Episodes

  • What Actually Grows a Podcast or Show Now? | Jordan Harbinger #649

    What Actually Grows a Podcast or Show Now? | Jordan Harbinger #649
    Jan 31 2026

    This week in episode 649 of the New Media Show, Rob Greenlee is joined by Jordan Harbinger to unpack the question creators ask nonstop in 2026:

    What actually grows a podcast or show (and what doesn’t)?

    – Jordan’s core answer is refreshingly “boring,” but real: long-term consistency, and realistic expectations about how long monetization can take—even for shows that eventually become huge.

    From there, the conversation expands into the bigger shift happening right now:

    – Audio podcasts increasingly competing (and collaborating) with video ecosystems especially YouTube where the “rules” and algorithmic expectations are fundamentally different from audio distribution.

    They also dig into platform strategy and brand-fit tension like whether “talk show” style content truly belongs on Netflix, and why creators may face tough tradeoffs when platforms want exclusivity that can limit reach elsewhere.

    After Jordan wraps and leaves the show, Rob closes with a rapid-fire, ranked set of growth plays emphasizing that none are magic bullets, but together they form a practical menu you can test based on your format and audience:

    – Short-form clips (done well) to reach different audiences while recognizing shorts viewers don’t always convert to long-form listeners/viewers.

    – Guest/social amplification that’s genuinely value-add (not generic promo spam).

    – Niche community, value-first posting built around knowing exactly who your show serves.

    – Owned audience via email/newsletter + even a WhatsApp group concept.

    – AI clip volume + testing (alternate cuts, tighter versions, experimentation).

    – Structured cross-promos / feed drops with comparable shows and fair “impressions”-style thinking.

    – Video distribution expansion including Spotify video (if Spotify makes changes) as another potential growth surface—and the emerging “start audio, finish video” behavior across devices.

    Guest: Jordan Harbinger
    Website: https://www.jordanharbinger.com
    Podcast: https://www.jordanharbinger.com/podcast/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JordanHarbinger
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanharbinger/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanharbinger
    X: https://x.com/jordanharbinger

    Host: Rob Greenlee and New Media Show Links
    Rob Greenlee Website – https://robgreenlee.com/
    New Media Show (Audio & Video) – https://newmediashow.com/
    New Media Show Audio (Apple Podcasts) – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-media-show-audio/id392545649
    Rob Greenlee on YouTube – https://youtube.com/@RobGreenlee
    Podfest Expo – https://podfestexpo.com – https://podcasthall.com

    The post What Actually Grows a Podcast or Show Now? | Jordan Harbinger #649 first appeared on New Media Show.
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Where Audio, Video, and AI Flow Together | Podfest Panel #648

    Where Audio, Video, and AI Flow Together | Podfest Panel #648
    Jan 27 2026

    The New Media Show #648 Live On-Stage at Podfest Expo (Jan 16, 2026)

    Where Audio, Video, and AI Flow Together Recorded live on stage at Podfest Expo in Orlando, Rob Greenlee is joined by three of the smartest voices shaping where podcasting is headed right now: James Cridland (Podnews), Rox Codes (Flightcast), and Philip Nelson (Nelco Media).

    This episode tackles the collision of audio RSS, platform-native video, and AI-powered creator workflows and why the podcast conversation in 2026 is less about labels and more about content that works everywhere.

    What we cover:
    -Audio podcasting vs video podcasting and what audiences actually want
    -Why content first matters more than format wars
    -The roots of video in early podcasting and why it feels full circle again
    -Fragmented audiences across YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Shorts
    -Practical creator strategy packaging, titles, thumbnails, retention, and workflow systems that scale

    Guests and Links:

    James Cridland
    Podnews – https://podnews.net/
    Podnews Weekly Review – https://weekly.podnews.net/

    Rox Codes
    Flightcast – https://flightcast.com/
    Rox Codes – https://rox.codes/

    Philip Nelson
    Nelco Media – https://nelco.media/
    Philip Nelson – https://nelco.media/about/

