School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast Stop Pushing Listeners Away: The Biggest Podcasting Pet Peeves (and How to Fix Them)
If listeners are quitting your podcast in the first five minutes, this episode is for you. In this annual ‘podcast pet peeves’ roundup, I asked my audience what makes them bail on a show— and they did not hold back.
Participants
You’ll hear from Kim Newlove (The Pharmacist’s Voice, Perrysburg Podcast), Steve Stewart (podcast editor extraordinaire), Todd ‘the Gator’ (Guardian Down Roundtable, Lessons in the Rear View), and York (Welcome to Earth Stories) as they unpack the habits that drive them nuts: from bad audio and buried leads to ad overload, lazy interview questions, sloppy terminology, and more.
You’ll walk away knowing exactly what turns listeners off - and how to fix it. I’ll also share my own take on ads, monetization, and why a little creativity can still set your show apart in 2026
The Most Popular Pet Peeves
- Too many/poorly placed ads (especially mid-roll and early heavy ad blocks)
- Not getting to the point / burying the lead / unclear episode direction
- Lack of preparation (hosts winging it, talking in circles, not prepping guests)
- Sloppy language and terminology (“podcast” vs “episode,” “podcasting” vs “podcasts,” RSS vs not)
- Wasting listener time with meta-chatter, overlong intros, and “Tell me about yourself” questions
I do this question every year, and as you might imagine, this list doesn't change much. This year seems like advertisements were the top peeve.
Is Everyone Going to use the "YouTube Annoying Your Audience to Death" strategy, and use tools like Supercast and Patreon, and offer an ad-free version?
Mentioned In This Episode
Podcasting Observations (Dave's Newsletter)
School of Podcasting Follow Page
Mentioned in this episode:
Get Some Feedback On Your Show
“Want honest, helpful feedback on your podcast? At the School of Podcasting, we host ‘Listening Parties’ where members share short clips and get constructive, encouraging critiques from fellow podcasters and myself. It’s a safe, supportive way to hear what’s working, fix what’s not, and make your show stronger fast.”
Question of the Month: The Future of Podcasting
Someone asked me, and I had to think about it. So now I'm asking you, How do you feel about the future of podcasting? Where do you think it's going? (etc,). Feel free to share your opinion and why. Don't forget to tell us about your show and where we can find it.
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