After you launch, you don’t coast. You build momentum and community!

1. Plan with purpose
   • Use a launch checklist.
   • Tease the show early on social (clips, stills, “something’s coming”).
   • Strong cover art = consistent brand.
   • Make a short trailer from episode snippets and post it everywhere.
   • Write clear, clickable titles and descriptions (use tools like ChatGPT).
   • Distribute to all major platforms (Spotify, Apple, YouTube, etc.).
   • Keep learning by listening to other podcasts. Study what hooks you and copy the structure.

2. Build traction and consistency
   • Pick a release rhythm and stick to it. Weekly is best.
   • Plan 6–10 episodes ahead on a calendar to lower stress and prevent burnout.
   • Tell listeners what’s coming next (post an “episode roadmap” on your site).
   • Don’t disappear. If you can’t post a full episode, post something small (teaser, behind-the-scenes, clip from last week).
   • Repurpose content:
   – Turn audio into simple “video” with a still image.
   – Reuse past clips in new posts.

3. Build community (not just audience)
   • Give listeners an identity (“squad”).
   • Create podcast-only pages on Facebook / Instagram and invite people in.
   • Ask for ratings/reviews and read them on-air.
   • Set up a simple site (Google Sites) with:
   – Episodes
   – Feedback form / comments
   – Upcoming topics
   • Swap guests and appear on other shows to trade audiences.
   • Optional: send updates with a simple email newsletter (MailChimp, etc.).

4. Monetize without killing trust
   • Value first. Money second. If the show’s not helpful, no one will pay.
   • Local sponsors:
   – Sell short ad reads (“$100 for a 60-second spot up front,” etc.).
   • Ad networks / agencies:
   – They match you with brands and take a cut, but bring better offers.
   • YouTube / platform money:
   – Partner programs pay for watch time, views, pre-rolls, mid-rolls.
   – Strong titles/thumbnails in a clear niche drive views and ad offers.
   • Natural ad reads beat interrupt ads.
   – Blend the ad into what you’re already talking about so it doesn’t feel like a break.
   • Affiliate links work, but don’t overdo it or you feel like an infomercial.
   • Listener support:
   – Patreon / Buy Me a Coffee / Nebula-style.
   – Early access + bonus “behind the scenes” / debrief episodes.
   • Watch burnout.
   – Success can come fast. Be careful how much of your life you hand over.

5. Tech to keep sharpening
   • Multitrack editing and panning in Audacity.
   • Exporting simple video versions of audio.
   • Using Google Sites as your hub.

6. Main idea
   • Show up on purpose.
   • Stay consistent.
   • Talk to your people.
   • Earn trust before you earn money.

1. Overview
   • Focus: Tracking performance, using analytics, engaging your audience, and adapting.
   • Example platform: Podbean (others like Buzzsprout similar).

2. Analytics Essentials
   • Distribution: Push to Spotify, Apple, YouTube, etc.
   • Auto-post to social platforms after publishing.
   • Build a landing page with embedded player and links.
   • Use Podbean or host stats to track:
   – Downloads per episode
   – Audience location (global reach)
   – Listening devices/platforms
   – User retention (return listeners, completion rates)
   – Most active times/days

3. Applying the Data
   • Use peak listening times to plan uploads or bonus content.
   • Identify weak days for social pushes or engagement posts.
   • Watch retention rate: tighten intros and lead with value.
   • Double down on high-performing topics; bring guests for deep dives.

4. Monetization Tools
   • Explore built-in monetization (ads, subscriptions, donations).
   • Offer bonus or exclusive content for paying subscribers.
   • Provide real value—don’t charge for what’s freely available elsewhere.
   • Watch Podbean tutorials (8-min, 6-min, or deep-dive 47-min) to master analytics and monetization tools.

5. Community Engagement
   • Keep conversation going—reply to comments and DMs.
   • Build Discord or group communities for stronger loyalty.
   • Offer merch or giveaways (T-shirts, stickers via Teespring or Sticker Mule).
   • Keep your site updated with:
   – About section
   – Past and upcoming episodes
   – Links to socials
   – Episode resources or mentions

6. Adapt and Improve
   • Expect growth—gear, confidence, and content evolve.
   • Use analytics and listener feedback to pivot.
   • Study similar podcasts:
   – How they place ads
   – How they engage community
   – What feels natural vs. forced
   • Control ad flow—pause naturally and introduce sponsored spots cleanly.
   • Always review your own episodes. Re-record if needed.

7. Continuous Development
   • Learn from mistakes and feedback.
   • Consider public speaking practice (Toastmasters).
   • Prepare and brief guests better each time.
   • Keep creating, stay consistent, keep refining your voice.

8. Final takeaway
   • Drop it. Stay active. Keep improving.
   • Next: Tutorial on building your Google Site.

1. Why Google matters
   • Use Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Calendar to plan, script, schedule guests, and keep reminders.
   • Use Google Sites to build a simple public hub for your show and community.

