Podschool | Learn How To Create A Professional Podcast With @rachelcorbett

This episode is a year in review for podcasters who feel like they have spent 2025 being told video is everything and AI will save them. I break down what actually mattered this year, where creators are feeling burned out and what you need to focus on in 2026 so your show is sustainable and worth listening to.What you’ll learn:Why video isn't a silver bullet for podcast growthHow to think about YouTube and Spotify video without impacting your audio growth or revenueSmart ways to use AI as an assistant, not a replacement for your voice and ideasWhy your audio feed and existing listeners are still the heart of your podcastWhy long term consistency will always beat short term spikes and how that should shape your plans for 2026EPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereApply to join my MastermindDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.a

Should you release all your podcast episodes at once or drip them out weekly?Binge-dropping feels efficient but it can seriously stunt your podcast audience growth. In this episode, I break down why releasing everything in one go almost always performs worse than a steady weekly rollout and the rare situations where a binge drop does make sense.What you’ll learn:Why binge releases kill your biggest growth engine: consistencyHow weekly drops boost discoverability, auto-downloads and listener trustWhy “Why now?” matters when promoting your showWhen it’s actually fine to release everything at onceThe question to ask yourself before choosing a release strategyEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodScho

Can paid ads grow your podcast audience? A year ago I would’ve said “no, don't bother.”But after seeing a few campaigns actually convert this year, I’ve changed my answer to… a little.In this episode, I break down why paid ads usually flop, when they can work, and the one thing you absolutely must track before spending a cent.What You’ll LearnWhy paid ads rarely convert for podcastersWhen they can work (and the 3 conditions that matter most)The biggest mistake people make with podcast adsHow targeting, creative and tracking make or break your resultsWhy you should never run ads until your podcast foundations are rock solidEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was record

If you’re used to traditional media like TV or radio, it’s easy to assume your podcast will only reach local listeners but that’s not how it works.In this episode, I share how podcasting instantly makes you a global creator, what limits (if any) exist when it comes to reach and why monetisation is usually still local even if your audience isn’t.What you’ll learn:Why your podcast is automatically international the moment you hit publishThe difference between radio/TV and podcast distributionHow Apple Podcasts and other storefronts curate their local contentWhy ad monetisation still tends to happen within your home marketThe mindset shift you need when you realise your audience can come from anywhereEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, F

When you’re recording a podcast you need to think about your audience as individual people, rather than a collective, if you want to connect with themIn this episode, I explain why this is one of the most powerful ways to build connection, sound more natural and keep people coming back for more.What you’ll learn:Why using collective language e.g. "You guys," "Ladies and Gentlemen" can disconnect you from your audienceThe words you need to use to make sure your audience feel you're speaking directly to themA simple trick to make solo recording feel more naturalHow to balance audience connection in solo vs. co-hosted showsEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool web

Reading a script, word-for-word on your podcast is the fastest way to disconnect from your audience. In this episode I share how to prepare for your record so you don't need a script, how to keep your delivery natural even if you've got notes and how to make sure you know where your going without having to write everything down, word-for-word.What you’ll learnWhy scripting your episodes isn't a good ideaThe simple notes system I use to make sure I'm prepared but not wedded to a scriptHow to make sure you're in the moment so you can record the best possible episodeEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal

Want to record high quality audio for your podcast but don't want to pay for a studio? No worries!You can easily record fantastic audio at home just by thinking about where you record.In this episode I explain how to set your recording space so you're recording the best podcast audio you can.What you’ll learnHow to reduce echo/reverb at home How to record in rooms that look good for video without ruining your audio.How to use AI tools to polish what you can't fix in the moment (and how to avoid the robotic sound).The golden rule: fix as much as you can at record time, then do as little as possible in post.EPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podc

