Episodes

  • 482 - Why You Should Consider Creating a Separate Podcast with Only 5 to 10 Episodes

    482 - Why You Should Consider Creating a Separate Podcast with Only 5 to 10 Episodes
    Jan 23 2026

    What if the most powerful podcast you ever create is not one you plan to produce every week for years, but one you intentionally decide to end before you ever hit record on episode one?

    In this episode, I share the full recording of my PodFest Expo 2026 session where I make the case for launching a limited-series podcast. A short, laser-focused show designed to solve one specific problem for one specific audience.

    I walk through why this approach is easier to discover, easier to binge, easier to trust, easier to recommend, and ultimately easier to convert than a traditional ongoing weekly podcast.

    I also share real-world examples from my own experience, including a podcast I haven't touched in over 15 years that still generates meaningful revenue today, and another limited series that produced $90,000 from four people who found the podcast within 45 days, people who had never heard my name before.

    If you already have a podcast, or if your audience growth has plateaued, this episode will challenge how you think about podcasting as a tool for movement, not just content creation.

    Topics Covered in This Episode
    • Why a podcast that is intentionally finite can be more powerful than an ongoing weekly show
    • What a limited-series podcast is and how it differs from your main podcast
    • The five core benefits of creating a five to ten episode podcast
    • Why limited series podcasts are easier to discover in search
    • How short series naturally encourage binge listening
    • How rapid binge listening accelerates trust with new listeners
    • Why these podcasts are dramatically easier for others to recommend
    • How limited series podcasts create a natural path to conversion
    • A behind-the-scenes look at my Virtual Assistant Podcast and its long-term impact
    • How a six-episode series led to $90,000 in new mastermind revenue
    • Using archived evergreen content to launch a new limited series without starting from scratch
    • Practical ideas for using limited series podcasts to promote books, programs, events, or coaching
    • Why podcasting works best when it is designed for intentional movement
    Gear Recommendation

    I used the Tascam DR-10L Pro to record my talk, a professional field recorder with a lavalier microphone. I use this for all my presentations so I'm never dependent on someone else's equipment to capture quality audio from the stage. Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/4jZc8iy

    Private Strategy Coaching for Podcasters

    If you already have a podcast, or you have the technical side figured out, and what you really want is clear, practical strategy, I’m offering a limited-time one-on-one coaching package.

    This is for brand new clients only. We’ll work together over three ninety-minute private sessions focused on your podcasting and or entrepreneurial journey.

    The investment is $1,500. If you want to bounce ideas off someone who has been in this space for over twenty years and get clear direction on your next best steps, email me at Cliff@PodcastAnswerMan.com.
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    32 mins
  • 481 - How to Start a Podcast and Still Be Around 12 Years Later

    481 - How to Start a Podcast and Still Be Around 12 Years Later
    Jan 16 2026
    If you would like to learn how to start a podcast and still be around 12 years later, you will want to listen to this episode. In it, I share a powerful conversation with Laura McClellan, host of The Productive Woman podcast, who took my Podcasting A to Z course more than twelve years ago and has now published over five hundred episodes. Laura almost never launched her show. She recorded her first episode, then let fear stop her for six months before finally deciding to publish an episode she recorded from a closet with a handheld recorder. What followed was a body of work that has touched thousands of people around the world. This conversation is part of my Where Are They Now? series, where I sit down with students who went through my course 10 to 15 years ago to explore what it actually looks like to keep showing up with your voice over the years. Insights from My Conversation with Laura Starting a podcast can begin as a personal, creative outlet long before it becomes something that serves others.Fear and self-doubt are often part of the beginning, even for people who later become incredibly consistent creators.You do not need a platform or an audience to start. You only need a willingness to speak and press publish.A simple weekly cadence creates momentum that compounds over time.Listener feedback, even from one person, can be the fuel that keeps you going.Podcasting builds community in ways that are difficult to predict when you first begin.Taking a sabbatical or stepping away can be part of a long creative life.It is easier for many people to speak than to write, which makes podcasting a powerful medium for sharing ideas.Tools and technology continue to evolve, making it easier than ever to create and distribute high-quality content.The true reward of podcasting is not downloads or stats, but the impact your voice has on real people. Links and Resources Laura’s Podcast In Apple PodcastsLaura's Podcast in SpotifyLaura McClellan’s website: TheProductiveWoman.comPodcasting A to ZWhat Are You Creating? podcast Where Are They Now? This is a special series inside my What Are You Creating? podcast that begins with Episode 27. In this series, I sit down with people who went through my Podcasting A to Z course more than a decade ago and chose to keep creating. These are long-term podcasters who have published hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of episodes over the last ten to fifteen years. Each conversation looks back on what it was like to begin, what it took to keep going, and how their lives and work have evolved through years of using their voice. You can find the series starting at Episode 27 by clicking here. Podcasting A to Z Laura’s story is not special because she decided to begin and kept showing up. If you have been thinking about starting a podcast, relaunching one that has gone quiet, or bringing new life to something you already created, my next session of Podcasting A to Z is starting soon. This is the same program Laura went through and it is where I personally walk you through every step of creating a great-sounding audio podcast with clarity, confidence, and a proven plan. You can find all the details at PodcastingAtoZ.com.
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    44 mins
  • 480 - Why Podcasting Conferences Still Matter. PodFest 2026