    Rob Greenlee and New Media Show Links
    Rob Greenlee Website – https://robgreenlee.com/
    New Media Show (Audio & Video) – https://newmediashow.com/
    New Media Show Audio (Apple Podcasts) – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-media-show-audio/id392545649
    Rob Greenlee on YouTube – https://youtube.com/@RobGreenlee
    Podfest Expo – https://podfestexpo.com – https://podcasthall.com

    The post Where Audio, Video, and AI Flow Together | Podfest Panel #648 first appeared on New Media Show.
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    31 mins
  • Digital Creator 2026 Money Playbook | Ralph Estep Jr. #647

    Digital Creator 2026 Money Playbook | Ralph Estep Jr. #647
    Jan 23 2026

    The New Media Show Episode 647 Live on Jan 21st, 20026 at 6pm ET.

    Show Topic: Digital Creator 2026 Money Playbook

    Content Creator’s Business and Financial Strategies are moving faster than ever with video, audio podcasting, AI tools, and nonstop platform changes, but many are still running the business side like a hobby.

    The New Media Show with Rob Greenlee is joined live by Ralph Estep Jr, licensed accountant and host of The Content Creators Accountant, to break down the simple money systems creators need to turn creator chaos into calm financial clarity. If you earn from YouTube AdSense, brand deals and UGC, affiliate income, memberships and subscriptions, courses, coaching, digital products, or PayPal and Stripe payouts, this episode is built for you.

    Topics we cover:

    – How to separate business money from personal without overcomplicating it
    – How to track income across multiple platforms without headaches
    – How to set aside taxes automatically even in uneven months
    – How to make smarter gear decisions without wrecking cash flow
    – How to build simple repeatable financial systems that creators can follow
    – What to focus on in 2026 to run a real creator business that lasts
    – 2026 Podcast Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Jan 16th, 2026

    Watch Live and Subscribe:

    New Media Show Website – https://newmediashow.com
    Rob Greenlee Website – https://robgreenlee.com
    Rob Greenlee YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@RobGreenlee
    Podcast Hall of Fame – https://podcasthall.com
    Adore Creator Network – https://AdoreNetwork.com
    Passion Struck Network – https://PassionStruckNetwork.com
    Rob Greenlee LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee
    Book Rob Greenlee – https://calendly.com/robgreenlee

    Ralph Estep Jr Links:
    Content Creators Accountant Website and free resources https://contentcreatorsaccountant.com
    The Content Creators Accountant Podcast https://contentcreatorsaccountant.com/podcast

    The post Digital Creator 2026 Money Playbook | Ralph Estep Jr. #647 first appeared on New Media Show.
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Shocking Change: Video, AI, and RSS Podcasting | Dave Jackson #646

    Shocking Change: Video, AI, and RSS Podcasting | Dave Jackson #646
    Jan 9 2026

    In this new episode from a LIVE Jan 7th, 2026 New Media Show, Host RobGreenlee.com is joined by Dave Jackson (School of Podcasting and co-host of Ask the Podcast Coach) to unpack why the current shift toward video and AI feels like an earthquake inside podcasting, while the YouTube creator world treats it like a normal day.

    We dig into how creators are now forced to play two games at once: the RSS subscription game and the algorithm discovery game especially for video, and why the definition debates did not matter as much as audience behavior.

    Rob and Dave also get practical about what breaks and what endures, including growing frustration with heavy ad loads and pre-roll stacking, the realities of programmatic monetization, and why the first thing a listener should hear is you.

    We cover where video delivery and monetization are heading (including HLS and video ad insertion), why “watch something” still defaults to YouTube for most people, and what Apple Podcasts would need to change if it ever wanted to truly reprioritize RSS-based video podcasting again.

    Plus, a look at what live content signals in an AI-accelerated era, including the idea of live as proof of life and real-time audience feedback.

    Rob also shares reminders about Podfest Expo (Jan 14–18 in Orlando) and the upcoming 2026 Podcast Hall of Fame activity on Jan 16th, 2026 (PodcastHall.com).

