Being open to receiving feedback is crucial for growth, especially as we head into 2025. If podcasters are unwilling to listen to their audience, they risk repeating the same mistakes and achieving the same results. This episode delves into the importance of having a receptive mindset regarding advice and input from listeners. Today, I share anecdotes and examples, including the cautionary tale of Elizabeth Holmes and the pitfalls of ignoring expert advice. He emphasizes that understanding your audience is the foundation for creating compelling content and encourages podcasters to seek feedback to enhance their shows actively.

Takeaways:

• Being open to audience feedback is essential for podcasters to improve their content.
• If you ignore audience advice, you risk repeating the same mistakes year after year.
• Feedback is critical to podcasting success; embrace it to grow your show.
• Creating an audience survey can provide valuable insights into what your listeners want.
• Understanding your audience's needs can lead to more engaging and resonant content.
• Ignoring expert advice, as seen in the case of Theranos, can lead to failure.
• With a CLEAR understanding of your WHY and your audience, you can decide which advice to accept and which to dismiss.

Links referenced in this episode:

• schoolofpodcasting.com
• schoolofpodcasting.com/survey
• jordanharbinger.com (on taking advice)
• thepharmacistvoice.com (Kim Newlove's show)
• perrysburgpodcast.com (Kim Newlove's show)
• podpage.com
• schoolofpodcasting.com/960 (on media hosting)
• schoolofpodcasting.com/961 (full show notes)
• Welcome to Earth Stories
• Apple's Dashboard podcastsconnect.apple.com
• Spotify's Dashboard podcasters.spotify.com

Mentioned in this episode:

2025 Audience Survey

Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes Content

In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community

Podcasting Observations

Do You Need a Podcast Coach

Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, and many others have had COACHES to help them with an outside view to help them shape their content. I will start my 20th year in podcasting and would love to help you follow the best practices of podcasting, and avoid the common mistakes and avoid those steps that lead to burnout.

School of Podcasting

I Want Your Opinion

I am doing an audience survey and I want your input to help me make this show exactly what you want. If you have a few minutes, I have a quick survey at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/survey25

2025 Audience Survey

Question of the Month Jne 2025

We hear how great Spotify is, but is it? Let's find out. Go into your media host and see what percentage of your total downloads came from Spotify. We don't need the number of downloads, just the percentage. I need your answer by 6/27/25. Don't forget to tell us a little bit about your show, and your website address.

Question of the Month

Live Appearances

I'd love to meet you in person, I'm currently coming to July 12th, 20025 Higher Ed Podcon, Chicago, Ill AUGUST 18-21, 2025 Podcast Movement, Dallas, TX. September 26-28, 2005, Empowered Podcasting Conference, Uptown Charlotte, NC For more information and links, click the link below. If you'd like for me to speak at an in-person or online event, go to schoolofpodcasting.com/contact

Where Will I Be?