    480 - Why Podcasting Conferences Still Matter. PodFest 2026
    Jan 9 2026

    In this episode, I share why podcasting conferences still matter in 2026. Attending podcast-focused conferences has shaped my entire career. From the early days of missing the very first podcasting events to the way conferences eventually accelerated my growth, my relationships, and my income, this episode is a reflection on why rooms full of podcasters change everything.

    For the first few years of my podcasting journey, I was creating alongside others, but I was not yet connected to the larger community of podcasters who lived and breathed this medium the way I did. That changed the moment I started attending podcasting conferences.

    In this episode, I walk you through:

    • Why missing the earliest podcasting events created some of the biggest regret in my career.
    • How attending my first industry conference shifted the trajectory of my business.
    • What actually happens when you get in rooms with other people who love podcasting.
    • Why conferences collapse years of learning into just a few days.
    • How events like BlogWorld, Podcast Movement, and PodFest shaped the podcasting industry.
    • Why I am intentionally returning to podcast conferences in 2026 and beyond.

    I also share a recent conversation with Nick Pavlidis, CEO of PodFest Expo, where we talk about:

    • How he got into podcasting through conversations with his kids.
    • Why he bought PodFest and what he is trying to protect and grow.
    • How PodFest is different from other podcasting conferences.
    • Why the event is built around independent creators.
    • The Podcast Hall of Fame and why it now lives at PodFest.
    • The changing needs of podcasters and how in-person events meet those needs.

    Key ideas from this episode

    • The highest value of podcasting conferences come from the in-person relationships.
    • Being in the same room with other creators changes how you see yourself and your work.
    • The best opportunities in this industry almost always come from conversations, not presentations.
    • If you keep the same people around you, your life and business will look the same in five years.
    • PodFest is designed to serve independent podcasters first, not corporate sponsors.

    Resources and links mentioned

    • PodFest Expo

      https://podfestexpo.com

    • Promo Code for PodFest

      Use PAM for 10 percent off your ticket

    • Podcast Hall of Fame

      https://podcasthall.com

    Ready to stop doing this alone?

    If this episode reminded you that podcasting is better when you are in a room with other creators, then Podcasting A to Z might be exactly what you are looking for.

    Podcasting A to Z is my live, step-by-step coaching experience for people who are ready to launch, relaunch, or level up their podcast. It is a group of podcasters who are showing up, asking real questions, and building real momentum together.

    We meet for four weeks.

    We solve real problems.

    And we move your podcast forward with clarity and confidence.

    The next session begins January 26.

    Learn more and register at: PodcastingAtoZ.com
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    55 mins
  • 479 - How Long a Podcast Episode Should Be: Consistency, Habit, and the Truth About Video

    479 - How Long a Podcast Episode Should Be: Consistency, Habit, and the Truth About Video
    Jan 2 2026

    One of the most common questions I get from podcasters is how long a podcast episode should be, and in this episode I go much deeper than just throwing out a number.

    Podcast Episode Length

    In the first half of this episode, I answer a SpeakPipe voicemail from Nate about episode length and whether it is okay to mix short and long episodes within the same show. I explain why episode length is about how your show fits into the daily habits and routines of your listeners.