    Topics Covered:

    – Video becoming default across platforms
    – AI accelerating the creator loop and increasing pressure to optimize for algorithms
    – RSS portability, ownership, and the growing discovery gap
    – Programmatic ads, pre-roll backlash, and audience ad tolerance
    – HLS, video ad insertion, and why the ad infrastructure is pushing streaming delivery
    – Apple Podcasts video discoverability problems and what would need to change
    – Netflix exclusivity lessons after the Spotify era of exclusives
    – Live as proof of life in a world flooding with synthetic content

    Hosts Links

    New Media Show: https://newmediashow.com/
    Rob Greenlee: https://robgreenlee.com/
    Rob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RobGreenlee
    Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee
    Rob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robwgreenlee/
    Podcast Hall of Fame: https://podcasthall.com/
    Podfest Expo: https://podfestexpo.com/

    Dave Jackson, School of Podcasting: https://schoolofpodcasting.com/
    Ask the Podcast Coach (Live Saturdays): https://askthepodcastcoach.com/

    The post Shocking Change: Video, AI, and RSS Podcasting | Dave Jackson #646 first appeared on New Media Show.
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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • What’s a Podcast Era Is Over – Welcome Liquid Content Era #645

    What’s a Podcast Era Is Over – Welcome Liquid Content Era #645
    Dec 18 2025
    This week (December 17th, 2025) on episode #645 of The New Media Show with Rob Greenlee host is joined by longtime podcasting pioneer and returning guest co-host Cliff Ravenscraft, the Podcast Answer Man, for a wide-ranging and timely conversation about where podcasting has been and where it’s heading next. The episode opens with a reflection on the long-running industry debate around the definition of a podcast and why that question has resurfaced so often over the last few years. Rob and Cliff explore how audience behavior has quietly moved ahead of industry debates, shifting consumption toward a mix of audio, video, livestreams, and platforms like YouTube, often without waiting for permission or consensus. Cliff shares the full story behind his return to the Podcast Answer Man brand after stepping away years ago, including why he left, what he focused on during his time away, and what changes in the podcasting and creator landscape made this the right moment to come back. He reflects on two decades in podcasting, helping tens of thousands of creators launch shows, and why many creators today feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice around video, algorithms, and monetization. Rob introduces the concept of podcasting’s evolving eras, beginning with the often-forgotten “Zero Era” where audio and video podcasting coexisted early on, followed by the MeUndies era, the experimentation and acquisition boom, and the more recent identity-crisis phase defined by the question “What is a podcast?” Together, Rob and Cliff discuss why the industry may now be entering what’s being called the Liquid Content Era, where shows are no longer confined to a single format and content flows across feeds, platforms, and experiences. The conversation digs into the tension between creator intent and audience convenience, the role of RSS in a changing ecosystem, and the risks of letting algorithms dictate creative decisions. Cliff offers a counterbalance to the pressure many creators feel to be everywhere at once, emphasizing that audio-only podcasting can still succeed when aligned with clear goals, sustainable workflows, and meaningful audience relationships. The episode also explores production quality, evolving audio standards, video integration challenges, international podcast growth, and why podcasting remains a powerful global medium despite constant claims that it’s “over” or “dead.” This episode is both a reality check and a recalibration, encouraging creators to stop defending definitions, focus on serving audiences, and choose formats intentionally rather than reactively. Join the conversation in comments, and be part of the discussion about what podcasting really means now and what it can become next. Rob Greenlee Rob Greenlee Website https://RobGreenlee.com New Media Show for Audio and Video RSS feeds https://NewMediaShow.com Adore Podcast Network https://AdoreNetwork.com Adore Creator Community on Skool https://Skool.com/AdoreNetwork Podcast Hall of Fame https://PodcastHall.com https://YouTube.com/@OfficialPodcastHallofFame The Pro Creator Playbook with Rob Greenlee Audio podcast https://www.adorenetwork.com/show/pro-creator-playbook-audio/ Video show https://www.adorenetwork.com/show/pro-creator-playbook-video/ Spoken Life Show https://www.adorenetwork.com/show/spoken-life-show/ Spoken Human show on YouTube https://YouTube.com/@spokenhuman Rob Greenlee YouTube channel https://YouTube.com/@RobGreenlee Cliff Ravenscraft https://CliffRavenscraft.com https://PodcastAnswerMan.comThe post What’s a Podcast Era Is Over – Welcome Liquid Content Era #645 first appeared on New Media Show.
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Making a Pro Level Live or Recorded Show – New Media Show #644

