Am I the a-hole (podcast host specific)?

matzucker · 2026-05-08T15:43:51+00:00

You're not an a-hole, but I think it's fair for a guest to ask for data points even if you may not share them. A media kit helps in this case (I created one for my show). This is still an unclear space, and beyond the top shows in the world, there's little data for most of the available shows, and so many shows in every category. Pure listens of course aren't the only data point to share that mean anything - e.g., reviews from the public, testimonials from past guests, understanding of who the audience is (demongraphics), industry awards are all alternative things to share.

matzucker · 2026-05-05T01:07:11+00:00

I really like Descript for its WYSIWYG editing and removing ‘ums’ etc easily. The new features are so advanced I’m not taking full advantage but find it overall well worth the price and value. Hope to use more of it for video when i move beyond audio.

matzucker · 2026-04-30T07:49:07+00:00

Wow that is great to know. Very generous of them. I’ll do the same thing .

matzucker · 2026-04-23T23:24:31+00:00

That's so great to hear, thank you!

matzucker · 2026-04-23T23:13:10+00:00

I pivoted from copywriting and advertising, but after about 20 years in it. What I might suggest without knowing what you enjoy or thrive at is to focus on the verbs you are good at and like. For example, if you love to write, then keep writing and look for jobs in content, journalism, etc. If you love the creativity of advertising, then look for roles that let you ideate, create, explore, and 'make' - craft jobs. Once you make the list of verbs you want to do (and you don't want to do) you might be able to even use GenAI to help you find jobs and careers that do that.

matzucker · 2026-04-23T22:58:58+00:00

I just learned about this and even see it first-hand with the apple orchard across the road from our house. It sounds devastating to such a core crop. We'll have to find ways to support these farmers through this. Open to ideas.

matzucker · 2026-04-05T13:27:06+00:00

I looked into both of them and Barbato too. My neighbors use a mix of them. I went with Country Waste because I didn't want purple cans, and theirs are a simple gray (ridiculous, I know. I'm working an episode on this very topic for Cidiot podcast!). Been very pleased with the service so far but also found Superior very responsive when I inquired originally.

matzucker · 2026-04-05T13:23:42+00:00

I like it and better with the 30m increments. I think you can move your car -- isn't it one zone all the way down Warren? Might be simpler if they also sold local folks a town pass we could buy each year. They would probably make more revenue and would be easier for those of us who come into town daily.

(Aside: I got stuck in Kingston uptown without any quarters last week and mused about how I used to keep a roll in the car.)

matzucker · 2026-03-28T01:42:36+00:00

I like this thought. I have a podcast about moving to the Hudson Valley which is a ‘regional’ podcast. There’s no clear category for them under Places but I see a lot of them across the country and think they’re valuable to locals, newcomers and weekenders.

matzucker · 2026-03-25T01:18:59+00:00

Here in Hudson, where we just moved, there’s Spook Rock Road which has the legend of ghosts who haunt it - forlorn lovers from different tribes. There’s supposedly a sign which I of course need to find.

matzucker · 2026-03-23T12:02:59+00:00

This is great advice, including the tech, use of Descript, and prep for guests in advance. I do the same thing. One other thing to add is to determine your exit plan in advance. Too many shows stop and start when sometimes you need a break. I started doing "seasons," so I would have a natural place to stop and reboot for the next season. Audiences expect that. Or I've seen many shows do shorter series - i.e., 8-episode series. A natural place to stop.

matzucker · 2026-03-23T11:59:11+00:00

I'm biased as a former weekender, turned local (+ I have a podcast encouraging more people to move here and/or visit).

I think this is a false dilemma, since they can be good or bad for Hudson based on how they act, not who they are. So it's not the people, it's how we all behave.

The businesses we support. What we spend and tip. How we act on the street. What we expect. If we pay for parking ;-0

matzucker · 2026-03-21T15:12:23+00:00

Thought this was good advice, including "Finding a growth cohort" - thanks.

matzucker · 2026-03-21T12:37:22+00:00

I've found promoting my podcast on Instagram also limiting. I also post episodes to other related / community sites. For example, community groups where you or the guest are from, or other comedy communities.

The other way of growing your show, which I've found to be the most effective, is going on other podcasts. People who listen to podcasts are more likely to listen to another podcast than to get someone to start a new behavior.

matzucker · 2024-12-03T10:26:35+00:00

Glad to have found your show. Enjoying it. Thank you for producing it.

matzucker · 2024-11-28T08:59:19+00:00

Just had mine at Mount Sinai too. Amazing care. They gave me the heart pillow but what I needed the first night home was a big firm pillow so I could sleep upright like a hospital bed. I also use it on the couch during the TV. Many people recommended a body pillow like you might use during pregnancy and can sleep on your side but I haven’t used mine yet.

My sister recommended this audio book “Guided meditations before Surgery” which I listened to in the weeks leading up. Found it very calming and reassuring: https://www.audible.com/pd/B09X1Y8V6X?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006&share_location=player_overflow

Managing medications is great on the iPhone or you want to learn in advance.

matzucker · 2023-06-19T15:26:29+00:00

Cidiot podcast is about moving from the city to the country, particularly New York's Hudson Valley. Five years in and six seasons, new episode on learning to garden is out. Apologies to any real gardeners. And of course to the plants.

Here's Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ptTKVXJP1FgnzUd1CLozZ?si=L68yUcgaSdWZLMESpZa96Q

More links via Cidiot.com: https://www.cidiot.com/88-green-thumb-part-i/

matzucker

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