    The Pressure To Add Video

    In the second half of the episode, I respond to a voicemail from Jim about video podcasting. I talk honestly about the current hype around YouTube, Spotify video, and the pressure some people feel to turn every podcast into a video show.

    A New Method of Audio Production

    I pull back the curtain and explain exactly how I am producing Podcast Answer Man today in a way I never have before. I am recording and editing in small segments inside Adobe Audition, building the episode piece by piece, cutting, refining, and reshaping as I go.

    PodPage Update

    I also share updates about Podpage, including new features they added in response to my feedback and the SEO scoring tools that help optimize episode pages for search. I explain why Podpage has replaced the WordPress and Pretty Links systems I used for years.

    Links and URLs Mentioned in This Episode
    • Podcast Answer Man - https://PodcastAnswerMan.com
    • SpeakPipe (Affiliate) - https://PodcastAnswerMan.com/speakpipe
    • Podpage (Affiliate) - https://PodcastAnswerMan.com/podpage
    • RV Podcast (Mike and Jennifer Wendland) - https://rvpodcast.com
    • TheCliff Ravenscraft Show - https://TheCliffRavenscraftShow.com
    • Podcasting A to Z - https://PodcastingAtoZ.com
    A Special Invitation to Podcasting A to Z

    If you have been thinking about starting a podcast in 2026, or if you already have a podcast and you know it is capable of so much more, I want to personally invite you to join me in Podcasting A to Z, which begins January 26.

    This is four weeks of direct access to me as your coach. You get to ask me an unlimited number of questions about podcasting, business strategy, content, audience growth, mindset, and anything else that stands between you and what you want to create.

    If you are ready to finally bring your voice into the world or take your existing efforts to the next level, I would love to walk with you through that journey.

    You can learn more and register right now at https://PodcastingAtoZ.com

    Let us make this the year you stop waiting and start creating.
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    51 mins
  • 478 - Stephen Bartlett, Diary of a CEO, and The Myth of Six Simple Tips for Podcast Success

    478 - Stephen Bartlett, Diary of a CEO, and The Myth of Six Simple Tips for Podcast Success
    Dec 26 2025
    In this episode, I respond to a popular video from Stephen Bartlett, host of The Diary of a CEO, where he shares how his podcast generates seven figures a year and suggests that "anyone else can do it too" by following six simple tips for podcast success. Let me be clear. I respect Stephen immensely. He’s built something extraordinary, and much of the advice he shares is genuinely solid. Consistency matters. Quality matters. Reaching new audiences matters. But what I want to unpack in this episode is the part of the story that often gets lost. Stephen’s podcast success did not begin with a microphone, a YouTube channel, or six simple tips. It began years earlier with a decade of advantage building, brand recognition, media exposure, financial resources, a powerful network, and refined communication skills that most podcasters simply do not have when they launch their first show. When someone with that level of momentum says, “Here’s how you can do the same,” it’s easy for new and aspiring podcasters to underestimate the gap between where they are and where that kind of success actually starts. In this episode, I walk through Stephen’s advice point by point, sharing what I agree with, where I think context matters, and why “simple” does not mean transferable or repeatable for everyone. I also talk honestly about the risks of assuming that adding video, hiring a team, or booking big guests will automatically lead to growth or revenue. Most importantly, I share what I believe is missing from the conversation. Practical, realistic ways everyday podcasters can consistently get in front of new audiences without celebrity status, massive budgets, or full production teams. This episode is about clarity. It’s about protecting you from dangerous assumptions while still empowering you with strategies that actually work. How to Get Your Podcast in Front of a New Audience Often Here is the advice I shared for solving the real growth challenge most podcasters face: Be a guest on other podcasts that already serve your ideal listener. This remains the most effective way to gain new subscribers who already understand and value podcasts.Show up and serve in niche-specific communities such as Facebook groups, Reddit threads, Discord servers, Slack channels, and forums where your audience already gathers.Use strategic keyword targeting in podcast titles, episode titles, and descriptions so your show can be discovered through search inside podcast apps. The title of this episode alone will reach thousands of new potential listeners..Create platform-native short-form content designed specifically for TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or YouTube. Focus on building influence on each platform, not just pushing people to your podcast.Build and nurture an email newsletter so you can consistently invite people into your episodes through story-driven recommendations.Cross-promote with other creators through newsletter swaps, content collaborations, and mutual mentions.Write guest articles and long-form content for blogs, Substack, LinkedIn, and industry publications that link back to your podcast episodes.Speak on stages and virtual events, including conferences, webinars, masterminds, and workshops where trust transfers quickly.Encourage listener referrals by explicitly inviting people to share episodes and recognizing those who do.Experiment with paid promotion in podcast apps or niche-targeted ads with small, intentional budgets.Niche down further so word of mouth, authority, and search all work in your favor faster. Podcast success is all about understanding your starting point and choosing strategies that actually match it. And that’s the conversation I share with you in this episode. Ready to Build a Podcast the Right Way? If you’re serious about launching a podcast or taking an existing one to the next level, Podcasting A to Z is where I work with you personally to build a show that fits your goals, your resources, and your real life. I do not focus on chasing algorithms, copying celebrity podcasters, or investing in gear you don’t need. Over four focused weeks, I’ll help you: Clarify your podcast concept and audienceCreate a sustainable production workflow you can actually maintainLaunch or refine a podcast that sounds professional and earns trustAvoid the costly mistakes that slow most podcasters down for years You don’t need six or seven simple tips. You need a solid foundation, clear direction, and experienced guidance. That’s exactly what Podcasting A to Z provides. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start building something real, visit PodcastingAtoZ.com and join me for the next session.
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • 477 - Why I Moved the Podcast Answer Man Website to Podpage

