PodCraft | How to Podcast & Craft a Fantastic Show

Podcraft is your weekly, no-nonsense guide to honing the art of podcasting, hosted by veteran creators Colin and Matthew. With over 30 years of combined experience, they cover everything from choosing the right mic to growing your audience and making money from your show. Some episodes dive deep into one topic, like titling episodes or using live events to build your brand, while others feature real-life case studies from podcasters who've been there and done it. Whether you're just starting out or levelling up an existing show, Podcraft gives you the practical advice and honest insights you need to make it work.

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Latest episodes

03 October 2025

The "Voice Note From a Friend" Format: A 15-Minute Podcast Workflow

Do you think launching a podcast means buying lights, cameras, and spending hours editing? In this episode, Becky Pierson Davidson (Build With Becky) shows why none of that is necessary. Her short, audio-only episodes feel like voice notes from a smart friend, each one sharing a single tip to help community-driven businesses thrive.

Becky explains how she keeps her process simple and sustainable, from idea to published episode in under 15 minutes. She shares why this straightforward style resonates with her audience, how it has led to new clients, and the role of storytelling, newsletters, and small conversations in building community.

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26 September 2025

Turning Listeners Into Buyers, Algorithms in Podcasting, and the Benefits of Walking Meetings

Have you ever wondered how to turn loyal listeners into paying customers without feeling like you’re forcing the sale? In this episode, we explore practical ways to make that leap, from using dynamic ads wisely to weaving your own products and services naturally into your content. It’s all about adding value first and showing how what you offer can genuinely help.

We also chat about some of the bigger questions shaping podcasting right now. Should algorithms play a bigger role in helping people discover new shows, or do they risk limiting variety? Should you add a picture of yourself to your podcast cover art? And on a lighter note, we share how swapping a standard planning meeting for a walk outdoors has boosted our energy, creativity and focus.

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18 September 2025

How to Refine Your Podcast Identity: From Vision to Discoverability

What makes a podcast truly discoverable, and how do you uncover the “throughline” that keeps listeners coming back?

In this episode, we're joined by Ben Hickman, host of the Reflective Rebels Podcast. Ben shares his vision for capturing extraordinary stories from ordinary people, and the challenges he’s facing around podcast identity, discoverability, and staying true to his mission.

Together, they explore:

Why a clear throughline is vital for long-term growth
How to refine your avatar so your show speaks directly to your ideal listener
The power of episode titles, format tweaks, and reflective content between interviews
Practical branding and website tips to make your podcast more findable
Balancing passion projects with sustainable momentum

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11 September 2025

Should Hyperlocal Podcasts Target International Audiences?

Can a podcast rooted in one city or neighbourhood really matter to listeners halfway across the world? Or should hyperlocal shows focus purely on the people right on their doorstep?

In this episode, we are joined by Cody from the Community Build Up podcast. Together, we dig into the tension between going deep on local stories and widening the lens to reach a bigger audience. You’ll hear how podcasters are using place-based content to grow loyal followings, why a global reach isn’t always the right goal, and how you can decide what works best for your own show. If you’ve ever wondered whether to keep things close to home or aim for international ears, this one’s for you.

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04 September 2025

Can You Grow a Podcast on a Monthly Release Schedule?

What does it take to keep a podcast sustainable while still growing your audience? In this live coaching episode of Podcraft, Colin and Matthew sit down with Ellie and Will, hosts of Lively Minds: The UK Mental Health Podcast.

Together, they explore the origins of the show, the challenge of carving out a unique voice in a crowded mental health space, and why clarity around their mission matters so much. Ellie and Will share how their project grew out of conversations during lockdown and why they wanted to go beyond surface-level wellbeing advice to have deeper, more nuanced discussions around mental health.

The conversation also digs into practical strategy, from balancing consistency with sustainability to experimenting with shorter co-hosted or solo episodes. Colin and Matthew share ideas for authentic audience growth without social media overwhelm, creative approaches to collaboration, and sustainable ways to explore monetisation through community support or aligned partnerships.

Packed with encouragement and practical insights, this session shines a light on what it really takes to sustain a meaningful podcast for the long term.

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28 August 2025

Turning Your Podcast Audience into Paying Members

How do you turn your podcast audience into paying members? In this episode, Colin talks with Mike Morrison from Membership Geeks about the strategies podcasters can use to build successful memberships.

You’ll learn how to choose the right model for your show, whether that’s creating outcomes, fostering mastery, building connection, or offering resources. Mike shares real examples of podcasters who have grown six-figure memberships, explains why content alone is no longer enough, and reveals how to keep members engaged for the long term.

If you're in or near the UK, be sure to check out Retain Live 2025, which is taking place in Newcastle on the 23rd and 24th of September!

And if you want one resource to help you start up a membership, try The Membership Roadmap. This is Mike's full guide to planning and launching a successful membership.

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