Podcasting in 2025: What actually mattered (and what matters next year)

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 growth • How to think about YouTube and Spotify video without impacting your audio growth or revenue • Smart ways to use AI as an assistant, not a replacement for your voice and ideas • Why your audio feed and existing listeners are still the heart of your podcast • Why long term consistency will always beat short term spikes and how that should shape your plans for 2026 EPISODE CREDITS: Host: Rachel Corbett LINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF: Find out how to work with me here (https://www.podschool.com.au/work-with-me) Apply to join my Mastermind (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeY1VaivjecegygUrdjyPEY5-ZWQXMhadjpY7VEZA3oiGVrXQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=115066795641982516759) 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.