    Making a Pro Level Live or Recorded Show – New Media Show #644
    Dec 12 2025
    In the December 10th, 2025 Live episode of The New Media Show, host Rob Greenlee welcomes Mike Dell, VP at Blubrry Podcasting, as guest co-host for a grounded, practical conversation about what keeps a podcast growing long after the initial excitement fades. The episode opens with a sincere reflection on Todd’s passing and the lasting impact he had on the community, along with the intention to honor his legacy in the months ahead. From there, Rob and Mike move into the core topic: why many podcasts and live shows start strong, then stall. They unpack how a lack of clarity and consistency often shows up as drifting topics, uneven pacing, and episodes that feel improvised in a way that does not serve the listener. Their argument is simple: sustainable shows are built, not stumbled into. Structure does not mean sounding scripted or robotic. It means defining a format your audience can recognize, returning to it reliably, and creating a repeatable experience that keeps people coming back. They also talk about how modern media habits are reshaping expectations. With short form video and endless scroll everywhere, audiences decide quickly whether to stay. Rob and Mike stress the importance of a strong opening, clear positioning, and content that delivers on what the title promises. They discuss video as part of the current landscape, but keep the focus on fundamentals like audio quality, intentional production choices, and making platform decisions that do not compromise the listener experience. Mike pulls in lessons from his own shows, including what he has learned from hyperlocal and niche content, and how community relevance can drive engagement in ways that surprise creators. The conversation highlights practical ways to increase interaction, including live chat, polls, and Q and A segments, not as gimmicks, but as tools to build a real sense of participation and belonging. They also touch on workflow improvements, handling technical issues gracefully, simplifying video production, and using on screen titles and lower thirds so viewers can easily follow along. By the end, the episode becomes a clear playbook for leveling up: know what your show is trying to achieve, design a format that supports that goal, respect attention early, keep the quality bar consistent, and build community in a way that invites people in instead of pushing them away. Rob Greenlee Rob Greenlee Website https://RobGreenlee.com New Media Show for Audio and Video RSS feeds https://NewMediaShow.com Adore Podcast Network https://AdoreNetwork.com Adore Creator Community on Skool https://Skool.com/AdoreNetwork Podcast Hall of Fame https://PodcastHall.com https://YouTube.com/@OfficialPodcastHallofFame The Pro Creator Playbook with Rob Greenlee Audio podcast https://www.adorenetwork.com/show/pro-creator-playbook-audio/ Video show https://www.adorenetwork.com/show/pro-creator-playbook-video/ Spoken Life Show https://www.adorenetwork.com/show/spoken-life-show/ Spoken Human show on YouTube https://YouTube.com/@spokenhuman Rob Greenlee YouTube channel https://YouTube.com/@RobGreenlee Mike Dell Blubrry Podcasting https://blubrry.com https://MikeDell.com Audio Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:00 Reflecting on Podcasting Changes 01:25 The Importance of Podcast Structure 03:19 Balancing Planning and Spontaneity 04:58 Engaging the Audience 08:08 Navigating Algorithms and Goals 18:54 Hyperlocal and Niche Podcasting 34:26 Live Shows and Audience Interaction 42:34 Improving Podcasting Skills 43:03 Maintaining Authenticity in Production 43:32 Handling Technical Glitches 44:33 Simplifying Video Production 44:46 Using Streaming Platforms Effectively 48:52 Importance of Lower Thirds and Titles 50:12 Editing and Post-Production Tips 56:59 Building a Community 01:01:02 Engaging with Your Audience 01:07:51 Q&A Session 01:12:46 Final Thoughts and AnnouncementsThe post Making a Pro Level Live or Recorded Show – New Media Show #644 first appeared on New Media Show.
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Rebooting the Show: Video, AI and Revenue #643

    Rebooting the Show: Video, AI and Revenue #643
    Dec 4 2025

    In this episode, we relaunch the New Media Show #643 with special guest Rob Walsh, VP of Libsyn.