Most podcasts don’t fail because the idea is bad. They fail because the someone was thinking more about their ego than their audience. Or because they didn't realise how important consistency was to podcast success. Or because they set unrealistic goals for a new podcast and lost the motivation to keep going. In this episode, I walk through the five mistakes I see new podcasters make all the time and how to fix them before they cost you your podcast.What you’ll learnHow to refine an idea that's 'too general' so new listeners instantly get itThe difference between making a show for your ego vs. your audienceThe publishing cadence that works best if you're trying to grow Why consistency matters more than anythingHow to set goals that will keep you motivated (and still help you grow)EPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to su

Trying to grow a podcast on social media can feel like yelling into the void.So which platform works? Where should you spend your time? And does anyone actually click through to listen?In this episode, I answer a listener question about how to choose the right platform to promote your podcast and what really matters when it comes to using social media to grow your audience.Spoiler: There is no magic platform. But there is a smarter way to approach it.What you’ll learnWhy the “best” platform doesn’t exist (and what to focus on instead)How to choose the right platform for you and your audienceWhat to consider if you’re starting from scratchWhy doing less on social media is often better than trying to be everywhereThe importance of using trackable linksHow platform features (like TikTok’s lack of clickable links) impact podcast growthWhy audience awareness often matters more than direct clicksWhere new platforms like Substack Notes might fit into your strategyWhy engagement trumps posting volume and how to make

Deciding whether to share the mic with someone or go solo is one of the biggest decisions you'll make as a podcaster.While co-hosted shows bring amazing chemistry and energy, they also come with added complications like scheduling, balancing workloads and (in the worst cases) legal headaches. In this episode, I break down when co-hosting is a good idea, when it’s not and how to avoid the biggest mistakes people make when launching a show with someone else.What you’ll learn:Why chemistry isn’t enough to make a co-hosted podcast workThe biggest red flag when choosing a co-hostHow to future-proof your podcast partnershipWhy fear shouldn’t be the reason you avoid going soloWhat to include in a co-host agreement (even if you’re mates)How to avoid resentment when splitting the workloadWhy solo shows are often simpler and more sustainableEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my on

If you're waiting to feel 100% confident before launching your podcast, you might be waiting forever. In this episode, I talk about why you should start your show even if you don't feel ready.Althought it's important to understand that not feeling ready isn't the same as not being prepared.If you've done the work to make sure your idea serves an audience and you've got enough content for your show to last, it's time to take the leap.What You’ll Learn:Why most podcasters don’t feel “ready,” even after years of experienceWhat you need to know before launching How to tell if your idea is strong enough to sustain a weekly showWhy momentum is more important than perfectionThe real reason your podcast might not grow (and how to fix it)Why waiting to feel confident could hold you back foreverEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to

If you want to stay consistent and sane when working on your podcast, you don’t have to do everything yourself.In this episode, I walk through the tasks you can outsource so you can focus on the stuff only you can do, like being behind the mic.What you'll learn:What you can (and can’t) outsourceHow to decide what to hand offWhy outsourcing doesn’t mean losing controlHow to work with freelancers so they sound like youEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past and present.

Should you ask for ratings and reviews on your podcast?If you’ve ever heard someone say “Leave a rating and review because it helps people find the show,” you’ve probably wondered… does it?In this episode, I’m breaking down the truth about ratings and reviews including what they do, what they don’t do and why they’re still worth asking for (just not for the reason you might think).Whether you’re chasing the charts or just hoping new listeners will stumble across your show, this episode will help you understand the real role reviews play in your podcast’s success and how to ask for them in a way that makes sense.What you’ll learn:Do ratings and reviews help your podcast get discovered?Why they don’t impact the charts anymore (even if they used to)The real reason they matter (spoiler: social proof)What to do if you get a bad oneEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online

Getting your podcast on a network can be a great way to monetise and potentially grow your show but only if there's a clear value exchange. In this episode, I walk through what podcast networks are looking for, how to pitch your show and what makes you stand out from the hundreds of other pitches landing in their inbox.What you'll learn:When your show might be ready for a networkThe key things networks look for in a pitchHow to articulate your value (beyond just download numbers)Why partnerships only work if both sides benefitEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my r

