Have we over complicated podcasting? | Chat with PodCraft's Matthew McLean

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 (https://open.spotify.com/show/0fCS362ySi8DUKC3B8ksMx) , 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 convinced • Why changing the name ignores the strength of the term 'podcast' and its long and impressive history Video vs. Audio‑Only Content • Why video is valuable but not a dealbreaker for growth • The hidden complexity of adding full‑length video to your workflow (and why it’s okay to start audio‑only) • Why consistency trumps video for long‑term audience building Monetisation Challenges with Video • Why dynamic ad serving doesn’t work on major video platforms • How video‑first strategies can unintentionally block traditional podcast ad revenue streams • When baked‑in ads make sense and when they don’t Platform Control & Algorithm Shifts • How YouTube and Spotify are shaping video podcasting for their own monetisation goals • Why relying on a single platform’s algorithm is risky for podcasters Championing Audio‑First • Audio as an escape from screens and the pace of short‑form, addictive content • Why long‑form, relationship‑driven podcasting is still a competitive advantage Tools & Workflow Essentials • ChatGPT (https://chatgpt.com/) for content ideas (without losing your own voice) • Adobe Enhance (https://podcast.adobe.com/en/enhance) for audio cleanup • Canva (https://www.canva.com/) for quick visual creation • Why reliable gear you know well often beats the latest shiny tech The Growing Complexity of Podcasting • How the industry has changed from the “simpler days” • Balancing innovation with making podcasting accessible for new creators Hope you enjoy the conversion and make sure you... Check out: PodCraft (https://open.spotify.com/show/0fCS362ySi8DUKC3B8ksMx) & The Podcast Host (https://www.thepodcasthost.com/) Check out: The Indie Podcasters Survey (https://colingray663784.typeform.com/to/soRc44vR) EPISODE CREDITS: Hosts: Rachel Corbett (https://rachelcorbett.com.au/) & Matthew McLean (https://www.thepodcasthost.com/author/mmclean/#:~:text=Matthew%20is%20a%20writer%20and,somewhere%20along%20the%20way%2C%20too.) LINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF: Download my free podcasting guide (https://www.podschool.com.au/podcast-guide) Check out my online podcasting course, PodSchool (https://podschool.com.au/) Click here to submit a question to the show (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScWepoep0HgIN1Fm5AZa5qyJ1NC5FDS0OVXNotbbdytSsHM1g/viewform?usp=sf_link) Email me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.au Follow me: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/_rachelcorbett/) , Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/RachCorbett) , X (https://www.twitter.com/RachelCorbett) , LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/rachelcorbett1) , YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/UCgUsLDEldBkYVF3mimdLsIw) , TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@rachelcorbettpodschool) or check out my blog (https://rachelcorbett.com.au/blog/) or the PodSchool website (https://podschool.com.au/) . This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past and present.