Making a Pro Level Live or Recorded Show – New Media Show #644

In the December 10th, 2025 Live episode of The New Media Show, host Rob Greenlee welcomes Mike Dell, VP at Blubrry Podcasting, as guest co-host for a grounded, practical conversation about what keeps a podcast growing long after the initial excitement fades. The episode opens with a sincere reflection on Todd’s passing and the lasting impact he had on the community, along with the intention to honor his legacy in the months ahead.

From there, Rob and Mike move into the core topic: why many podcasts and live shows start strong, then stall. They unpack how a lack of clarity and consistency often shows up as drifting topics, uneven pacing, and episodes that feel improvised in a way that does not serve the listener. Their argument is simple: sustainable shows are built, not stumbled into. Structure does not mean sounding scripted or robotic. It means defining a format your audience can recognize, returning to it reliably, and creating a repeatable experience that keeps people coming back.

They also talk about how modern media habits are reshaping expectations. With short form video and endless scroll everywhere, audiences decide quickly whether to stay. Rob and Mike stress the importance of a strong opening, clear positioning, and content that delivers on what the title promises. They discuss video as part of the current landscape, but keep the focus on fundamentals like audio quality, intentional production choices, and making platform decisions that do not compromise the listener experience.

Mike pulls in lessons from his own shows, including what he has learned from hyperlocal and niche content, and how community relevance can drive engagement in ways that surprise creators. The conversation highlights practical ways to increase interaction, including live chat, polls, and Q and A segments, not as gimmicks, but as tools to build a real sense of participation and belonging. They also touch on workflow improvements, handling technical issues gracefully, simplifying video production, and using on screen titles and lower thirds so viewers can easily follow along.

By the end, the episode becomes a clear playbook for leveling up: know what your show is trying to achieve, design a format that supports that goal, respect attention early, keep the quality bar consistent, and build community in a way that invites people in instead of pushing them away.

Rob Greenlee

Rob Greenlee Website

https://RobGreenlee.com

New Media Show for Audio and Video RSS feeds

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Adore Podcast Network

https://AdoreNetwork.com

Adore Creator Community on Skool

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Podcast Hall of Fame

https://PodcastHall.com

https://YouTube.com/@OfficialPodcastHallofFame

The Pro Creator Playbook with Rob Greenlee

Audio podcast

https://www.adorenetwork.com/show/pro-creator-playbook-audio/

Video show

https://www.adorenetwork.com/show/pro-creator-playbook-video/

Spoken Life Show

https://www.adorenetwork.com/show/spoken-life-show/

Spoken Human show on YouTube

https://YouTube.com/@spokenhuman

Rob Greenlee YouTube channel

https://YouTube.com/@RobGreenlee

Mike Dell

Blubrry Podcasting

https://blubrry.com

https://MikeDell.com

Audio Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:00 Reflecting on Podcasting Changes

01:25 The Importance of Podcast Structure

03:19 Balancing Planning and Spontaneity

04:58 Engaging the Audience

08:08 Navigating Algorithms and Goals

18:54 Hyperlocal and Niche Podcasting

34:26 Live Shows and Audience Interaction

42:34 Improving Podcasting Skills

43:03 Maintaining Authenticity in Production

43:32 Handling Technical Glitches

44:33 Simplifying Video Production

44:46 Using Streaming Platforms Effectively

48:52 Importance of Lower Thirds and Titles

50:12 Editing and Post-Production Tips

56:59 Building a Community

01:01:02 Engaging with Your Audience

01:07:51 Q&A Session

01:12:46 Final Thoughts and Announcements

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