#1  S3E1 Is It Time to Redefine Podcasting?

Loading player...
Become a Podmaster™ – Season 3

Is It Time to Redefine Podcasting?

Welcome to the third season of Become a Podmaster™, the podcast that tackles the most pressing questions facing creators today. In this season opener, we dive deep into one deceptively simple question: What is a podcast, really?

Hosted by Hendrik and Ethan, this episode features insights from members of the South African Podcasters Guild and industry leaders from Solid Gold Podcasts and Audiobooks. Together, they unpack the history, evolution, and shifting definitions of podcasting—from its audio-only, RSS-based roots to today’s video-first, multi-platform landscape.

Is a YouTube talk show a podcast? What about a radio show repackaged for streaming? And how does the listener’s experience shape the answer? With humour, clarity, and expertise, Become a Podmaster explores how podcasts have grown from a niche medium to a powerful signal of independent content creation.

Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just getting started, this series offers practical advice, historical context, and future-facing insights to help you navigate an ever-evolving audio (and visual) world.

Powered by Baird Media and supported by the South African Podcasters Guild.
Chapters
  • 00:00 Cold Open: Digital media vs radio in podcasting
  • 00:43 Intro: Welcome to Season 3
  • 01:04 Today's Big Question: What is a podcast?
  • 01:54 Why Definitions Matter: Strategy, audience & monetization
  • 02:55 Let’s Start at the Beginning: The history of podcasting
  • 04:10 Personal Reflections: First iPods & early experiences
  • 05:09 The Podcast Boom: From Serial to Spotify
  • 06:24 AI and The Future: Editing, voices & automation
  • 06:59 Official Definitions: Dictionaries & RSS standards
  • 07:42 Industry Voices: Solid Gold's Shannon & Gavin on evolving definitions
  • 10:25 SAPG Perspectives: Paulo & Jonathan on audio-first vs YouTube
  • 13:09 Origins: Radio roots vs digital transformation
  • 14:51 Radio vs Podcast: Are recorded breakfast shows podcasts?
  • 16:52 SAPG Membership Promo
  • 17:35 Wrap-Up: Summary & new podcast definition
  • 19:37 Final Thoughts & Masterclass Invite
  • 20:12 Teaser: Next episode preview – the power of niche
Season 3 / Episode 1 7 Apr English South Africa How To · Technology

Other recent episodes

S3E8 The Power of Community: Solid Gold, the SAPG, and the Future of Podcasting

In this special bonus episode, Hendrik and Ethan shine a spotlight on the two driving forces behind this season: Solid Gold Podcasts and Audiobooks, and the South African Podcasters Guild (SAPG). From professional studios that go beyond just gear, to thriving communities that turn questions into breakthroughs, this episode explores…
Season 3 / Episode 8 19 min

S3E7 Making Social Media Work for Your Podcast

Social media isn’t just a promo tool - it’s where discovery happens. In this episode, Hendrik and Ethan explore how podcasters can use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn to grow a loyal audience. With real-world insights from creators like Yaz the Student, Russell Wasserfall, Bob Rock, Brett Fish…
Season 3 / Episode 7 26 min

S3E6 The Role of Storytelling in Building a Personal Brand

Become a Podmaster™ – S3E6 The Role of Storytelling in Building a Personal Brand In a sea of podcasts, what makes yours stand out? The answer might not be better equipment or more guests—it might be you. In this episode, Hendrik and Ethan unpack the power of personal branding for…
Season 3 / Episode 6 20 min

S3E5 How to Elevate Your Podcast Quality

Become a Podmaster™ – S3E5 How to Elevate Your Podcast Quality Is content really king if your audio sounds terrible? In this episode, Hendrik and Ethan tackle one of the most overlooked—but most essential—aspects of podcasting success: audio quality. Whether you're just starting out or have a few seasons under…
Season 3 / Episode 5 19 min

S3E4 Beyond Sponsorships – Monetizing Your Podcast in Creative Ways

Become a Podmaster™ – S3E4 Beyond Sponsorships: Monetizing Your Podcast in Creative Ways In this episode, Hendrik and Ethan explore the many ways podcasters can earn revenue without relying solely on sponsorships. While ads and brand partnerships dominate most conversations about podcast monetization, the reality is that they’re just one…
Season 3 / Episode 4 21 min