    477 - Why I Moved the Podcast Answer Man Website to Podpage
    Dec 19 2025

    Podpage Features For Podcasts: In this episode, I share the full story behind why I’ve rebuilt the Podcast Answer Man website using Podpage and why I now believe it’s an excellent turn-key solution for podcasters who don’t want to deal with custom design, WordPress architecture, CSS, plug-ins, developers, maintenance, or the expense and complexity of building a fully customized site.

    For three decades, I've used everything from WordPress to managed VPS hosting to Kajabi to power my online presence. Recently, I discovered Podpage and decided to rebuild my PodcastAnswerMan.com site on their platform.

    Today’s conversation walks you through:

    • Why I moved away from WordPress and external hosting
    • The limitations I ran into inside Kajabi for podcast website needs
    • How Podpage works as a complete website builder for podcasters
    • The features that immediately sold me on switching
    • How Podpage integrates with podcast feeds automatically
    • Why Podpage is now the home of PodcastAnswerMan.com
    • Practical reasons Podpage may be a good fit for your show too

    If you’re a podcaster looking to build a professional presence online, without spending years managing plugins, code, hosting, updates, backups, and design headaches, Podpage is the solution I recommend you to try out.

    Try Podpage Using My Affiliate Link

    You can begin testing Podpage instantly by importing your RSS feed and seeing a live preview of your show website: https://PodcastAnswerMan.com/podpage

    This is my affiliate link. If you sign up using it, I will earn a commission.

    Links Mentioned In This Episode
    • Podpage: https://PodcastAnswerMan.com/podpage
    • Kajabi: https://PodcastAnswerMan.com/kajabi
    • Kit (Formerly ConvertKit): https://PodcastAnswerMan.com/kit
    • My Podcast Reviews: - http://PodcastAnswerMan.com/reviews
    Ready To Launch Your Podcast?

    If you want to launch a podcast but feel stuck, unsure where to start, or overwhelmed by the tech, Podcasting A to Z was created for you.

    This is a live, four-week guided experience where I personally help you launch a great-sounding podcast with clarity and confidence.

    Learn more and see if Podcasting A to Z is right for you at PodcastingAtoZ.com.
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    38 mins
  • 476 - Twenty Years In and We’re Still Arguing About This - The Real Definition of a Podcast

    476 - Twenty Years In and We’re Still Arguing About This - The Real Definition of a Podcast
    Dec 12 2025

    The Real Definition of a Podcast

    Podcasting has been around for more than two decades. You would think the definition would be settled by now. Yet here we are in 2025, and people are still confidently giving advice in large Facebook groups while misunderstanding what actually makes a podcast a podcast.