What do you do when your listeners say they want longer episodes but you’re already at capacity? In this episode, I’m giving you a giant permission slip to not do what your audience asks and why that’s often the best thing for them and you.What you’ll learn:Why listener feedback doesn’t always require actionHow to protect your time and energy as a podcasterWhat really matters when it comes to growing your audienceHow to add value without increasing your workloadWhen bonus episodes are better than longer onesEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to Elders p

Podcasting can take up a LOT of time but there are plenty of tools around that can take some of the most time consuming (and annoying) tasks off your plate.In this episode, I walk through the AI tools that can help you speed up your podcasting workflow without compromising the quality of your show output. From planning and transcripts to promotion and post-production, AI can take care o the grunt work so you can focus on the parts that need you.What You’ll Learn:How AI can help you come up with episode ideasThe best ways to use AI-generated transcripts to reduce workloadThe role AI can play in social content and video clipsWhy it’s still important to rely on your ear (and not just the tech) when you're using AI to fix audioPlatforms and tools mentioned:ChatGPT – for scripting, show notes, and content repurposingClaude – for content planning and AI writingAdobe Enhance – for cleaning up poor quality audioAuphonic – for levelling and audio polishOpus Clip – for auto-generating video clipsDescript – for editing

If you’re new to podcasting it's hard to know what 'good' audio sounds like. But understanding this is essential if you want your podcast episodes to sound their bestThe challenge? It's not necessarily something you'll recognise straight away because you have to train your ear.In this episode, I share how to build that skill, from essential listening habits to editing techniques that will make your show sound seamless.Whether you’re editing your own episodes or just want to recognise quality when you hear it, these tips will help you spot (and fix) audio issues before they cost you listeners.What you’ll learn:How to train your ear through active listeningWhy listening to a wide range of quality podcasts accelerates your skillsHow to notice the details you like (and dislike) so you can apply them to your own showWhat makes a bad edit and how to avoid itHow to spot “obvious” edits and why they break immersionWhy over‑editing is as bad as under-editingThe importance of listening to audio around the spot where y

Your podcast intro is some of the most valuable real estate in your show. So why are so many podcasters wasting it?In this episode, I share why your audience doesn’t need warming up, how long-winded intros drive people away and what to do instead so your listeners stick around until the end.What you’ll learn:Why your podcast intro matters more than you thinkHow to avoid boring or losing listeners earlyWhat to include (and cut) in your show introHow to balance the needs of new and returning listenersThe one editing mistake that will cost you audienceEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Download my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to

So many new podcasters are fearful of starting their show because they don't think they sound good or professional enough.But podcasting isn’t about perfection, it’s about authenticity and connection. In this episode, I share why your voice is absolutely good enough and how to get past the insecurity so you can hit record with confidence.What you’ll learn:Why your voice sounds different in recordings to what you're used to (and why that’s normal)Why “sounding professional” isn't the goalHow to stop your voice from holding you backWhy confidence grows the more you recordEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Download my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation

Podcasting has never been a simple “hit record” and you’re done kind of game but the introduction of video has definitely added a new layer of complexity. The trick is remembering why you’re doing it and who you’re creating for, even when the industry is noisy with trends, hype, and “must‑do” advice.I recently sat down with Matthew McLean, co‑host of Podcraft, to unpack the state of podcasting right now. From the ongoing debate about whether we should even be calling it “podcasting” anymore, to how video, monetisation and platform politics are reshaping the space.We also dive into practical tools and tactics that are helping creators right now, and share why we both think podcasting still has a powerful future if you focus on the fundamentals.What we cover in this conversation:Is the term 'podcast' dead?Why some industry voices are pushing for a rebrand and why many creators (us included) aren’t convincedWhy changing the name ignores the strength of the term 'podcast' and its long and impressive history Vide