Are you dreading your podcast? Are you not happy with the results you're getting. Today we ask some questions to help you get your ducks in a row. We help you see if the goals for your podcast are aligned with the content that you readers want to hear. We also look to see if the goal of your podcast is in alignment with your life. This is episode 411 and I deeply apprecaite you taking the time to listen. I would love to hear from you. You can reach me at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/contact Cedric the Entertainer Launches a Podcast "Whole Damn World" Cedric the entertainer has launched his own podcast to talk about "this crazy world." He is a farily well known name (he's appeared in movies, does stand up, and recently hosted "Who wants to be a millionaire."). Updates On Last Week's Show About Podcast Media Hosting (4:00) I email soundcloud.com as I could no longer find the direct link to the mp3 file to put on my website. Their response was dig it out of the RSS feed and sent me a link to my RSS feed, and a screenshot of where the file was. This is not convenient, and furthers my thoughts that this is just not ready for prime time. They have been in beta for THREE YEARS. Also I said that a media host should NOT mess with my file. What I upload is what I want to download. If a visitor uses the download link they get your file (great). However, the file that is included in the RSS feed has it's name changed to a rather lengthy name. I was testing this on my Jillian Michaels Fan cast and the original file was titled, "jmp43_052914.mp3 "  and the file available for download is "152162769-podcastcoach-podcast-review-show-ask-the.mp3" which to me is messing with my brand. Mike Phillips of Computer2know.com let me know that if you Google the address to podbean it comes up as a virtual office. Lawyers often will use these to look more official than they might be at the time. I'm not saying that this is what podbean.com is doing, but I do find it odd. If you missed it, you can check out last week's episode. How Do I Update My Wordpress Theme? [7:08] Justin from braverbytheday.com is using Opimizepress and is thinking of leaving this file and wants to know how to move to a new theme. In some cases you can simply switch themes in the wordpress dashboard. A wordpress theme is like, "Clothes" for your website. The content is the same, but the look is different. One way to test things before publishing them is to use software like WPSimulator (affiliate link) that allows you to run Wordpress on your PC computer. Once you get it finished, you can upload it to the web. Another (cheaper) alternative is to buy a domain name, and create what others call a "Staging" site. Then once it's done here, you simply move it to the "real" site. In some cases you web host will allow you to have more than one domain under the same account. Live Training Classes - Podcast Equipment and Podcast Reviews[11:25] The next live class in the "how to podcast" line is How to choose the right podcast equipment. It is going to be Saturday June 7th at Noon EST (if you can't make that time you can get the recording). For more information go to www.howtopodcast.com Erik K Johnson and I do a Podcast Review Show, and we are looking to stockpile a bunch of reviews so we are offering 50% off with the coupon sop50 when you go to www.podcastreviewshow.com/reviewme Backblaze Saved My Podcast[14:26] As a computer instructor I know how to manage the files. I'm here to tell you I had a folder just disappear. It was weird. I didn't accidnetally drag it into another folder. I didn't accidentally delete it (it was not in the trash can). Luckily I use backblaze.com and I was able to go get all the files (transition music, artwork) for my podcast and restore the files. It was very weird, but by far the best $5 a month I will ever spend. I know Scott Johnson of computertutorflorida.com (a future guest) uses MyPCBackup Connect with Other Podcasters UK Podcasters August 6th Saturday, August 16, 2014 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM (BST) Birmingham, United Kingdom Tickets are £12.00 Podcast Movement August 16-17 in Dallas Texas (I'll be speaking at this one). Tickets: $129 Is Your Podcast Out of Alignment? [19:04] Why Do You Want to Get Into Podcasting? To Reach a Global Audience To promote your product or service To Network with like minded people To be seen as an expert To Educate To Inspire To Entertain To make money What Do You Want To Talk about? This should be something you want to talk about all the time, you think about all the time. Who Do you want to listen? The more detailed a picture you have, the better your content will. What do I hear about the why? People were missing something, I wanted to add to the conversation I had a background in radio. –This is why you are capable, but not why you should start. This is why if you start, you’ll be slightly ahead of the game. A person has experience as a public speaker. They decide to “nice down” and do a podcast an interview small business owners. They want companies that are between 1 and 20 employees, and do less than 1 million a year. They want to hear about the trials that the small business person went through to build their business. They might even focus on business local to their area. What does your content do for your audience? How does it make them feel? What do you want people to do with your content? What does your content do for your audience? Do You Have the Time to Do it RIGHT? Plan on spending four minutes for every minute of podcast. That’s to create the show. How much time is left in your life to promote the show you just created? Does this mean you don't podcast? NO! It means you make shorter episodes (or publish less frequently). What – Your topic, your passion, Who – Your audience. What do they want to hear? What do you want them to DO with your content? Why – Position the topics that your audience wants to hear so that they are aligned with your goals. How – Does the format (interviews?), length, and publishing schedule align with your life and goals for the podcast. Is your Podcast In Alignment? I would love to hear your thoughts on the matter? If not, what needs tweaked? Let me know here Join the School of Podcasting