    In this episode, I walk you through a recent thread inside a group, devoted to the topic of podcasting, with more than 103,000 members. Someone asked a simple question about whether video is required for podcasting. I explain how after reading the answers that followed, I felt compelled to jump in. I also share the exact comments I made, along with the misinformation that prompted them.

    You’ll hear the real definition of a podcast. Not the internet myth. The accurate definition that has been true since the beginning.

    A podcast is episodic media content (Audio, Video, and/or Even PDF) that is delivered through a media enclosure in an RSS feed.

    That is the foundation this entire industry was built on.

    I also talk about why this matters.

    When tens of thousands of newer creators are watching these conversations, I want them to understand the medium they are working with. I want them to know why audio only is still a powerful choice. I want them to see that video can play a role, but it isn’t required. And I want them to understand the technical heart of podcasting so they can make informed decisions rather than follow trends.

    Inside this episode, you’ll hear:

    1. Why the debate about “audio only” versus “video podcasts” keeps resurfacing.
    2. How misinformation spreads inside creator communities.
    3. The real, technical definition of a podcast.
    4. When video files can, in fact, can be a podcast.
    5. Why audio first is still my personal preference.
    6. A mention of two podcast episodes from 2024 where I have shared thoughts on the role of video in your content strategy.
    7. A reminder that Podcasting A to Z is officially back for a new session starting January 26.
    Links Mentioned In The Show
    • Episode 469 - Is It Worth Having A Video Version of Your Audio Podcast?
    • Episode 473 - The Magic of Audio First Content Production
    • You can submit them through SpeakPipe - http://speakpipe.com/podcastanswerman
    Podcasting A to Z

    If you are ready to launch a podcast with clarity, confidence, and a proven step-by-step workflow, my next session of Podcasting A to Z begins soon. I will personally coach you through every stage of the process so your show is live by the end of our four weeks together.

    Register today at PodcastingAtoZ.com
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    24 mins
  • 475 - Podcast Answer Man Is Back. Your P4next Questions Answered

    475 - Podcast Answer Man Is Back. Your P4next Questions Answered
    Dec 9 2025

    Your P4next Questions Answered

    After several years focused on business strategy and mindset coaching, I am stepping back into the role that shaped two decades of my work. Podcast Answer Man is officially back. This episode marks the beginning of a new chapter that honors my roots while embracing everything I have learned since.

    Inside this episode, I answer thirteen of the most common questions I’ve received about the Zoom PodTrak P4next. This tiny device has quickly become my favorite portable podcast studio, and today I walk you through what it can do, why it matters, and how it compares to the gear many of you already own.

    I also share a deeply meaningful update about my friend and mentor, Dan Miller. His impact on my life and on this community is immeasurable, and I am honored to tell you how he is being recognized on the podcast industry’s biggest stage.

    And near the end, I explain why now is the perfect time for me to return to Podcast Answer Man and what that means for the content I will be creating moving forward.

    Links Mentioned
    • PodTrak P4next Amazon Affiliate Link
    • Episode 474: My first impressions of the P4next
    • Video walkthrough of the P4next on YouTube
    • Podfest Expo Registration Link (Use Promo Code PAM for 10% off)
    • My Keynote from Free the Dream: MindsetAnswerMan.com/free
    Connect

    If you are attending Podfest Expo, email me at Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com and let me know. I would love to meet you in person.

    Podcasting A to Z

    Podcasting A to Z is returning one week after I get back from Podfest Expo.

    This four-week program is the most comprehensive podcast training experience that has ever been available. Nearly 700 students have gone through it with me as their personal coach, and many of them credit this course as the reason they launched with clarity, confidence, and long-term momentum.

    For four weeks, you get direct access to me. No limits on your questions. No limits on the support you can ask for. If something is confusing, I will walk you through it. If you need strategy, gear advice, workflow help, or technical direction, I will guide you step by step.

    If you’re launching a podcast or you want to take your existing show to a higher level, this is the place to do it. I would love to work with you and help you build something you are proud to share.

    Learn more at PodcastingAtoZ.com.

    Closing Thought

    Thank you for being here for this chapter of the journey. I am grateful to be back behind the mic, and I cannot wait to serve you at the highest level in the years ahead.
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    1 hr and 8 mins