With the number of companies laying people off and major networks reporting 7 figure losses everything may not be as well as it seems in the podcasting space. Todd and Rob engage in a lively and wide-ranging discussion about various aspects of the podcasting industry. The conversation discusses industry trends, starting with recent layoffs at Spotify. Rob suggests that the podcasting industry is undergoing a “reset,” similar to what happened around 2008-2009. They delve into the implications of these layoffs, discussing how it leads to a redistribution of talent across the industry, potentially leading to new opportunities. Todd and Rob also discuss the financial aspects of podcasting platforms, emphasizing the challenge of sustaining a free service model. They specifically mention Spotify’s financial struggles and the potential repercussions for podcasters hosted on the platform. Rob highlights the importance of audio quality in podcast production. The conversation moves to broader industry changes, including the shift away from guaranteed deals with talent, the importance of content quality over celebrity deals, and the evolving nature of podcast advertising. They mention the significance of the IAB (Interactive Advertising Bureau) standards for podcast metrics and how adherence to these standards impacts the industry. Rob and Todd also touch upon the role of AI in podcasting, predicting its increasing influence in the future, particularly in enhancing audio quality and simplifying production processes. They acknowledge the potential of AI in automating certain aspects of production, but also recognize the unique challenges and nuances in audio processing that might limit its application. Overall, the podcast episode offers valuable insights into the current state and future trends of the podcasting industry, highlighting both challenges and opportunities for podcasters and platforms alike. Get a Sticker: Send us your show sticker, and we will send you a New Media Show Sticker. Get on our sticker board for the show. New Media Productions 365 N Willowbrook Rd Suite: C Coldwater, Mi, 49036