with us throughout the season, you've heard the voices of some of my closest friends in the podcast space taking 30-minute deep dives in The Co-Host Collective Series.

Now, the tribe convenes one last time this season in the name of fun, camaraderie, and having the screen look like The Brady Bunch theme while livestreaming (check out the video on YouTube to feel the vibes).

It's the Season 3 Livestream Finale featuring the Let's Blow This Up Co-Host Collective and YOU'RE INVITED to join the party!

This installment features:

💥 Jason Cercone
💥 Ana Xavier
💥 Jay Franze
💥 Simona Costantini
💥 Megan Shields
💥 Traci DeForge

In this episode, we recap Season 3, rap about podcasting (on-brand), talk about what's to come on Let's Blow This Up, and much, much more!

Join us one final time as Season 3 comes to a close!

Previously streamed live on Wednesday, May 14th.

Season 3 of Let's Blow This Up is proudly sponsored by The Podcast Professionals Association! Click here to learn more about this growing organization.

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

Now it's time to take action and get the most from your podcasting efforts. Discover how I can help you out at bombtrackmedia.com

MUSIC CREDIT: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

It's the final installment in the Season 3 Solo Series of Let's Blow This Up and, before we hit the pause button for a couple months, let's take a few minutes to reflect on how this season unfolded through 35 episodes across three distinct formats. Today, I'm unpacking what landed well, what didn’t quite connect, and how each iteration has informed the direction of this podcast moving forward.

You'll hear an honest breakdown of the wins and challenges of producing this season as I share some of the behind-the-scenes processes of bringing things to life, as well as what I’ve discovered about my own strengths as a creator.

A big focus in this episode is the power of series-based podcasting (aka the "what's next" part of the show) — specifically why it works for businesses looking to achieve big goals with their podcast. I explain how this structure offers clarity, direction, and repeatable results for both podcasters and listeners alike.

Looking ahead, Let's Blow This Up is leaning fully into this format, not just to refine the show, but to serve as a living example of the value of a series-based strategy. This episode serves as a mini-blueprint for how educational content and smart structure can work hand-in-hand to amplify impact.

Key Takeaways:

• Series-based podcasting creates intentionality and measurable outcomes for businesses.
• Not every format will fit your goals—testing and adapting is key.
• A consistent structure leads to better audience retention and easier content planning.
• Honest reflection is essential for growth and future-proofing your podcast.
• Using your own podcast as a case study builds authority and transparency.
• Leaning into what works isn’t just smart—it’s sustainable.

Season 3 of Let's Blow This Up is proudly sponsored by The Podcast Professionals Association! Click here to learn more about this growing organization.

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

Now it's time to take action and get the most from your podcasting efforts. Discover how I can help you out at bombtrackmedia.com

MUSIC CREDIT: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

As we wind down The Co-Host Collective Series for Season 3 here on Let's Blow This Up, let's break out of the conventional podcast marketing and promotion box and explore some creative strategies that actually move the needle!

I'm once again joined by the one and only Simona Costantini, Founder of Volt Productions, and together, we're challenging the usual playbook of posting links to your latest episode on social media and tapping into some fresh, actionable ideas from both of us, as well as other members of The Co-Host Collective AND friends of the podcast.

From temporary tattoo campaigns to podcasting in public spaces (and automobiles), nothing is off limits as we cover a range of methods designed to spark curiosity and build real connection.

These aren't just gimmicks. They’re conversation starters that help your show stand out in a crowded space.

We also talk about the importance of experimenting with your promotional strategy and leaning into what feels fun and authentic. When your marketing lights you up, it’s more likely to light up your audience, too.

Whether you’re trying to grow your listener base or simply want to be more intentional about your outreach, this episode is packed with ideas you may have never considered. And if you have but maybe thought they were a little too crazy, consider this your permission slip to GIVE EVERYTHING A WHIRL and see what happens!

Key Takeaways:

• Rethink podcast promotion! Social media links aren't your only tool.
• "Off the wall" promotional tactics can turn casual browsers into curious listeners.
• Cross-industry collaborations open new audience pipelines.
• In-person promotional efforts still pack a punch in a digital-first world.
• Making your marketing fun for you helps it connect better with others.
• The best promo ideas often come from testing, not templating.
• Don't get discouraged if your first idea doesn't bear fruit. Keep pushing the limits of your creativity and big things will happen.

Connect with Simona Costantini
Website | Instagram

Mentioned On The Show...
Check out Things Police See on Instagram and find the podcast on your favorite app!

Season 3 of Let's Blow This Up is proudly sponsored by The Podcast Professionals Association! Click here to learn more about this growing organization.

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

Now it's time to take action and get the most from your podcasting efforts. Discover how I can help you out at bombtrackmedia.com

MUSIC CREDIT: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com