It is unofficially the holiday season and today we’re here to discuss the ways in which podcasters can participate in any way they can. Giving back to the community around Thanksgiving is a meaningful way for a podcast to show appreciation to listeners, guests, and supporters.   Today’s Hosts: Mike Dell, Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie Bennett Here are some ideas to create a Thanksgiving Give-Back theme: 1. Charity Shoutouts and Partnerships: Highlight Local or Relevant Charities: Dedicate an episode to featuring charities or organizations that resonate with your podcast’s niche. Share their stories, invite representatives to speak, and encourage listeners to donate or get involved. Charity Sponsorship or Matching Donations: Pledge a portion of your podcast’s sponsorship revenue for the month to a chosen charity, or match listener donations up to a certain amount. Announce the initiative and encourage listeners to join in, creating a collective effort to make a difference. Create a Donation Drive: Collaborate with your listeners to raise funds for a specific cause. Provide incentives, like shoutouts on the show, for those who donate, or set a community goal and celebrate together if it’s reached. 2. Give Back Through Special Listener Content: Audience Appreciation Episodes: Host an episode dedicated to thanking your listeners. Include shoutouts, listener-submitted stories, or even “fan of the year” awards. Show your gratitude for the community that keeps your podcast going. Listener Q&A or Story Submission Episode: Invite listeners to submit questions, stories, or ideas and feature them in a special episode. This could be stories of gratitude, memorable Thanksgiving moments, or reflections on your podcast’s theme. Fan-Generated Content: Let listeners take part in the show by submitting their own clips, answering a question, or sharing a message. Compile these into a community-driven episode that highlights the diversity and voices of your audience. 3. Thanksgiving Giveaways and Contests: Gratitude Giveaway: Run a giveaway for loyal listeners, featuring prizes that relate to your podcast’s niche or audience interests. This could be exclusive podcast merchandise, gift cards, or a chance to be a guest on your show. “Nominate a Friend” Contest: Encourage listeners to nominate someone they think deserves a reward, whether it’s a small cash prize, a gift card, or a custom podcast shoutout. This promotes community spirit and allows listeners to support each other. Share-the-Love Challenge: Set up a “pay it forward” challenge encouraging listeners to do something kind in their community. Have them share their acts of kindness on social media with a unique hashtag, and share some of the best on your show. 4. Host a Thanksgiving-Themed Livestream or Virtual Gathering: Virtual Thanksgiving Meetup: Host a live-streamed Thanksgiving hangout where you and your listeners can chat, share stories, and express gratitude. Invite special guests, answer listener questions, and make it an interactive event. Live Charity Stream: Set up a live charity stream where listeners can donate in real-time to a cause while enjoying a special Thanksgiving-themed podcast episode or Q&A. This is also a great chance to feature notable guests, making the event feel special. Host a “Friendsgiving” Roundtable: Bring together past guests or members of your podcast community for a Friendsgiving episode. Each guest can share something they’re grateful for in podcasting, creating an atmosphere of appreciation and warmth. 5. Community Projects and Volunteering: Organize a Local Volunteer Event: If your podcast has a strong local following, consider organizing a volunteer day where you and listeners can give back together, like a food drive, community cleanup, or charity event. Encourage Volunteering Through the Show: If in-person events aren’t feasible, encourage listeners to participate in virtual or local volunteering. Share volunteer opportunities in your area or online, and let listeners know about options to help their communities. Support Small Businesses or Creators: Dedicate a segment to highlight small businesses, indie creators, or charities. Encourage your audience to support them as a way to give back to the creative and business communities that support your podcasting journey. 6. Crowdsourced Content with a Purpose: Thanksgiving Gratitude Wall: Create a digital “wall of thanks” by asking listeners to submit what they’re grateful for this year. Feature these responses in an episode, on social media, or on your website. Listener-Created Gratitude Playlist or Blog: Compile favorite quotes, clips, or listener-written stories that express gratitude, creating a shared community resource. This could be in the form of a playlist of episodes or a blog post filled with positive messages. Celebrate Community Achievements: Dedicate a section of your podcast to recognizing listener achievements or milestones, such as businesses they started, challenges they’ve overcome, or personal goals reached. 7. Free Resources or Tools for Listeners: Exclusive Content as a Thank-You: Offer a free bonus episode, downloadable resource, or guide as a Thanksgiving “gift” for your audience. Tailor it to be useful or inspirational, such as a checklist, worksheet, or special behind-the-scenes content. Free Access to Paid Content: If you have premium content, consider giving listeners a free month or trial as a thank-you gift. This adds value for your dedicated listeners and shows your appreciation for their loyalty. “Give the Gift of Podcasting” Guide: Share tips, resources, or templates for listeners who want to start their own podcast. It’s a way to empower your audience, and aligns with a “pay it forward” mentality. These ideas not only give back to the community but also build a stronger, more connected audience who appreciates the thoughtfulness and care your podcast brings. Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show? Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.