2. Building your site (Google Sites)
   • Go to sites.google.com and start with a blank site or a template.
   • Replace the default header with your own:
   – Add your background image.
   – Add your show logo for brand consistency.
   • Add sections using drag-and-drop blocks:
   – “About” section (who you are / what the show is about).
   – Image or video next to your text.
   – Links to favorite locations (you can even drop in maps).

3. Social + identity
   • Add social links (Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, etc.).
   • Style the section:
   – Add a header like “Social Media.”
   – Change font, color, alignment.
   – Drag sections around to reorder.

4. Embed your podcast player
   • In Podbean (or your host), copy the embed widget code.
   • Back in Google Sites, use “Embed,” paste the code.
   • Your player shows up on the page and updates automatically when you upload new episodes.
   • You can add a text box next to it for episode notes or highlights.

5. Add media and extras
   • Insert YouTube videos (behind the scenes, promos, etc.).
   • Add captions or context next to each video.
   • Change section backgrounds, colors, and theme to match your brand.
   • Embed your Google Calendar so listeners can see upcoming drops, guest appearances, live events.

6. Build pages and navigation
   • Use the Pages tab to add more pages (ex: “Episodes,” “Chick-Fil-A Reviews,” etc.).
   • Navigation bar is created for you automatically.
   • Each page can be customized with its own content (photos, jokes, reviews, whatever fits your brand).

7. Publish the site
   • Click Publish.
   • Default URL is sites.google.com/view/yourname.
   • Control who can view it and whether it’s searchable.
   • You can connect a custom domain:
   – Buy one directly through Google (example: ~ $12/year).
   – Or point a domain you already bought (GoDaddy, etc.) to this site.
   • You can also get a matching email (like jason@istreamshowwithjason.com).

8. Final tips
   • Keep the site updated with:
   – About info
   – Episode list
   – Links to socials
   – Resources you mention
   • Day-to-day updates still live on social (Instagram, Facebook). The site is your hub.
   • Lean on your network:
   – Trade skills (graphics, web tweaks, guest spots).
   – Build community as you build the site.

1. Purpose
   • Quick follow-up on Audacity editing.
   • Focus: panning and multitrack adjustments.

2. Setup
   • Open Audacity.
   • Note optional paid plug-ins (e.g., Soft Voice Cleaner from Muse Hub).
   • Go to File → Import → Audio.
   • Import multiple tracks (e.g., from RODECaster Pro with mics, USB, Bluetooth).

3. Panning
   • Each track has a Left/Right pan control.
   • Slightly pan each voice toward its real position (e.g., host left, guest right).
   • Avoid extreme panning—keep it natural.
   • Difference is most noticeable on headphones.

4. Noise reduction
   • Highlight a quiet section → Effects → Noise Reduction → Get Noise Profile.
   • Select all (Cmd/Ctrl + A) → Repeat Noise Reduction.
   • Removes background hums or room noise.

5. Volume balancing
   • Adjust track volume using sliders on the left.
   • Keep voices consistent without clipping.
   • Use two-track editing to balance speakers individually instead of detailed keyframing.

6. Why it matters
   • Two tracks = cleaner edits, better control, more natural sound.
   • Saves time and improves listener experience.

7. Wrap-up
   • Demonstrated panning, noise cleanup, and level adjustments.
   • Next: move to Section 3.

1. Goal
   • Turn your audio-only podcast into short, shareable video clips.
   • Great for social media teasers and audience engagement.

2. Tool overview
   • Use DaVinci Resolve (free from Blackmagic).
   • Professional-level editor similar to Premiere Pro.
   • Ideal for combining audio with static images or short visuals.

3. Basic workflow
   • Open Resolve → Import Media (audio + thumbnail image).
   • Create a new timeline (name it clearly).
   • Drag audio file to the audio track.
   • Drop your thumbnail on the video track and stretch it to match the audio length.
   • Play to preview alignment.

4. Export
   • Go to Export tab → choose H.264 format.
   • Set output folder and file name → click Export.
   • Wait for render to complete (shows progress in minutes).
   • You now have a simple “video” (static image + podcast audio).

5. Social media optimization
   • Cut 30–60 second highlights for reels or teasers.
   • Export horizontal (16:9) for YouTube/Facebook.
   • Export vertical (9:16) for Reels, Shorts, or TikTok.
   • Add cliffhangers or “stay tuned” hooks to draw listeners back.

6. Visual support
   • Use custom artwork or thumbnails.
   • Create graphics in Canva, Photoshop, or with help from ChatGPT.
   • Barter or collaborate with friends for design help.

7. Final wrap-up
   • This method keeps content flowing between full episodes.
   • Link to DaVinci Resolve download is provided in Session 3.
   • Visit PodSquadWithJason.com for feedback and support.
   • Keep creating, tell your story, and grow your community.