    After a difficult last few months following the passing of longtime friend and co-host Todd Cochrane, The New Media Show officially returns with a fresh format and a familiar voice. In this reboot episode, we again talk candidly about the process of bringing the show back, honoring Todd’s legacy, and where the podcasting industry is really headed in 2025 and beyond.

    Rob Greenlee and Rob Walch dig into the renewed 2026 Podcast Hall of Fame, why hosting it at Podfest Expo matters, and how this year’s inductee class reflects both the early pioneers and today’s global voices.

    They unpack what advertisers are actually buying right now, why mid sized loyal shows often outperform the “big names,” and how the shift from demographic targeting to psychographic and genre based buying is changing deals for creators at every level.

    The conversation also explores the rise of private communities and paid video ecosystems on platforms like Substack and Uscreen, plus the relaunch of NewMediaShow.com with a fully restored archive of nearly 600 past episodes.

    From YouTube and Spotify’s “top podcast” charts to Apple’s long running audio ecosystem, the two Robs wrestle with a core question: what truly counts as a podcast in an era where many YouTube only shows get labeled as such.

    They contrast audio first and video first strategies, debate download versus HLS streaming, and talk through how measurement, attribution, and IAB revenue reports reveal a still under valued ad market relative to radio and other media.

    Finally, they tackle the current wave of AI generated ads and shows, including legal requirements around disclosure and why so much AI content still feels soulless, even as tools get faster and more powerful.

    Whether you are an indie creator, a network executive, or someone who has followed The New Media Show for years, this reboot episode sets the tone for a new chapter that stays true to the show’s roots while leaning hard into the realities of today’s business of podcasting.

    Rob Greenlee

    Rob Greenlee website
    https://RobGreenlee.com
    New Media Show for Audio and Video RSS feeds
    https://NewMediaShow.com
    Adore Creator Network and shows hub
    https://AdoreNetwork.com
    Adore Creator Community on Skool
    https://Skool.com/AdoreNetwork
    Podcast Hall of Fame
    https://PodcastHall.com
    https://YouTube.com/@OfficialPodcastHallofFame
    The Pro Creator Playbook with Rob Greenlee
    Audio podcast
    https://www.adorenetwork.com/show/pro-creator-playbook-audio/
    Video show
    https://www.adorenetwork.com/show/pro-creator-playbook-video/
    Spoken Life Show
    https://www.adorenetwork.com/show/spoken-life-show/
    Spoken Human show on YouTube
    https://YouTube.com/@spokenhuman
    Rob Greenlee YouTube channel
    https://YouTube.com/@RobGreenlee

    Rob Walch

    Libsyn podcast hosting and network
    https://libsyn.com
    Podcast411 with Rob Walch
    https://podcast411.com

    The post Rebooting the Show: Video, AI and Revenue #643 first appeared on New Media Show.
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Remembering Todd Cochrane Podcast Hall of Famer and Blubrry CEO

    Remembering Todd Cochrane Podcast Hall of Famer and Blubrry CEO
    Sep 11 2025

    On this special New Media Show tribute episode, we honor the life and legacy of Todd Cochrane, podcasting pioneer, podcast hall of famer, founder of Blubrry and RawVoice, host of Geek News Central podcast, author of one of the first podcasting books, and co-host on The New Media Show for 13 years.

    Todd’s influence on podcasting was profound: from launching one of the earliest shows in 2004, to creating the Podcast Awards, to championing open RSS and independent podcasters. His voice, conviction, and generosity shaped the medium and inspired countless creators.

    Joining host Rob Greenlee Podcast Hall of Famer are Adam Curry is also a Podcast Hall of Famer, Mike Dell, VP at Blubrry, and Rob Walch, VP at Libsyn who is also a Podcast Hall of Famer as we reflect on Todd’s extraordinary journey and life, from Navy service to podcasting leader, and discuss his impact on the industry, his unwavering advocacy for creators, and the lessons he leaves for the future of podcasting.

    The post Remembering Todd Cochrane Podcast Hall of Famer and Blubrry CEO first appeared on New Media Show.
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    1 hr and 6 mins